PHOTO: ADOBE STOCK

Just in time for the peak of fall foliage season, the state is kicking off a revamped weekly online foliage report to better inform readers and to help further bolster Pennsylvania’s tourist industry.

Starting Thursday, Sept. 25, the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources will give updates at its DCNR website every Thursday on all things foliage — including regional reports, interactive maps, photos and tips on how best to experience autumn in the commonwealth.

Pennsylvania is known for having a longer and more varied fall foliage season than any other state in the country. That’s because of the size of the state and its mix of deciduous trees that display brilliant fall colors, state officials say. More than 16 million acres of forests exist in the state, and the Laurel Highlands region, east of Pittsburgh, boasts 134 species of trees that make for what many consider “spectacular foliage viewing opportunities.”

Experts, divided by region, will be available for questions throughout the season, with their contact information provided by the department. Also, the department has reopened the skywalk at Kinzua Bridge State Park in McKean County for leaf-peeping until Oct. 31.

According to the department, there are three major pigments involved in the leaves changing color each year: chlorophyll, carotenoids and anthocyanins.

Chlorophyll gives leaves their natural green color and slows its production as the nights get longer, which then reveals the autumn colors reflected from carotenoids and anthocyanins.

The timing of color changes depends on the species of tree. Blackgums begin to turn as early as August, while maples typically start in October. Weather also affects the colors we see, as dry summers and warm autumns may lower the intensity of the hues.

AccuWeather predicts peak fall foliage will brighten this region in mid-October, but the colors may be duller than usual because of the recent dry weather.

The Old Farmer’s Almanac, which has been making predictions since 1792, has projected that southwestern Pennsylvania and the Pittsburgh area will be most vibrant starting around Oct. 20.

Making improvements promoting the fall foliage season will not only provide guidance to Pennsylvanians, but also will support tourism, state officials say. Fall foliage is a prominent feature of tourism in Pennsylvania, generating 201.6 million visitors last year under Gov. Josh Shapiro’s administration.

Shapiro has also made efforts to improve outdoor recreation in the commonwealth since taking office in 2023.

In collaboration with the department, Pennsylvania: The Great American Getaway outlines numerous ways to explore the Pennsylvania foliage like farms, scenic drives, public lands and more.