From theBay.net
MARYLAND – 10/11/2010
Welcome to the Fall Foliage and Festival Hotline, brought to you by the Maryland Office of Tourism and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources.
Well, the fall foliage is nearing peak in Garrett County and we’re getting word from Deep Creek Lake State Park that there is an abundance of gorgeous color to be seen. The region is basking in the glow of Indian summer with fantastic foliage conditions. In neighboring Allegany County, the leaves are still about a week, week-and-a-half from peak, with Washington and western Frederick counties expected to follow closely behind.
Reports from Green Ridge State Forest in Allegany indicate current conditions there are simply glorious. The maples and dogwoods have turned vibrant red, the hickories a golden yellow, the black gums, an orangish-red. Virginia creeper winding itself around the hickories is showing up a blazing scarlet, and the oaks are just now starting to change. The weekend should be mild and clear, with daytime highs in the low-70s and overnight temperatures falling into the mid-40s. So pack a couple sweaters and a jacket and you’ll be all set for a lovely weekend exploring the western wilds.
On your way out to Garrett County, consider making a stopover in Green Ridge State Forest, again reporting near-perfect conditions, and check out DNR’s self-guided driving tour of the forest. The “Fall Color Tour Guide” not only provides route descriptions through Green Ridge, but adds a bit of local folklore and historical information about the area as well. The complete tour is approximately 30 miles long and makes an enjoyable three-hour scenic drive, taking you through a change in elevation from 450 feet along the Potomac River to 1800 feet at the top of Town Hill. Spectacular vistas allow for views into the neighboring states of West Virginia and Pennsylvania, so don’t forget to take along your binoculars, cameras and field guides. Copies of the tour guide are available at the park’s headquarters.
