This is the fall color report for Shenandoah National Park as of Friday, October 30, 2009.
We are well into autumn here in the mountains of Virginia. In addition to cooler temperatures and shorter days, fall also tends to bring clearer skies to the region. Shenandoah National Park was created in part due to its beautiful vistas and the cool crisp air you’ll breathe in during a trip to the park at this time of year seems to heighten that experience.
Many of the trees at the upper and middle elevations of Shenandoah have lost their leaves now, but remember, fewer leaves on the trees mean deeper views into the forests and a better chance of spotting some of the animal residents of the park, such as the black bears and white-tailed deer. And if you look deep into the woods and you may be surprised to see bright yellow flowers blooming. Those are Witch Hazel blossoms, and they grow on the bare branches of this small tree after the leaves have fallen.
There are a few pockets of red, gold and yellow trees left in the lower elevations of the park. Small trees and shrubs like the sassafras and sumacs are still vibrant in some areas. A stop at one of the 75 overlooks along the Skyline Drive, or a hike to the top one of Shenandoah’s many viewpoints, are the best ways to fully enjoy the views of beautiful colors in the lower elevations. The many oaks of Shenandoah tend to hold onto their rusty-brown colored leaves longer than other trees. As a result, deep, cinnamon-colored brown is the predominant color right now. These oak leaves stand out in beautiful contrast to the waxy green needles and leaves of evergreen trees and shrubs that retain enough moisture inside to stay green all year long.
A visit to the park at this time of year also reveals the many ways that animals prepare for winter in the mountains. Many of the birds that will spend the winter here in SNP are flocking up, and the woods and meadows are alive with the songs of chickadees, titmice and nuthatches, as well as the hammering sounds of woodpeckers.
A trip to the upper elevations of the park such as the Skyland and Big Meadows areas will provide you with a chance to see large herds of does and fawns, as well as the occasional bucks sparring with their newly exposed antlers. These battles are fought each fall, and oftentimes occur beside, or even in the middle of, the Skyline Drive. Be sure to drive carefully when visiting the park, you never know what dramatic or interesting scene is right around the corner! And remember, if you are lucky enough to spot some of Shenandoah’s wildlife, be sure to pull completely off the road, and preferably into an overlook, if you’d like to take pictures or spend time watching the animals.
If you are planning a trip to the park, remember that at this time of year Shenandoah can experience freezing temperatures. Although temperatures this week have been fairly nice, it’s important to remember that weather can change quickly in the mountains. And don’t forget that mountaintop temperatures tend to be a good 10-15 degrees cooler than the surrounding valleys, or even Washington D.C. This temperature difference is especially obvious after the sun goes down for the night. So, bring plenty of layers, including your hat and gloves, and come enjoy the quiet beauty of Shenandoah National Park in November.
This October 30 report is the final fall color report for the 2009 season.
This is the fall color report for Shenandoah National Park as of Friday, October 23, 2009
An early snow storm hit the mountains of Shenandoah National Park last week, leaving anywhere from a light dusting to several inches of the white stuff behind at the highest elevations. Although snow in mid-October isn’t unheard of, its timing coincided nicely this year with the peak foliage of many of the trees at the middle elevations of the park. Bright red and gold trees covered in snow and ice made for some dramatic scenery just a few days ago. And although the snow has melted now, the beautiful fall colors are still looking great, especially in the lower elevations of the park.
Most of the trees at the highest elevations of the park have already shed their leaves. Fewer leaves on trees makes it easier to see the tiny flowers of the witch hazel trees. The bright yellow flowers appear on this small tree when other trees are dropping their leaves in preparation for winter. The delicate flowers will remain for a while, like hundreds of tiny sunbursts hung throughout the trees. The colorful leaves that have already blown off the trees are now covering the trails and sometimes the roadways of Shenandoah, which means that no matter where you look right now, you are sure to see the colorful signs of fall here in the mountains of Virginia.
