Fall Foliage Report for Maryland Oct. 9 – Unpredictable Conditions

Fall Foliage Report for Maryland Oct. 9 – Unpredictable Conditions

Red maple at Anne Arundel Community College. Photo by Gabriel Diggs

This fall, the trees are challenging our “just changing-to-midpoint-to-peak” foliage scale.

In Garrett County, foresters report that about a quarter of trees are now bare, and those that still have leaves are everything from green to burgundy and gold.

Continued change along the Catoctin Mountain range has revealed some color but mostly leaf drop as dry conditions remain. Hickories and yellow-poplar are continuing to show signs of yellowing. Many of the yellow-poplars have dropped leaves without change, due to drought stress. The blackgum have mostly dropped their leaves at this point.

Leaves are just starting to change on the Eastern Shore. Tree fruits like persimmons and pomegranates are ripening.

Given the year’s unusual foliage showing, there is no time like the present to get out and peep the leaves.

Field Reports

Garrett County, Forester Melissa Nash

Garrett County. Photo by Melissa Nash.

This week’s report is a bit of a bummer. I do not believe we are going to see a true “peak” this foliage season in Garrett County. As for our rating chart, I’m honestly not sure what to call it – we are as close to peak as we’re going to see, if you can even call it that.

I’d say 25-30% of trees are bare (mostly maples that turned early and have dropped their leaves). Oaks are still fairly green with some in the higher elevations starting to turn muted burgundy and golden tones. Everything else is somewhere in between. 

Extended periods of warm weather, coupled with dry conditions late in the summer, stressed many trees and disrupted the ideal conditions for bright autumn color. While some pockets of color remain in sheltered or higher-elevation areas, the overall display has been short-lived and subdued compared to past years.

The good news is that acorns are abundant in many parts of the county this year. Red oak acorns tend to be fatter and shorter. They do not sprout until the spring following when they drop. White oak are longer and more slender and begin to sprout soon after they fall, pictured above. Although many wildlife will eat both species of acorns, white oak acorns are the preferred food due to their lower tannin levels and milder flavor.

Washington County, Forester Bob Schwartz

It seems like autumn is finally sweeping into Washington County this week, with more leaves falling like rain in the wake of the breezy cold front moving through. There is a different feeling in the air this week, with temperatures consistently in the 40s at night and mist in the mornings. These cooler nights and warm days are the perfect recipe for color change, drought or no drought, and some of the color kings of autumn are finally responding.

Red maples, previously mostly a dusky shade of red, have become more vibrant, particularly along the upper slope of South Mountain and in the mountain stream valleys, where the trees were less moisture-limited. Likewise, sugar maple is beginning to turn its anticipated yellows and oranges even at the bottom of the Hagerstown Valley. While not necessarily a household favorite, poison ivy and its more benign look-a-like, Virginia creeper, are also quite showy right now with some of the best reds and purples coming from these essential bird-supporting plants (fun fact: poison ivy is a top-five native plant for winter resident birds)

However, much of the color that had turned last week has dropped due to wind and (much-needed) rain. The lovely persimmon at the Washington County Agricultural Education Center, cloaked last week in full golden regalia, is now nearly bare, and tulip poplars have been rapidly dropping their leaves this week. 

Whereas some of the best fall foliage tree species are finally getting started, we are nearing the end of wildflower blooms for the season. Goldenrods have begun to ripen their fuzzy, gray seeds and I emerged from the field edge covered in the small, black seeds of tickseed sunflower this week. Sometimes these species can add both flower and foliage color to the landscape. White wood aster, a shade-lover, can turn a vibrant purple when in full-sun, which complements its bloom nicely. 

White wood aster in full sun.

Another sign of the wildflowers winding down is that witch hazel, the latest-blooming native shrub in Maryland, is beginning to flower. This important late-season oddball is sometimes pollinated by specialized buck moths that are adapted to the often-freezing temperatures of witch hazel’s bloom period, which runs through November. 

Frederick County, Dakota Durcho

Gambrill State Park.

Some small changes can be noted over the past week along the Catoctin Mountain Range. Despite more rain, overall conditions have remained fairly dry. Leaves have continued to drop with little to no color. The yellow-poplar has been doing this throughout late summer due to the drought, but it has become more noticeable in the past week or so. 

