CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Those hoping to catch a final glimpse of nature’s fall radiance should make a trip soon, according to State Forestry officials. The 2009 fall foliage season is quickly coming to an end as much of West Virginia, except for some Metro Valley areas, is now at 100 percent peak or past peak. This week is likely to be the last opportunity to see vibrant color for the year.
Several of the best places to view fall foliage include Kanawha, Boone, Cabell, Mason and Putnam counties. Most other counties in the state have limited viewing or are past peak except Berkeley, Jefferson and Morgan where foresters report that there are still plenty of leaves to see. Suggested drives include state Route 230 and state Route 9.
Clusters of color can be seen throughout Hardy County while U.S. Route 50 in Romney towards Capon Bridge in Hampshire County also offers some good leaf-peeping conditions.
In southern West Virginia there are a few remaining opportunities to see fall foliage, including the Berwind Lake area. Suggested drives include U.S. Route 460 east from Princeton to the Virginia state line; U.S. Route 219 from Union to Peterstown in Monroe County; and state Route 10 from Pineville to the Wyoming/Logan County line.
As the fall foliage season comes to a close, the Division of Forestry reminds West Virginia residents that fall fire season runs through Dec. 31. If you do burn leaves, be sure to do so between 4 p.m. and 7 a.m. and use extreme caution, especially if your area of the state is dry.
For more information about fall foliage, visit the Division of Forestry’s Web site at www.wvforestry.com.