As you make your way along the Skyline Drive, the scenic mountaintop road that winds its way through the park, you’ll notice a “mixed bag” of colors depending on your location. While most of the trees at the highest elevations are past their peak, there are trees in the “gaps”, or low lying areas of the Skyline Drive, that are peaking right now. This is especially true in the northern section of the park, where the trees and shrubs in the lowest elevations are just now getting their fair share of the autumn splendor of golds, reds, yellows, and oranges. At these low elevations, the red Virginia creeper vines are very showy as they wind their way up trees, along rocky outcrops, and even over the rock walls that line the Skyline Drive. Throughout the rest of the park, some individual trees continue to steal the show with a nice display of red, orange or yellow leaves that refuses to fade away. At milepost 51, the blueberry and huckleberry shrubs growing in Big Meadows have turned a deep crimson color, which stands out dramatically against the pale yellows and natural fall browns of the grasses and sedges.
So what part of the park is the best place to see the peak of fall colors right now? A stop at one of the 75 overlooks along the Skyline Drive, or a hike to the top one of Shenandoah’s many viewpoints, are the best ways to fully enjoy the views of beautiful colors in the lower elevations. Standing at the rock walls, you can look down along the multi-colored ridges and into the hollows of the park and even out onto the Shenandoah Valley or Piedmont Plain. At these lower elevations, there are still some trees holding onto their green summer leaves, but most of them are displaying their seasonal hues. Approximately 75% of the trees and shrubs at these lower elevations have changed into their autumn wardrobe. There is so much color in some areas of the valley right now that it appears as though the Massanutten Mountain and many of the ridges in Shenandoah are draped in beautiful orange colored shawls.
And speaking of shawls and other wraps, the white-tailed deer of Shenandoah have already donned their winter coats of dark gray, which allow them to blend in easily with tree trunks, as well as the pavement of the Skyline Drive. Their warm undercoat of insulating hollow hairs reminds us that at this time of year, it’s important to dress warmly for a day in the mountains. Don’t forget that weather on the mountain can be dramatically different than in the surrounding valley or Washington D.C. Daytime temperatures should be in the 50°s over the next week and our nighttime temperatures will be in the 30°s, with wind chills sometimes dipping even lower. So remember to bring plenty of layers, and don’t forget your hat and gloves, as you prepare to experience the beauty of Shenandoah National Park this fall!
This message will be updated again during the day on October 30.
This is the fall color report for Shenandoah National Park as of Friday, October 16, 2009.
It certainly looks like fall in Shenandoah this week, though it feels more like winter! Several light frosts, combined with rain and sleet, and temperatures in the 30°s are making for some pretty wintry conditions. The good news is that frosts tend to produce crisp colors in the leaves and the rainfall we’ve been getting will help replenish Shenandoah’s numerous waterfalls. Whether you are meandering along the Skyline Drive, gazing out from an overlook, or hiking on one of Shenandoah’s many trails, you’ll be surrounded by layers of colors on a trip to the park this week. And speaking of layers, don’t forget to wear yours if you are coming up to the park. The forecast for the weekend of the 17th and 18th includes continued cool temperatures and the possibility of more rain, with ice and snow -up to an inch or so- mixed in.
While some of the leaves that started changing colors in late September have now fallen off, many of the trees that were still very green last week are showing their fall colors now. As you travel along the Skyline Drive, the mountaintop road that winds its way through the park, nearly all of the trees that you’ll see alongside the road are showing off their fall foliage, or in some cases are showing off their bare branches. The most prevalent colors this week seem to be yellows and golds. These yellows, golds, and oranges of poplars, hickories, birches and striped maples continue to provide a beautiful backdrop to the occasional bright red maple or black gum tree that stands out and captures your attention with its radiant autumn cloak. Many of the oak trees throughout the park have turned to shades of rusty bronze and deep, russet reds, which stands in sharp contrast to the evergreen trees that will keep their green needles all year long. At milepost 51, the blueberry and huckleberry shrubs growing in Big Meadows have turned a deep red color, which stands out dramatically against the pale yellows, greens and natural fall browns of the grasses and sedges.
At the lowest elevations of the park, purple dogwoods and the red Virginia creeper vines, that wind their way up trees and along rocky outcrops, are still showing off their colorful displays. A stop at one of the overlooks along the Skyline Drive, or a hike to one of Shenandoah’s many viewpoints, will yield something of a kaleidoscope view of yellows, reds, oranges, purples, golds, and greens as you gaze out towards the Shenandoah Valley or over the Piedmont plain. At these lower elevations, including the trees along the northern section of the Skyline Drive, around 40-50 % of the trees you’ll see have changed in to their autumn colors.