The black walnut trees are mostly changed at this point and they are dropping walnuts plentifully. The blackgums have completely changed, with many having few leaves remaining (at elevation). The red maple and dogwood are about midway through their change at this point. 

Hickory has continued to change as noted last week. Small change can be seen in other species such as the oaks, but a cold snap will likely be needed to initiate this.

Somerset County, Forester Rachel Egolf

Persimmon and a split seed.

Somerset County is showing signs of changing leaves, but it is still early in the season. Yellows, browns and a few reds and purples can be seen if one is looking. So far, walnuts have been predictably dropping yellowed leaves along with sycamores. Dogwoods are showing their red and purplish leaves dominated by anthocyanins along with bright red or orange fruits. 

On Smith Island, the residents are enjoying ripened pomegranates.

Persimmons are ripening and falling in the forest. Cutting open the seeds reveals one of three shapes – a knife, a fork or a spoon. Folklore states that if you find a spoon, the winter will be snowy, if you find a fork, the winter will be mild, and if you find a knife, the winter will have cutting winds. 

Pomegranates on Smith Island

Worcester County, Camp Store Manager Janet Heaton

Pocomoke River at Milburn Landing.

We are definitely seeing changes of colors in the trees now in the area. Not at peak but they are turning locally!

Fishing and Hunting

Autumn is a great time to get outdoors for every activity, as fall colors provide a spectacular backdrop for Maryland’s anglers and hunters. Find out what’s in season at dnr.marland.gov and purchase your outdoor recreation licenses and permits at MD Outdoors, the official online licensing site of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources.

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will begin its annual fall trout stocking program the first full week in October. The program will bring thousands of hatchery-raised rainbow, brown, and golden rainbow trout to streams and impoundments across the state. Read more on the DNR website.

The first segment of Maryland’s muzzleloader deer season will be open Oct. 16-18 statewide. Hunters in Region B — the state’s central, southern, and eastern regions — can also use muzzleloaders from Oct. 20-25 for antlerless deer only. Read more on the DNR Website.

Expect average water clarity for Maryland’s streams, rivers, and main Bay waters. To see the latest water clarity conditions on NOAA satellite maps, check Eyes on the Bay Satellite Maps. There will be above average tidal currents Saturday through Tuesday as a result of the full moon on October 7. Read the complete Maryland Fishing Report on the DNR website. 

Happenings

Western 

58th Autumn Glory Festival, Oct. 8-12, various locations in Garrett County

This five-day celebration of fall foliage includes a car show, crafts, artisan and antique markets, a ski and snowboard swap, the Official Maryland State Banjo, Fiddle, and Mandolin Championships, and a grand feature parade. Learn more about the world-famous festival and find a schedule on the Garrett County Chamber of Commerce website: visitdeepcreek.com/autumnglory/

Central

Fall Colors Hike Series, Patapsco River State Park

October 15: 10-11:30 a.m. at McKeldin Area, Tall Poplar Trail

Join us to enjoy the colors of autumn! View the foliage and enjoy the beauty nature has to offer! Be prepared for a moderate to rigorous hike on variable terrain – not a hike for beginners! Weather permitting. Signup encouraged.

Howl-oween Costume Contest, Sandy Point State Park

Dress up your pet and show off their best look for a chance to win “Best Dressed Pet.” Pets must be leashed, and park entry is $3 per vehicle.

Fall Foliage as seen at Washington Monument State Park in Middletown on Monday Oct. 6, 2025. Credit: AJ Metcalf

Drive-Through Fall Foliage

Special Drive-Up Foliage Viewing at Sideling Hill Creek State Park

This weekend at Sideling Hill Creek State Park, drive up to the Potomac River Scenic Overlook. Typically visitors must hike more than a half-mile up a 9% incline to reach the overlook, but on Oct. 11 the park will offer a first-come, first-served chance to park at the Straus Lodge, a short distance from the view. 

Visitors can drive up from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. All cars must vacate the area by 3 p.m. 

