Fall Foliage: Catch It While You Can

10/15/2009

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – State Forestry officials urge residents and visitors to get out to see West Virginia’s colorful fall foliage while they can. Although foresters across the state report plenty of color this week, the season is winding up quickly.

Foliage in West Virginia’s Northern Panhandle counties ranges from 80 to 85 percent peak. Local foresters report that leaf color is excellent, especially in Marshall County. Suggested drives in the Northern Panhandle include State Route 2 and U.S. Route 250. While in Ohio County, be sure to visit Oglebay Park, where color is reported to be at 80 percent peak.

Foresters in the state’s Eastern Panhandle report that foliage in that area ranges from 75 to 80 percent peak. Points of interest to check out there include Harpers Ferry and Sleepy Creek Wildlife Management Area. Recommended drives are State Route 230 from Shepherdstown to Harpers Ferry and any section along State Route 9.

Northern counties reported to have excellent color and nearing peak this week include Barbour, Hardy, Harrison, Marion, Mineral, Preston and Taylor. Coopers Rock State Forest in Monongalia County is a great destination this weekend since foliage is reported to be at 80 percent peak.

If weather predictions for rain and even snow flurries throughout West Virginia over the next few days are accurate, foresters note that leaves will fall quickly. Therefore, this weekend may be the last opportunity to see fall color in several counties, including Braxton, Clay, Lewis, Raleigh, Summers and Upshur.

Fayette County is reported to be at 80 percent peak, just in time for Bridge Day on Oct. 17. Suggested drives include U.S. Route 19 from Summersville to Fayetteville.

Bluestone Canyon in Mercer County should offer good views this weekend. Take State Route 20 from Princeton to Pipestem Resort State Park where foliage is reported to be at 70 percent peak.

Foresters report good views throughout McDowell County, which also is reported to be at 70 percent peak. U.S. Route 52 from Bluefield to Welch in McDowell County is the recommended drive.

In Greenbrier County, be sure to visit Greenbrier State Forest where foliage is reported to be at 85 percent peak.

Foliage in Calhoun, Doddridge, Gilmer, Jackson, Ritchie and Tyler counties ranges from 70 percent to 75 percent peak.

In Wood County, be sure to check out the Fall Foliage Festival at Mountwood Park on Saturday, Oct. 17.

For more information about fall foliage, visit the Division of Forestry’s Web site at www.wvforestry.com.

Contact Information

Leslie Fitzwater
304-558-2003 x 342
leslie.c.fitzwater@wv.gov