So when is the best time to visit the park to see the peak of fall color? Well, Shenandoah National Park is more than 70 miles long, and due to all the varying elevations along the many hollows, ridges and summits on the mountains, it’s impossible for us to pick a “peak date” for the entire nearly 200,000 acre park. This year, the trees at the highest elevations are either peaking or are just after peak right now, while the trees in the mid-to lower elevations still have another week or so before their colorful displays hit their prime.
A trip to the park at this time of year also allows a glimpse into how animals prepare for the upcoming winter. The white-tailed deer of Shenandoah have already donned their winter coats of dark gray, which allow them to blend in easily with tree trunks, as well as the pavement of the Skyline Drive. Their warm undercoat of insulating hollow hairs reminds us that at this time of year, it’s important to dress warmly for a day in the mountains. Remember that temperatures in the mountains of Shenandoah National Park tend to be a good 10 to 15 degrees cooler than the surrounding valley or Washington D.C. Precipitation that comes as rain in the lower elevations can turn to ice and snow along the mountaintop. Temporary road closures can be implemented if conditions become unsafe. For the most current road conditions, call 540-999-3500, and choose option 1 before heading to the park.
This message will be updated again by the afternoon of October 23rd.
This is the fall color report for Shenandoah National Park as of October 9, 2009
Fall has arrived in the mountains of Virginia, ushering in shorter days and noticeably cooler temperatures to this mountaintop park. Although the park hasn’t received a good, hard frost yet, most leaves are changing colors rapidly and we are now approaching peak in many of the highest sections of the Skyline Drive.
Like a multi-colored shawl draped over the top of the mountain, fall colors are settling in very nicely in Shenandoah this season. The trees and shrubs along the top of the mountain and its many ridges are brightly colored right now, while the trees at the lower elevations are just beginning to receive their fair share of the autumn splendor. As you make your way along Skyline Drive, more than 60% of the trees you’ll see lining the roadway are showing off their fall foliage. However, there is still a lot of green in some areas, including the northern end of the park. If you hike to the top of a peak, or stop at one of the overlooks and gaze out into the Shenandoah Valley or over the piedmont plain, around 30% of the trees at these lower elevations are in color.
There is a myriad of colors appearing in the park right now. Deep yellow goldenrods and patches of purple asters are blooming vibrantly along the roadway and trails. Yellow and cinnamon colored ferns are also very visible on the forest floor. The small trees and shrubs that make up the forest understory have turned to shades of yellow and orange. The yellows and oranges of hickories, birches, and striped maples provide a beautiful backdrop to the occasional bright red maple that stands out and captures your attention-and likely the attention of your camera lens as well!
At the lower elevations, purple dogwoods and red sumac saplings are still abundant. Throughout the park, the bright red Virginia creeper vines are winding their way up trees, along rocky outcrops, and even over the rock walls that line the Skyline Drive, this is especially beautiful in the area between mileposts 5 and 7. Even the much maligned poison ivy is showing off its fall wardrobe with displays of orange, yellow and red. Near milepost 21, across from the Hogback Overlook, a number of mountain ashes with their bright red berries are very striking. These ripe berries will provide a tasty treat for birds, including cedar waxwings and thrushes.
Even the many oak trees in Shenandoah are putting on a special display this year. Most oaks tend to turn to a deep russet brown color in the fall, but this year we are seeing more of them showing off reds and oranges. At milepost 51, Big Meadows is ablaze with color right now, with much of the 130-acre meadow bright red from the many blueberry and huckleberry bushes that thrive there.
So how close are we to the “peak” of fall color in the park? That question is almost impossible to answer accurately. However, many folks would say that this is the perfect time to come take a trip along the Skyline Drive to experience the peak of colors along the mountain crest, as many trees at the upper elevations of the park will be peaking in the next couple of days and throughout the following week. However, if you can’t make it up to the park until after next week or even until the end of October, you will still be able to catch the peak of colors at the lower elevations. Because of the varying elevations in the park and the many different types of tree species, Shenandoah National Park has a pretty long “peak stretch” during which fall colors are at their best. This year should be no different. We’ll likely have a beautiful display of colors that will hopefully linger over the next several weeks.
