If you are a leaf peeper in Lancaster County, your Christmas has arrived.

The southeastern section of the state might not have mountains filled with trees stretching to the horizon, but sometimes that only makes the blushing of individual trees more glorious to behold — especially when they're reflected in a sparkling body of water, such as Speedwell Forge Lake near Lititz, a fine spot to check out fall foliage.

Earlier this week, the county was only at 20 to 30 percent of peak color, according to the state Bureau of Forestry.

But if you waited until peak, you'd likely miss the reds of black gum and flowering dogwood trees, which are currently at their peak.

If yellow is your passion, ash, locust and walnuts are reaching their maximum color. And sassafras and red maple trees, which can boast a range of bright yellows, reds and oranges, also are approaching peak.

Overall, though, it won't be the showiest autumn in recent memory.

The unusually wet weather and continuing warm temperatures extending well into October are fooling local trees to stay green longer than usual, said Marc Abrams, professor of forest ecology and physiology at Penn State.

"We believe that clear, bright days, low but not freezing temperatures and dry but not drought conditions promote the best fall colors," Abrams said.

"Clearly, this won't be one of our better years."

acrable@lnpnews.com