Welcome to the Fall Foliage and Festival Report for the first weekend of fall, Sept. 22 and 23, brought to you by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources.

Soon the landscape will explode with vibrant colors of orange, red and yellow. Kids will be jumping into leaf piles you just raked and we’ll all “fall” back, setting clocks back an hour and grabbing that extra bit of sleep.

Having sweated our way through a typically hot and humid Maryland summer – exceptionally wet as well – you might be looking forward to the autumnal equinox (also called the September equinox) happening Saturday at exactly 9:54 p.m. This is also the best time to view Mars as the planet will be at its brightest. Join the Westminster Astronomy Club at Cunningham Falls State Park Saturday night to see the stars!

 Sign up to receive weekly reports showcasing the Old Line State’s vibrant fall foliage and the best autumn festivals at dnr.maryland.gov.

The most obvious indicator of autumn’s arrival, the changing of the foliage, is still a few weeks away for most of the state; however, in Western Maryland, pockets are starting to show splotches of brilliant color. Reports from Garrett, Allegany, Washington and Frederick counties indicate color change is just beginning at the higher levels, with patches of bold reds and oranges on maples…just a preview of the natural show to come. 

Traditionally it is the region where leaf color changes first, with Garrett County’s foliage beginning to turn around the end of September and peaking toward the middle of October.

The shorter, cooler days that accompany these spectacular seasonal changes offer the perfect opportunity for everyone to go outside and experience some of our state’s exciting fall activities and festivals.

National Hunting and Fishing Day

While seasons do not always begin and end on time and the change to fall foliage is still a few weeks away, this is a perfect weekend to experience exciting fall festivals and events.

Anglers, conservationists, hunters and others interested in the great outdoors are invited to Maryland’s celebration of National Hunting and Fishing Day 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. Held at the Izaak Walton League of America in Washington County, this is a free, family-friendly event.

While in Western Maryland, check out The Great Frederick Fair, now through Sunday. Visit the carnival midway, take in nightly grandstand entertainment and see award-winning agricultural exhibits.