Although the forecast for the next week is for pretty mild weather, with day-time temperatures in the 50°s and 60°s, it’s important to remember that weather can change quickly in the mountains. And don’t forget that mountaintop temperatures tend to be a good 10-15 degrees cooler than the surrounding valleys, or even Washington D.C. This temperature difference is especially obvious after the sun goes down for the night. Overnight temperatures should be in the 30°s and 40°s throughout the next week. So pack your jacket, hat and gloves, and don’t forget your camera as you come up over the next couple of weeks to see the peak of one of the most beautiful fall color displays we’ve seen in recent years.
This report should be updated again in the afternoon of October 16.
This is the fall color report for Shenandoah National Park as of October 2, 2009
Fall is upon us here in the mountains of Virginia. With noticeably shorter days and cooler temperatures, the colors and textures of autumn are changing daily. Perhaps the two most eye-catching species in the park this week would be the many types of ferns and our maple trees. The natural autumn shades of ferns range from pale yellow to a deep cinnamon color- and everything in between- all of which are highlighted on the forest floor of Shenandoah right now. In the mid to upper elevations of the park, the brilliant colors of fall are showing up especially well in the maples, with lots of trees decked out in blazing oranges, bright reds and striking yellows.
In the lower elevations of the park, purple dogwoods and red sumac saplings are still very colorful. Throughout the park, the bright red Virginia creeper vines continue to steal the show as they wind their way up trees, along rocky outcrops, and even over the rock walls that line the Skyline Drive. Many of the small trees and shrubs that make up the forest understory are turning to shades of yellow and orange. At milepost 51, Big Meadows is beautiful right now, with lots of colors on display including many bright red blueberry and huckleberry bushes.
As you make your way along the Skyline Drive, approximately 30% of the trees that you’ll see along the road are showing off their fall foliage. Many trees are still totally green, but plenty of them are changing or have already completely changed into their autumn wardrobe. The yellows and oranges of hickories, birches and striped maples provide a beautiful backdrop to the occasional bright red maple that stands out and captures your attention. These maples in various colors can be found throughout the park; the ones at the south end of Naked Creek Overlook, near milepost 53, and at South River Overloook, near milepost 62, are excellent examples. Even the oak trees, which generally wait a little longer to change, and often aren’t the showiest of species, have tinges of reds and oranges at the ends of their leaves right now. If you planning a trip to the park, please remember to make sure your vehicle is completely off the road, preferably in a parking lot or overlook, if you plan to take pictures of our beautiful fall foliage.
So when will the fall colors peak? Well, that question is almost impossible to answer. The park is more than 70 miles long, and due to the varying elevations along the many hollows, ridges and summits on the mountains, it’s very difficult for us to determine a “peak date” for the entire park. Based on past seasons, sometime between the 2nd to 3rd weeks of October the colors of fall seem to be at their most brilliant stage here in Shenandoah. This year, it appears as though our peak will be right on cue, probably occurring in the next couple of weeks.
A visit to the park at this time of year also reveals the many ways that animals prepare for winter in the mountains. If you are looking for black bears in the park, don’t forget to look up! Nutrient rich and fat-filled acorns and hickory nuts are the perfect fall food for bears looking to put on plenty of weight to get them through the winter. You’ll be amazed at just how high a black bear can go in search of food. The white-tailed deer of Shenandoah change color each fall, just like our trees. Most of the deer have already changed from their summertime coat of reddish-brown to a thicker winter coat of dark gray, which allows them to blend in easily with tree trunks, as well as the pavement of the Skyline Drive. The bucks are displaying their now velvet-free antlers as well. Please be extra careful when viewing wildlife; getting too close endangers both you and the animals!
Although the weather this week should be fairly nice, mid 50°s or so, it’s important to remember that weather can change quickly in the mountains. With nighttime temperatures dipping into the 30°s and 40°s, Shenandoah NP can expect to get our first frost any day now. If you are using a forecast for the surrounding areas, don’t forget that mountaintop temperatures tend to be a good 10-15 degrees cooler than the Shenandoah Valley, or Washington D.C. So dress in layers, bring your camera, and come experience the crisp, fall weather and the rainbow of colors that is making Shenandoah National Park especially gorgeous this fall!
