The Hunt For Red October: The quest to find the most vivid fall foliage this season
Article and photographs by Robb Helfrick
October has arrived, bringing the annual quest for the most vibrant reds, fiery oranges, and bright yellows of fall foliage that decorate yards and forests during this celebrated season.
Why do leaves change color? In fact, they don’t really change. During autumn, deciduous trees stop producing chlorophyll to prepare for winter dormancy. Once this process concludes, the dominant green chlorophyll color fades, 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 the first month of fall.
When will the peak color occur? The typical local timeframe is the last third of October along the Mason-Dixon Line. When warmer-than-normal daytime temperatures prevail, peak leaf color can be delayed to late October or early November. Area weather, both the recent past and the near future, will determine this year’s timing.
Other leaf-change factors include elevation (the higher the location, the earlier peak colors will occur) and the tree species prevalent in a particular location. Maple trees are the most colorful species in backyards and parks, while various oak trees are less consistent in their annual autumn coloration.
How vivid will the color be this year? Predicting fall brilliance for a single location in a particular year is an inexact science. Too wet a spring, or too dry a summer, can make fall color look drab. But sunny October days and clear, cool nights are thought to increase the chances for spectacular leaf showings. To learn more, online color-coded maps chart changing leaves based on these weather, terrain, and species factors.
In Southern Pennsylvania and Western Maryland, dogwoods are already turning red. Other tree species have begun a slight changeover, but the local landscape will offer much more color ahead. Peak conditions will arrive soon, so now is the time to plan a strategy.
To maximize the fall leaf experience, consider these options in the Waynesboro area. The first tactic is a simple armchair approach: let autumn color come to you. Close to home, a glance out the window, or a walk in the yard, especially with a South Mountain viewpoint, will offer visual hints.
One idea for a leaf walk is visiting Waynesboro’s two newly designated arboretums in the town’s southern section. Green Hill Cemetery has mature trees dating back many decades, while Rotary Park planted its collection in recent years. Both arboretums are located off South Potomac Street and are close enough to combine into a single stroll. These ‘tree museums’ are local treasures with tagged species for easy identification.
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 and creekside views. In Washington County, the C&O Canal towpath is a flat, tree-covered path along the scenic Potomac River that meanders for many miles. Hagerstown’s City Park offers lake reflections and plenty of waterfowl.
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 to Garrett County and Deep Creek Lake.
If you miss the timing for your local peak spots, natural areas further south in Virginia will display color well into November. Exploring low-lying areas (such as the Chesapeake Bay region) or traveling to urban environments with slightly warmer climates (Washington’s Rock Creek Park or Baltimore’s Cylburn Arboretum) are good alternatives to extend the season.
Where is the best place to see a variety of changing autumn color? Go where many tree species grow. State Forests such as Michaux in Pennsylvania (near Old Forge State Park) and Garrett State Forest in western Maryland are native forestlands worth exploring.
Both PA and MD have excellent park systems that host camping, hiking, and picnicking options. Pennsylvania’s Caledonia State Park and Maryland’s Cunningham Falls, Greenbriar State Parks, and Catoctin National Park are all scenic refuges.
Another popular leaf-peeping method is driving on backroads. Explore quaint country byways dotted with roadside barns and rustic stone bridges throughout the Cumberland Valley. Narrow farm lanes near Ringgold are quiet places to cruise, only a few miles away. Unpaved Forest Service roads around Mont Alto and South Mountain are typically hard-packed and easy to navigate with a traditional vehicle.
The sun provides optimum lighting conditions near sunrise and sunset by spotlighting or backlighting leaves, giving them a lustrous glow. When leaf-spotting near water, look for autumn reflections. For hikers and backpackers, the Appalachian Trail is a local treasure with multiple entry points that lead to panoramic mountain vistas.
Many county and state organizations promote various events on their websites and also provide updates on fall color. Pick a destination and explore various options. These sites are often designed to entice travelers, so take promises of 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. Wet leaves exhibit rich color saturation. As the leaf season winds down, don’t delay an excursion, since a single storm with high winds or heavy rain can quickly knock remaining leaves off the trees.
The best strategy for enjoying fall foliage is simple: get outside and explore. Whether you enjoy autumn in your backyard or a remote mountain trail, each leaf season brings an explosion of color. This pleasure is fleeting but wondrous. The hunt for red October is an annual delight for nature lovers who savor fall’s annual color-fest.
