Maryland Fall Foliage Timeline, Plus Festivals Weekend Of Oct. 5

MARYLAND — Maryland's fall foliage colors have hit their peak in the state's western counties, but little change is underway in other parts of the state. But cooler nights are setting in, which sparks brilliant golds, red and orange hues. And a slew of festivals are under way to celebrate the change in season.

Garrett County should have nighttime temperatures dipping into the 3os this weekend, said Maryland Department of Natural Resources Forester Melissa Nash. With the change in temperature comes the beginning of peak leaf-peeping season.

“Cool nights and sunny days typically bring out the best color," Nash said. “Some areas of Garrett County, especially around Meadow Mountain (near the Eastern Continental Divide), are expected to peak within the next couple of days.”

The best place to see vibrant color is along Route 495 and New Germany Roads, the DNR said. The Monroe Run scenic overlook in Savage River State Forest along New Germany Road is a great place to enjoy the view. Other areas of the county are a little further behind, but should peak in the next week to week and a half — just in time for the Autumn Glory Festival held Oct. 9-13 at various locations throughout Garrett County.

This weekend would be a great time to drive “The Loop,” a tried-and-true leaf peeper tour, the DNR said. Head west from Cumberland along Route 40 to Keysers Ridge, then south along 219 through McHenry and Thayerville near Deep Creek Lake State Park. If you have time, make side trips to either Herrington Manor or Swallow Falls state parks. From Oakland, turn east along Route 135 and plan an afternoon in Savage River State Forest.

DNR rangers report slight color changes with leaves browning quickly in Frederick County and the South Mountain Recreation Area near Boonsboro shows small patches of leaf change.

“Everything is still pretty green here at Patapsco Valley State Park. Leaves are falling, but there’s no significant change in the colors just yet,” said Ranger Felicia M. Graves.

Most leaves remain green at Elk Neck State Park in Cecil County, but yellows and brown, with the occasional orange and red, are visible.

The Fall Foliage Prediction Map, found on the Smoky Mountain National Park website, includes predictions not just for the Smokies, which rise above the Tennessee-North Carolina border, but for all 50 states.

Here's a rundown on fall festivals around the state this weekend:

The Frederick County Farm Museum Association’s Fall Festival Weekend is from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Come out to Rose Hill Manor and enjoy home-style food, music, craft vendors, hayrides, tractor pull, and more. Carnival activities and children’s crafts on both days and a cake auction on Sunday.

Visit Cunningham Falls State Park to help collect and plant native seeds and remove invasive plants. Bring work gloves, water and a snack. Adult participation and supervision required for children under age 12. Details are available online.

Brunswick Railroad Days from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. celebrates the city’s railroad heritage as one of the largest rail yards in the nation. Visit the Brunswick Railroad Museum, enjoy entertainment, food and, of course, trains.

Southern Maryland has two family friendly events this weekend. Point Lookout State Park hosts visitors at Soldiers Timeline Weekend. Costumed interpreters representing the time periods of the French and Indian War, American Revolution, The War of 1812, the Civil War, and World War II will present displays showing how those conflicts affected Point Lookout and St. Mary’s County. The program will also include small arms and artillery firing demonstrations and tours of the parks’ historic Civil War sites.

The Blessing of the Fleet commemorates the tradition of blessing the Southern Maryland watermen’s fleet of boats. Tour St. Clements Island State Park, Blackistone Lighthouse and St. Clement’s Island Museum, plus live entertainment, free boat excursions, Southern Maryland food, local wine tastings, children’s activities, and fireworks.

The Darlington Apple Festival celebrates all things “apple”, offering entertainment, art, country market, refreshments, and much more on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Tour the Graham Equestrian Center facility this Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Horse Discovery Day and pet a pony. This is a family-friendly, all-ages event. Bring a picnic lunch and relax, or hike the endless trails of Gunpowder Falls State Park. Leashed dogs welcome.

On Saturday from 8 to 10 p.m. join the Westminster Astronomical Club at the Soldiers Delight Natural Environment Area in Owings Mills for a look at the stars. Telescopes will be provided.

On Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. bring the family to Howard County Conservancy’s Fall Festival in Woodstock. Watch blacksmiths hammering iron in their shop, listen to bluegrass music and explore the historic farm and animals. There are children’s crafts, pumpkin decorating and hayrides, hay bale leaps and more. Admission is $10 per car.

Closer to the Capital area, celebrate the fall harvest at the Montgomery County Agricultural Reserve’s Heritage Harvest Festival. Visit a farms with activities including farm tours, markets, crafts for kids, farm animals, historic structures, and food for sale 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day.

Taste of Bethesda returns to Montgomery County on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. showcasing nearly 60 restaurants, five stages with music and cultural entertainment, plus a fun kid’s corner. Admission is free.

Nearby in Prince George’s County, you can travel around the world in a day on Saturday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Enjoy international foods, music, dance performers, international bands and more at the the Bowie International Festival. Free admission and children’s activities at Allen Pond Park make this a winner.

Join a Seneca Creek State Park naturalist on a Fall Scavenger Hunt on Saturday from 11 a.m. to noon to see what can be found in the park during this beautiful season or come out Sunday afternoon from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. for an Autumn Pontoon Tour on Clopper Lake in Gaithersburg.

On Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. the Takoma Park Street Festival takes place on a half-mile stretch of Carroll Avenue in Takoma Park to Carroll Street NW in DC, with more than 200 artisans, community groups, children’s activities, food vendors, and a variety of green companies. The festival has three stages that host 18 popular, local bands performing music from indie folk, rock, blues, country, and reggae. Free admission, with crafts, face painting, and inflatables for kids. Rain or shine.

On Maryland’s Eastern Shore, enjoy ARToberFEST in Historic Stevensville on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Celebrate local food, music, artisans and breweries.

On Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum will host one of the nation’s largest gatherings of small boat enthusiasts and unique watercraft at the Mid-Atlantic Small Craft Festival XXXVI. Sailing skiffs, rowing shells, kayaks, canoes, paddle boats, prams, and one-of-a-kind boats will be on display and in the water throughout this family-oriented event. No pets allowed.