Western Maryland Foliage Driving Tours

The Garrett County Chamber of Commerce has driving tours for the north and south parts of the region. Check it out on their website: garrettheritage.com/fall-foliage-driving-tours 

There is also a self-guided tour of champion trees in the county. The Maryland Big Tree Program is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year. Check-in at various trees to earn points which can be redeemed for prizes from the Garrett County Forestry Board. More information at the following webpage: visitdeepcreek.com/garrett-county-experience-passes/

Eastern Shore Foliage Driving Tour

Looking to explore foliage on the Shore? Check out this self-guided tour, created by Janet Heaton, Camp Store Manager at Pocomoke River State Park, which features natural resources, businesses and events in Worcester County:

The Pocomoke River State Park is located along the banks of the scenic Pocomoke River in Worcester County. Here, visitors can experience the wonders of the Great Bald Cypress Swamp and the tranquility of one of the Eastern Shore’s premier tidal rivers. 

There are two sections – Milburn Landing on the north bank of the river and Shad Landing on the south. The drive between the two sections is gorgeous – here is a suggested route, and some special places to stop in the area.

Stop #1. Pocomoke River State Park, Shad Landing, 3461 Worcester Highway, Snow Hill

dnr.maryland.gov/publiclands/pages/eastern/pocomokeriver.aspx

Shad Landing, the larger of Pocomoke River State Park’s two main areas, is located right off of route 113. The park has one main large loop you can drive around to admire all of the tall trees, flora and fauna, around the campsite areas. Be certain to drive back to the marina, located near the camp store and pond. The Corker’s Creek loop to the Pocomoke River and back to the marina is a peaceful place for bird spotting while out in a canoe or kayak paddle.

A taste of fall: Stop in the Camp Store to treat yourself to one of the fall flavors of ice cream! 

Side of History: Learn about the local history of the Pocomoke River and the Native American villages.

Special Event: Fungi Fest on Saturday, November 1, 2025

Once you have completed your visit at Shad Landing, you can continue your drive ultimately heading towards Milburn Landing with a slight detour along the way to see the historic Furnace Town site. You will also drive through the charming small town of Snow Hill, established in 1686, while crossing over the Pocomoke River and enjoying the back country roads and farms. At the exit of the park, you will turn left on 113 North. Turn left at the blinking light to business 113/W Market St., then turn right onto business 113/W Market St., turn left onto MD-12 N/Snow Hill Rd, turn left on Nassawango Rd, turn right on Creek Rd which will turn into Millville Rd, and the Furnace Town entrance will be on your right.

Stop #2: Furnace Town Historic Site, 3816 Old Furnace Road, Snow Hill

https://www.furnacetown.org/

The Furnace Town Foundation, Inc. is a private non-profit charged with the responsibility of preserving, restoring, and interpreting the twenty-five acres of Furnace Town Historic Site, the 19th-century village of the Nassawango Iron Furnace. With their collection of historic nineteenth-century buildings and artisans’ studios, surrounding the Nassawango Iron Furnace, they are a learning center for the study of history, art and nature. Sharing the lore and legacy of life in the Pocomoke Forest.

A taste of fall: While passing through Snow Hill, stop into the local Fika coffee shop or DelVecchio’s bakery for any of their fall treats.

Side of History: The Furnace Town Blacksmith guild is a working guild that practices historic and modern smithing styles. The Blacksmith guild holds monthly working meetings where they will practice their craft and make items for the Furnace Town gift shop.

Special Event: Furnace Town Blacksmith guild meetings are typically held on the first Saturday of every month. Visiting during the Blacksmith meeting is a great time to see the Smiths at work.

Continuing along the scenic back roads, you will exit Furnace Town turn left, heading back south on Millville Road turning into Creek Rd. Turn right once you reach Nassawango Road. Nassawango Rd leads to Milburn Landing of the Pocomoke River State Park located on your left. (Sharp left turn).

Stop #3. Milburn Landing 3036 Nassawango Road, Pocomoke City

Milburn Landing, the smaller of Pocomoke River State Park’s two main areas, is a hidden gem nestled within 18,000 acres of Pocomoke State Forest along the Pocomoke River. Open seasonally, it offers a peaceful retreat with river access, scenic trails, and a welcoming atmosphere for nature lovers and adventurers alike.

Taste of fall: Pack a picnic or enjoy the treats from the town of Snow Hill to enjoy the views from the fishing pier of the Pocomoke River.

Side of History: Originally developed by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in the 1930s for recreation.

Special Event: Fungi Fest (Shad Landing) Saturday, November 1, 2025