The Hunt For Red October
Article and Photographs by Robb Helfrick
Autumn has arrived, and in October, the annual hunt begins for the most vibrant reds, fiery oranges, and bright yellow hues of changing tree leaves.
Every year, leaf-peepers ponder the yearly why-when-what-where questions about the best ways to view the fall color spectacle. The first answer in that four-part W-series is the easiest; it’s based on scientific facts. The when-what-where questions are more elusive and ultimately influenced by intangible meteorological/topographical conditions and species varieties.
Why do leaves change color? In fact, they don’t really change. Around this time of year, deciduous trees cease chlorophyll production in preparation for winter dormancy. When this process concludes, the dominant green chlorophyll hue fades away, revealing a tree species’ latent pigment. Unlike Halloween, when humans mask up to hide their identities, trees do the opposite; they unmask their true colors during fall.
When will the peak color occur? The usual period is the last third of October around the Mason-Dixon line, but that is at best a guess. Often, when warmer-than-normal daytime temperatures prevail, it will push peak leaf season toward October’s end and into November. Local weather, both the recent past and the near future, will determine this year’s timing.
Other leaf-change factors are elevation (the higher the location, the earlier peak colors will occur), and the types of tree species prevalent in a particular area. Maple trees are considered the apex color species for backyards and parks, while various species of forest oaks are less consistent with their autumn coloration. Many color-coded maps are available online that chart the changing leaves based on these weather, terrain, and species factors.
How vivid will the color be this year? Predicting fall brilliance for a single location in any particular year is an inexact science. Too wet a spring, or too dry a summer, can make fall leaves appear drab. But sunny October days and clear, cool nights are thought to increase the chances for spectacular leaf showings.
Already in Southern Pennsylvania and Western Maryland, dogwoods have turned red, and other individual trees have initiated their dazzling display, but the local landscape still has colorful surprises in store. Peak color will arrive soon, so now is the time to plan a strategy.
To maximize the fall leaf experience, many options exist in the Waynesboro area. The first tactic is a simple armchair approach: let autumn color come to you. If plans don’t involve traveling far from home, a quick look out the window, especially with a view toward South Mountain, will provide visual clues.
When the time is right, a spontaneous stroll through a local park or on a trail will work fine. In Franklin County, Renfrew Park is a premier place for an autumn walk. The newly opened Buttonwood Nature Center is also an excellent park with lovely vistas.
In Washington County, the C&O Canal towpath offers a flat path along the scenic Potomac River. City Park in Hagerstown offers lake reflections and aquatic wildlife sightings.
For those with more time and a yearning to explore further, a few hours’ drive will greatly expand leaf-viewing options. This strategy can also stretch the peak period from several days to a few weeks. If you’re anxious to see fall color sooner, the best advice in Pennsylvania is to travel north. In Maryland, go west.
If you procrastinate and miss out on your local peak spots, there are natural locations further south in West Virginia and Virginia that will have color well into November. Travel to lower-lying areas (the Chesapeake Bay region) or visiting urban environments with slightly warmer climates (Washington’s Rock Creek Park or Baltimore’s Cylburn Arboretum) is also a sound plan toward season’s end.
Where is the best place to see a profusion of changing autumn leaves? A reliable suggestion would be an obvious one- go where a multitude of tree species grow. State Forests such as Michaux in Pennsylvania (home to Old Forge State Park) and Garrett State Forest in western Maryland are scenic places to explore.
Both states also have excellent park systems that offer camping, boating, and picnicking options. Pennsylvania’s Caledonia State Park in Fayetteville and Maryland’s Cunningham Falls and Greenbriar State Parks, as well as nearby Catoctin National Park, are well-known scenic choices.
Another popular choice is exploring backcountry roads. A grove or even a single autumn tree can make a scene memorable. The Cumberland Valley is crisscrossed by quaint country byways with nostalgic barns and rustic stone bridges. The farm lanes near Ringgold are wonderful places to explore. Unpaved Forest Service roads around Mont Alto and South Mountain are normally in a hard-packed condition and safe to navigate.
Keep in mind that nature provides more favorable daily lighting conditions near sunrise and sunset by spotlighting or backlighting leaves to give them a lustrous glow. If you’re near water, look for autumn reflections. For hikers or backpackers, the Appalachian Trail is a local treasure with mountain overlooks that provide panoramic vistas.
Many local and county organizations have websites that promote their events and also provide updates on fall color. Pick a destination and explore options. These sites are designed to entice travelers, so take any promises for guaranteed fall leaf splendor with a grain of salt.
While sunny October days offer pleasant road trip conditions, venturing out after a rain shower also has advantages as wet leaves display increased color saturation. Also, at season’s end, don’t delay a leaf excursion since a single storm packing high winds or heavy rain can quickly knock remaining leaves to the ground.
Above all, get outside and seize the moment to enjoy the fall leaf experience. Whether you enjoy autumn in your backyard or a remote mountain trail, each October is like an individual leaf; fleeting in its color, mysterious in its yearly cycle, and a unique delight for anyone who appreciates nature’s annual color-fest.
