October's here — are you ready for some leaf-peeping? Here's where to find the best color

October has arrived, and nature is readying her most colorful show.

Autumn leaves are expected to make their appearance in the next few weeks, making this month a great one to explore a tri-state area soaked in beauty.

The drought we experienced this summer, however, will result in a somewhat more muted display than we typically enjoy.

“The early leaf out and long summer dry weather will negatively impact fall foliage in western Maryland, particularly Frederick and Washington counties,” said State Forester Aaron Cook of Indian Springs Wildlife Management Area.

“A well-timed tropical storm could help offset drought conditions,” Cook said earlier in September. Tropical Storm Ophelia did that last weekend, dropping 1.5 inches of rain over two days. But the soaking “will likely not reverse the impacts of drought stress to fall color from an entire growing season of drought conditions,” Cook said.

Peak fall foliage season in Western Maryland is in mid-October, whereas locations farther east, like the Eastern Shore, might not experience peak until early November. What impact the recent storms will have on the season remains to be seen. Leaves in the westernmost part of the state have just started to change, but the rain and wind brought a lot of that early color to the ground.

A decrease in both temperature and hours of daylight triggers the transition of green leaves to shades of yellow, orange and red, according to Melissa Nash, forest manager with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. “During the warmer summer months, leaves are green due to the chlorophyll pigment. Along with that green pigment are hidden yellow-to-orange tones called xanthophyll and carotenes.”

Cooler temperatures and shorter days halt photosynthesis, the process leaves use to make their own food. This causes chlorophyll to break down and the green color to disappear, revealing the hidden yellows and oranges.

“Around this same time, some trees also produce pigments called anthocyanins which cause red to purplish tones,” adds Nash.

Although Maryland has a variety of evergreen pines, an array of deciduous trees show off their stunning hues in the fall. Hickories are known for their golden glow, while ashes turn purple and red, and red maples favor the orangey side of the red spectrum.

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources maintains a fall foliage report online, which is updated every Thursday.

Where to go to enjoy autumn’s color

The mountains of the tri-state area are perfect for leaf peeping.

Hiking through a state park or forest is one of the most popular fall activities. Nestled among the Appalachian Mountains, Allegany County boasts miles of hiking trails through Rocky Gap State Park and Green Ridge State Forest. Residents and visitors alike flock to the area in the fall; in fact, the county was recently ranked second on USA’s Today’s list of 10 U.S. spots for a perfect fall getaway.

Another popular option for hikers is the Appalachian Trail, the 2,190-mile long trail that passes through Frederick and Washington counties. Some of the most iconic vistas in the area can be found on the A.T.’s sky-high overlooks.

Annapolis Rock, which reaches an elevation of 1,700 feet, is one popular spot for hikers, as is Black Rock a mile farther north on the trail. Both offer stunning views of Greenbrier Lake and the Cumberland Valley.

Off the Pennsylvania portion of the A.T. is Chimney Rocks lookout, with scenic views of Michaux State Forest.

Another option for agile hikers is Maryland Heights. At 1,500 feet, this overlook offers a  bird’s-eye view of Harpers Ferry, surrounded by the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers.

For a less strenuous outing, Washington Monument State Park and High Rock at Pen Mar Park are both easily accessible by car while still providing magnificent panoramas. Farther west, a scenic overlook driving tour through the Green Ridge State Forest offers 44 miles of scenery with stops at five overlooks.

Although exploring on foot is always a favorite, Ashli Workman, the director of tourism for Allegany County, recommends a different way to experience autumn color: by rail.

A ride on the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad provides breathtaking views of autumn color blanketing the mountain peaks and valleys. “Starting and ending at the historic railway station in downtown Cumberland, passengers will enjoy a 90-minute layover to explore the mountain town of Frostburg,” Workman explained.

There are also ample opportunities for drives though the rich history of our area.

“​​Driving 15 miles west on Route 30 from Chambersburg to historic Fort Loudoun gives so many great views,” said Janet Pollard, executive director of the Franklin County Visitors Bureau. “The drive is up and down through different elevations and has some beautiful vistas.”

Pollard also recommends traveling Route 233, which connects Mont Alto State Park to Caledonia State Park, both former homes of iron ore furnaces.

Frederick’s covered bridge driving tour winds through pastoral country roads and three historic bridges, all of which are on the National Register of Historic Places. And of course, the Civil War battlefields at Gettysburg, Antietam and Monocacy are wonderful spots for a hike drive, or picnic among the fall color.

Heidi Schlag is an author and travel writer.

This article originally appeared on The Herald-Mail: Here's where to find the best fall colors in Western Maryland