The Maryland Department of Natural Resources reported on November 12, 2026, that foliage across the state is now past peak. Trees near Assateague Island are among the last to change, with vibrant colors still visible in some areas.

Foresters and rangers noted the beauty of changing leaves, wildflowers, and mushrooms this season, while encouraging residents to enjoy the remaining colors as cooler weather approaches.

Press Release: Maryland Department of Natural Resources

Published November 12, 2026. Reproduced in full from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources.

Fall Foliage Report Nov. 12

A map showing all of Maryland past peak fall foliage.

Foliage across Maryland is now past peak. Trees near Assateague Island are among the last to change.

Our foresters and rangers have reported stunning wildflowers, changing leaves and sprouting mushrooms this season, capturing and sharing the visual bounty of Maryland’s natural resources.

If you want to check out the foliage, just because it is past peak doesn’t mean there is nothing to see. Leaves are still vibrant in spots. Even when they have fallen, they can be beautiful. And crunchy.

There is still a month and a half left to complete the Maryland Park Service Miles for Maryland Challenge.

Foliage along Route 611 leading up to Assateague Island. Photo by Kirby Brown.

Foliage Reports

Forester Nathan House, Baltimore County

While we are past peak in the Baltimore area, there are still plenty of beautiful yellows and reds from hickories, maples, and oak

Ranger Lesley Leader, Fair Hill Natural Resources Management Area

Foliage is past peak in Cecil County.

A red maple outside the Fair Hill Natural Resources Management Area office. Photo by Lesley Leader.

Ranger Christina Carlson, Janes Island State Park

Changing foliage along Janes Island State Park. Photo by Christina Carlson.

Forester Rachel Egolf, Somerset County

Changing sassafras leaves in Somerset County. Photo by Rachel Egolf.

Somerset had an incredible fall show this year. It’s hard to recall a better color spectacle than what we experienced here on the Lower Shore. While we have passed peak color, there are still a few trees declaring that they are still in the game. If you look, you can occasionally find bright spots of red maple, yellow to burgundy-red sweet gum, bright yellow hickories and oaks in every color. Leaves everywhere are falling. Let’s enjoy this last bit of color as cooler weather comes in this weekend. Before you know it we’ll be looking for nature’s first green- gold, according to Robert Frost.

Janet Heaton, Pocomoke River State Park

A trail in the Milburn Landing area of Pocomoke River State Park shows yellow changing leaves. Photo by Janet Heaton.

Celestial Report

By Anthony Burrows

The Leonids meteor shower will peak overnight on November 17-18, typically generating up to 15 meteors per hour. While bright moonlight may compete early in the evening, the Moon sets shortly after midnight, making the pre-dawn hours the prime viewing window. Meteors will radiate from the constellation Leo in the eastern sky. Mars and Jupiter will be in the general vicinity too, so you can look for them. Fun fact: Roughly every 33 years, the Leonids experience an intense periodic peak producing hundreds of meteors an hour, the last time this happened was in November 2001.

A map showing where to look in the sky to see the Leonids shower.