BETHLEHEM, Pa. — The Lehigh Valley’s fall foliage is expected to be at peak color this week, state officials said Thursday.
“Foresters in William Penn State Forest said all counties in southeastern [Pennsylvania] are full of beautiful fall color, with peak conditions prevailing,” according to the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.
“Red maple is in full red, with beautiful shades of yellow on hickories.”
Five weeks into Pennsylvania’s fall foliage season, both Lehigh and Northampton counties are predicted to be at peak color through at least Thursday, according to DCNR forecasters, who post weekly forecasts throughout the season.
And the Valley isn’t alone — the majority of the state also is in peak color, while nearly 30 counties are categorized as “still nice, but declining,” and three counties in the northeastern part of the state are labeled as “season over.”
Later than last year
Pennsylvania’s foliage season generally runs six weeks, from late September to early November, as green summer leaves change to brilliant reds, oranges and golds across the state.
The Valley in early September saw a premature leaf drop, most likely due to dry conditions leading up to the fall season.
At the time, forecasters said the Valley’s cool temperatures, coupled with a lack of precipitation, could cause an earlier and shorter fall foliage season.
However, the season hasn’t quite shaken out as expected.
In lieu of an earlier start, the Valley has reached peak a week later than last year, when fall colors were brightest and most widespread closer to mid-October.
Still, this year’s foliage is falling in line with historical trends, peaking in mid-to-late October.
It remains to be seen how long the region will stay in peak. Last year, the Valley was forecasted to see the vibrant colors for two weeks.
“Fall color can be observed everywhere in the district, but for a special viewing opportunity, the fall foliage tour in Boyertown on the Colebrookdale Railroad is recommended."Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
“Fall color can be observed everywhere in the district, but for a special viewing opportunity, the fall foliage tour in Boyertown on the Colebrookdale Railroad is recommended,” officials said.
DCNR officials this year redesigned the weekly fall foliage reports, including a different map key.
The “approaching best color” and “best color” categories now are “approaching peak color” and “peak color.” And, instead of “starting to fade” and “past peak,” the new forecasts have categories such as “still nice, but declining” and “season over.”
Looking for the best leaf-peeping spots in the Valley? In 2023, we collected reader suggestions to create a fall foliage tour.
