Sunrise in Pittsburgh, 19 October 2025 (photo by Kate St. John)

25 October 2025

Vibrant reds and oranges graced the sky and the forest in Pittsburgh this week.

Our region is in the midst of an oak-hickory forest so red-colored leaves can be scarce. Oaks turn dark red after most other trees are bare and hickories turn yellow, so I look forward to the moment when our few sugar maples turn red. It happened this week in Schenley Park, as you can see below.

Fall color on maples in Schenley Park, 23 Oct 2025 (photo by Kate St. John)

Fall color on maples in Schenley Park, 23 Oct 2025 (photo by Kate St. John)

Fall color along the Lower Trail at Schenley Park. Notice that it’s yellow. 20 Oct 2025 (photo by Kate St. John)

Fall color on maples in Schenley Park, 23 Oct 2025 (photo by Kate St. John)

Sunlight breaks through the background; fall color in Schenley Park, 23 Oct 2025 (photo by Kate St. John)

Two deer browsed near Schenley’s Upper Trail. One is already in her gray winter coat but so close to the trail that her camouflage didn’t matter. I would have missed the other deer (yellow arrow) except that it moved.

Two deer browsing in Schenley Park near the Upper Trail, 20 Oct 2025 (photo by Kate St. John)

Cold temperatures have ended this year’s spotted lanternflies so I was surprised to see one on the Panther Hollow Bridge. The air was so cold that didn’t move as I approached. Hah! I see you.

Spotted lanternfly, Schenley Park, 20 Oct 2025 (photo by Kate St. John)