This message will be updated again by October 9th.
This is the fall color report for Shenandoah National Park as of September 28, 2009
One look in any direction will tell you that fall has arrived in the mountains of Virginia, ushering in shorter days and cooler temperatures to this mountaintop park. No matter where you look, you are sure to see the colorful signs of fall. Perhaps the two most eye-catching species in the park this week would be the many types of ferns and our maple trees. The natural autumn shades of ferns range from pale yellow to a deep cinnamon color- and everything in between- all of which are highlighted on the forest floor of Shenandoah right now. In the mid to upper elevations of the park, the brilliant colors of fall are showing up especially well in the maples, with lots of trees decked out in blazing oranges, reds and yellows.
Deep purple dogwoods and red sumac saplings are also very evident at the lower elevations this week. Throughout the park, the bright red Virginia creeper vines are stealing the show right now as they wind their way up trees, along rocky outcrops, and even over the rock walls that line the Skyline Drive. There is an especially beautiful display of this near milepost 61.
Fall wildflowers continue to display their seasonal hues along the Skyline Drive and many park trails. Aptly named Goldenrods and huge patches of showy Purple Asters are still blooming vibrantly. The small trees and shrubs that make up the forest understory are turning to shades of yellow and orange. At milepost 51, Big Meadows is beautiful right now, with lots of colors on display including many deep red blueberry and huckleberry bushes.
As you make your way along the Skyline Drive, approximately 20-30% of the trees that you’ll see along the road are showing off their fall foliage. Many trees are still totally green, but plenty of them are changing or have already completely changed into their autumn wardrobe. Even the oak trees, which generally wait a little longer to change, and often aren’t the showiest of species, have tinges or reds and oranges at the ends of their leaves right now.
The yellows and oranges of hickories, birches and striped maples provide a beautiful backdrop to the occasional bright red maple that stands out and captures your attention. These maples in various colors can be found throughout the park; the ones at the south end of Naked Creek Overlook, near milepost 53, are excellent examples. Just remember to make sure your vehicle is completely off the road, preferably in a parking lot or overlook, if you plan to take pictures of our beautiful fall foliage.
Shenandoah National Park is more than 70 miles long, and due to the varying elevations along the many hollows, ridges and summits on the mountains, it’s impossible for us to pick a “peak date” for the nearly 200,000 acre park. History has shown us, however, that usually around the 2nd to 3rd weeks of October, the colors of fall seem to be at their most brilliant stage here in Shenandoah. This year, it appears as though our peak will be right on cue, probably occurring in the next couple of weeks.
A visit to the park at this time of year also reveals the many ways that animals prepare for winter in the mountains. Many birds have already migrated to warmer areas. Those animal residents who will hibernate or spend much of the winter resting are out in full force eating and gathering bountiful crops of acorns, hickory nuts and fruits. If you are looking for black bears in the park, don’t forget to look up! Nutrient rich and fat-filled acorns are the perfect fall food for bears looking to put on plenty of weight to get them through the winters. You’ll be amazed at just how high a black bear can go in search of food. The white-tailed deer of Shenandoah change color each fall, just like our trees. Most of the deer have already changed from their summertime coat of reddish-brown to a thicker winter coat of dark gray, which allow them to blend in easily with tree trunks, as well as the pavement of the Skyline Drive. The bucks are displaying their now velvet-free antlers as well. Please be extra careful when viewing wildlife; getting too close endangers both you and the animals!
Although temperatures this week should be fairly nice, mid 60°s or so, it’s important to remember that weather can change quickly in the mountains. Just this past weekend, our wind chills dipped into the upper 20°s! And don’t forget that mountaintop temperatures tend to be a good 10-15 degrees cooler than the surrounding valleys, or even Washington D.C. This temperature difference is especially obvious after the sun goes down for the night. So dress in layers, bring your camera, and come experience the radiant beauty of Shenandoah National Park this fall!
This message will be updated again by October 2
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