I’m an amateur drone photographer and wanted some fall colors in my collection. I had posted online a few weeks ago asking for advice on where I can fly in to capture some good stuff. One of the recs was “Pittsburgh, then drive to Deep Creek Lake MD or Terra Alta WV”

Anyone know if it’s too late in the year at this point to make the trip? Are all the colors gone / leaves fallen? If so, I can cancel my flight for a refund.

Would appreciate any advice.

Thanks!

Comments

music-is-cool t1_itzqfcu wrote on October 27, 2022 at 2:24 PM

#258,941

I just came through Augusta WV over the weekend(about 1h45m south of us). And I can't stand the leafers in NY state but I'm happy to say the colors were beautiful. Pretty similar to the local colors rn. Though leaves are falling now... Mid October is best but you may still find some good shots. Good luck

WalterBoudreaux OP t1_itzrpt1 wrote on October 27, 2022 at 2:33 PM

#259,140

Replying to music-is-cool (#258,941)

Would have loved to go mid October, but had to travel for work last few weeks in a row. Even this potential trip for this weekend is being squeezed in after I’ve been in 3 different states in the last 5 days haha.

ballsonthewall t1_itzsca4 wrote on October 27, 2022 at 2:37 PM

#259,213

it's too late anywhere with elevation or north, not sure how things look south. I will say, in the city proper the urban heat island keeps things colorful for longer... so it might be a good weekend to go out and get some shots in the city. The Slopes and Mount Washington look beautiful.

James19991 t1_itzt4up wrote on October 27, 2022 at 2:42 PM

#259,316

I would say the city is still pretty close to peak color, but I have definitely noticed a lot more leaf dropping in the last few days, so this weekend will be your last best bet to see good color in the city. In places like Deep Creek, I would imagine they're way past peak at this point.

This has been the coolest October we've had in this region in over a decade, so the colors came in a bit earlier than they have in recent years. .

[deleted] t1_itzun9t wrote on October 27, 2022 at 2:52 PM

#259,523

Replying to James19991 (#259,316)

[deleted]

WalterBoudreaux OP t1_itzup7p wrote on October 27, 2022 at 2:52 PM

#259,531

Replying to ballsonthewall (#259,213)

What is the Slopes? Looks like Mount Washington is a neighborhood and park across the water from downtown Pittsburgh? No airspace restrictions there thankfully.

WalterBoudreaux OP t1_itzurra wrote on October 27, 2022 at 2:53 PM

#259,536

Replying to James19991 (#259,316)

Okay I am scheduled to fly out tomorrow as of now.

BmoresFnst t1_itzw1s5 wrote on October 27, 2022 at 3:01 PM

#259,696

Peak colors this week and last. St Mary Catholic Cemetery looked like it was on fire when I was driving yesterday. Leaves are now starting to really fall.

One of the most beautiful Falls I’ve had here in Pittsburgh. Pittsburgh lifers agreed with me. Usually we go from Summer to Winter with no colors.

If you’re leaving tomorrow, you’ll be catching the second half of the peak. Some trees might not be as full but the colors are still there.

ballsonthewall t1_itzwb54 wrote on October 27, 2022 at 3:03 PM

#259,726

Replying to WalterBoudreaux (#259,531)

The Slopes is my neighborhood, the collection of houses stuck to the hill above South Side!

James19991 t1_itzxoud wrote on October 27, 2022 at 3:12 PM

#259,894

Replying to WalterBoudreaux (#259,536)

You should be ok in and around most of Allegheny County, but I would imagine outlying areas are definitely past peak.

WestEndFlasher t1_itzypz8 wrote on October 27, 2022 at 3:19 PM

#260,025

oaks and hickory are still pretty colorful around me

dilladog t1_iu2a8f7 wrote on October 28, 2022 at 12:48 AM

#272,468

Replying to ballsonthewall (#259,213)

The rain is browning things out.

WalterBoudreaux OP t1_iu8nzx0 wrote on October 29, 2022 at 12:37 PM

#311,403

Replying to BmoresFnst (#259,696)

I just landed last night. Where around the city would you recommend I go? It looks like there’s a few “lookout” points where I can get the water + downtown and bridges,

BmoresFnst t1_iu907e4 wrote on October 29, 2022 at 2:24 PM

#313,714

Replying to WalterBoudreaux (#311,403)

Tons of lookout points. Most well known is Mount Washington. Looks right over the point. Tons of photography on this subreddit. Check out some of their views as well. I personally love a nice stroll around Highland Park Reservoir. Schenley Park also has some beautiful overlooks on to Oakland with fall foliage.