The summer-like temperatures in the 80s and 90s that persisted through Wednesday likely will have no long-term effect on the fall foliage across Pennsylvania in a few weeks, according to an experienced observer with the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.

“Continued above-average temperatures have slowed the progression of fall foliage across much of the state, but a line of recent, strong storms has given many commonwealth forests a badly needed drink,” noted Ryan Reed, natural resource specialist in DCNR’s and author of the weekly Pennsylvania Weekly Fall Foliage Report. He issued the second report for fall 2019 today.

But, with the break in temperatures and rainfall that swept the state overnight, everything seems to be back on track for a brilliant showing in the coming weeks.

“Many dull, brown leaves were stripped off, leaving a yet-to-change green backdrop of unaffected leaves, improving contrast of colors,” said Ryan.

Foresters throughout Penn’s Woods have noted some harbingers of the fall foliage season, observing some early color in black gum, birches, poplars, maples, sumacs, dogwoods and sassafras.”

“The shot of rain (with more in the forecast), loss of brown leaves and… major drop in temperatures should catapult much of the state’s northern tier into prime foliage viewing next week,” he forecast. “This is kind of what we’ve been waiting for.

“The current foliage condition in northern forest districts is good and improving, with peak conditions in the northeast. While central counties are showing marked changes, southern Pennsylvania forests are showing signs of the season as well, with early but noticeable changes in poplars, maples, dogwoods, sumacs and cherries.”

Reed provided region by region outlooks:

Northwestern Region

Here’s where to stay in Northwestern Pennsylvania.

Color is starting to develop more distinctly on the hillsides and in individual trees. Last week, there was just a hint of color, but this week there are defined areas of red and yellow. Most of the early color is still showing from maples, dogwoods, sumacs, Virginia creeper and sassafras.

Northcentral Region

Here’s where you can stay near Susquehannock State Forest, Loyalsock State Forest, Arnot Mountain and Pine Creek Gorge.

Nice fall color continues to show in northern Susquehannock State Forest (Potter and McKean counties), but the southern half of the district is still in early stages of change.

Loyalsock State Forest staff report the district is approaching best color, with maples “the stars of the show,” exhibiting fiery reds, yellows and oranges. Although less common, sumacs and sassafras also offer some beautiful scenery. For a scenic drive, take a ride up Rock Run Road from Ralston to Yellow Dog. The sugar maples there are beautiful.

In Tioga State Forest, foresters report some beautiful red shades on red maple and golden leaves on sugar maples. The best fall foliage viewing just now is in the eastern part of the district, where the Arnot and Armenia Mountain areas are showing good color. Colton, Painter-Leetonia and West Rim roads on the west side of Pine Creek Gorge (Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania) are also starting to provide some gorgeous viewing.

Northeastern Region

Here’s where you can stay near Pinchot Forest District, Moosic Mountain, Thornhurst and Elmhurst.

In Pinchot Forest District, northern areas (Susquehanna, Wayne counties) are on the verge of peaking and by next week will be in peak color. Several rainy, windy days have caused many trees to drop their leaves early, mostly affecting sugar maple. Many red maples and oaks have full color along with other understory plants like fern and winterberry. Leaf change will become more rapid as the nights get colder.

In Lackawanna, Wyoming, southern Wayne and northern Luzerne counties, most red, sugar and silver maples are in full color. Birch and aspen are also starting to change. Most of the woody understory plants have started to change, including high and low bush blueberry and huckleberry. Recommended areas for fall foliage viewing are Moosic Mountain, Thornhurst and Elmhurst tracts in Lackawanna County, and the Seven Tubs Recreation Area in Luzerne County.

West-central and Southwestern Regions

Here’s where you can stay near Mt. Davis and Laurel Mountain.

Foresters report development of some attractive fall color in the northern part of Clear Creek Forest District in Venango County.

Foresters in Gallitzin State Forest report no significant foliage changes since last week.

Forbes State Forest staff report peak color for the Laurel Highlands is expected in about two weeks but earlier at Mt. Davis. The ridges tend to peak about a week before the valleys and lower elevations of southwestern Pennsylvania. Across the Chestnut (Westmoreland County), Laurel (Somerset County) and Negro Mountain (Somerset County) ridges, fall colors are really beginning to show. The brilliant reds of black gum and some red maples are standing out among the backdrop of other trees that are either still green or just beginning to turn.

For best fall foliage viewing in the district, a trip to Mt. Davis (the highest point in the state) is recommended. It offers an observation tower that provides visitors with a panoramic view of the surrounding ridge. A scenic drive on Laurel Mountain is also recommended, where visitors will be greeted by warm fall colors provided by black gum and maples.

In the valleys, including surrounding counties of Allegheny, Westmoreland, Washington, Greene and Somerset (lower elevation), maples are beginning to contrast among other trees that have yet to change.

Central and Southcentral Regions

Here’s where you can stay near Bald Eagle State Forest, Locust Lake and Hickory Run State Park.

In Bald Eagle State Forest, fall colors are showing on red and sugar maple, black gum, birch and a few white oaks. Understory trees such as witch hazel and sassafras are beginning to show yellow and red-orange, respectively. In the valleys, fall shades can be seen on walnut, birch, red maples and ash trees. Travel to one of the many vistas in the district for a better view.

Elk State Forest staff described relatively sparse color, but some maples are in full color and birches are turning yellow.

Foresters in Tuscarora Forest District described fall color as spotty, with nice color in a few areas.

In Weiser Forest District, foliage is a mix of dark and lighter green, but colder nights have induced some changes. Yellow fall colors are present in poplar, cherry and birch, while red can be observed on staghorn sumac, black gum, red maple and dogwoods. Recommended areas to see fall color are Locust Lake in Schuylkill County and Mauch Chunk Lake or Hickory Run State Park in Carbon County.

Foresters in Sproul and Buchanan State forests report very little change in fall color since last week.

Rothrock State Forest staff described bright yellow colors on sweet birch and tulip poplar, with shades of red mixed in from occasional dogwoods.

Michaux State Forest staff report higher elevations showing color with the valleys relatively unchanged. Ridge Road is still the best for foliage viewing in Michaux, although Route 233 is starting to brighten, especially where there are tulip poplars, which are approaching full color. Sassafras are brightening and black birch on the driest ridges are a beautiful yellow. Virginia creeper vines are scarlet and early maples are hinting they will be great this year. Oaks, which comprise most of Michaux State Forest’s canopy, are unchanged.

Southeastern Region

Here’s where you can stay near Southeastern Pennsylvania.

Foresters in William Penn State Forest district report a “big jump” since last week’s report. Color changes are mostly limited to the understory, with birch and tulip poplar turning yellow. Dry soil conditions seem to be pushing an earlier foliage change.