Early Fall Color in Appalachia; Colorado Forecast

Fall foliage is arriving earlier than usual across parts of the Appalachians in 2025, with Virginia reporting early red and spotty yellow development in western and central counties and peak colors broadly expected Oct. 10–31. West Virginia says foliage is approaching peak and that forecast rain should rejuvenate leaves and prolong vibrant color; the state is promoting a live leaf tracker, curated itineraries and events such as the Buckwheat Festival. Prolonged late‑summer dryness in parts of Pennsylvania has pushed fall color earlier while likely shortening the peak, with drought‑sensitive species—maple, birch, black cherry and yellow poplar—changing and dropping leaves and some sites (Forbes State Forest, Mt. Davis, Jones Mill Run) about a week ahead. Separately, Southern Colorado will be dry and calm tonight with lows in the 40s and 50s and a seasonal weekend with highs in the 70s and 80s, with only isolated mountain showers possible through Monday. Summit Daily has launched a multiyear project to digitize its archives back to 1989 with the Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection, a $165,000 effort funded by reader donations, including contributions directed in 2023.