Fall Foliage Information

Welcome to the Fall Foliage and Festival Hotline for the weekend of October 30 and 31, brought to you by the Maryland Office of Tourism and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources.

Well, this is the weekend for ghosts, goblins and other fright-worthy tricks and treats, and then on Sunday, November arrives with the holiday season close behind. And despite the presence of still-green leaves on many trees around the region, winter really is on its way. While this is most obvious in Western Maryland where most of the leaves have already fallen, the brilliant orange, yellow and scarlet foliage is at or approaching peak in the tidewater areas of Central Maryland and the upper Eastern Shore, and it should be worth your while to plan a drive out to either of these regions this weekend.

At the top of the Bay, Elk Neck State Park in Cecil County is reporting some beautiful conditions right now. The park’s sandy beaches, marshlands and heavily wooded bluffs comprise the peninsula formed by the North East River, Elk River and the Chesapeake Bay, and several trails meander through the diversified landscape, revealing the great variety of plant and animal life. An easy walking trail to the Turkey Point Lighthouse provides a fantastic view of the Elk River and the Chesapeake.

In the Central Maryland region, reports from Patapsco Valley State Park indicate the park is quite colorful. For fabulous views of the fall foliage, stop by the Valley Overlook in the Hollowfield Area right off Route 40 near Ellicott City. This weekend would also be the perfect time to take in the two-mile scenic drive along Orange Grove Road in the Avalon section of the park near Elkridge. And with the weather forecasted to be milder over the next several days, why not head up to the McKeldin Area near Marriottsville and enjoy a hike along the park’s Switchback Trail.

Equestrians can enjoy riding at Morgan Run Natural Environment Area, reporting fantastic conditions right now. Located off Route 97 north of Route 26 in Carroll County, this relatively undisturbed area has seven miles of trails running through old farm fields and forests.

Other areas to visit close to the Baltimore-Washington metro area: Gwynnbrook Wildlife Management Area in Owings Mills, Baltimore County, Sugar Loaf Mountain Natural Resource Area in southern Frederick County, Seneca Creek State Park just southwest of Gaithersburg, and Dierssen Wildlife Management Area situated between the C&O Canal and the Potomac River in Montgomery County, offering first rate opportunities for waterfowl watching and quiet interludes for strollers along the Canal Tow Path.

Or consider a visit to Earleville Wildlife Management Area, in rural southern Cecil County, or the Millington Wildlife Management Area in eastern Kent County, both reporting spectacular conditions right now. These areas, located far off the beaten track, feature hardwood forests dotted with pine stands, various wetlands, fallow managed fields, warm season grasses and open farmland, and support a variety of wildlife including deer, turkey, fox, waterfowl and songbirds. Remember that these areas are also open to hunting this time of year, so be sure to check ahead before venturing out (although Sundays are generally not a problem).

A number of bewitching events are being held around the state this weekend, from spooky ghost tours around the 18th-century colonial ports of Annapolis and Baltimore, to visits to haunted mills along the Patapsco River in Ellicott City, to hayrides and spirit walks through dark and creepy forests and cemeteries. For a complete list of Halloween events – from the mild to the wild! – check out the Maryland Office of Tourism’s Haunted Maryland page at www.visitmaryland.org.

At the top of the Bay in Cecil County, the North East Community Park will be the site of a Halloween Party on Saturday at 1 p.m. Sponsored by the North East Chamber of Commerce, the event designed for children 11 years and younger features games and costume judging. Halloween goodies and entertainment will also be on hand.

Other traditionally fall-themed events taking place this weekend: Starting out in the western region, one of Washington County’s most beloved events, the Alsatia Mummers’ Parade, steps off down Potomac Street in Hagerstown on Saturday night at 7 p.m. More than 10,000 participants and 100,000 spectators will gather for this lavish event featuring floats, bands and of course, mummers in outrageous feathered garb.

Head over to Boordy Vineyards in Baltimore County on Sunday and spend the crisp autumn afternoon in their vintage wine cellar, warming up over a bowl of soup or toasted marshmallows at the first of their Soups in the Cellar weekends. A different seasonal soup will be featured each weekend throughout the month of November, as well as a variety of musical entertainment – this week come out for the classic rock stylings of the band Deadwood.

If you’re headed down to Southern Maryland, fill up after a day spent wandering the autumn wilds at St. Mary's 80th Annual Turkey and Ham Dinner taking place at St. Mary’s Church in Barnesville on Saturday. This much-loved local event features big plates of home-cooked favorites to eat in or take out, homemade crafts, baked goods, canned goods, cider and hayrides.

And finally, make a point of attending Frederick County’s 77th Annual Veterans Day Parade, taking place this Sunday at 1 p.m. at the intersection of East and West Potomac streets in the town of Brunswick. Come out to pay tribute to those who have sacrificed their lives for our country, as well as cheer on those who continue to do so.

For more information on events around the state this fall, contact the Maryland Office of Tourism at 1-800-MDISFUN or visit their website at www.visitmaryland.org.

Enjoy your Maryland weekend! Next Update on Friday!

Read more about why leaves change color

Photo of Crepe Myrtle, courtesy of the National Arboretum