10/13/2010
Charleston, W.Va. – Foliage throughout West Virginia is quickly transitioning and should provide some excellent color this weekend. Regional Forester Tom Cover, who oversees forestry operations in 16 of the state’s southeastern counties, says this weekend will be a good one to visit his area.
“Foliage in higher-elevation counties like Greenbrier, Pocahontas, Randolph and Webster should be at peak this weekend with the exception of drier sites along the eastern portions that have experienced drought conditions.” Cover adds that the areas not affected by the drought are very colorful.
Recommended drives for Greenbrier County include U.S. Route 219 from Lewisburg to Hillsboro and County Route 9 from Alta to Williamsburg. In Pocahontas County, foresters recommend a drive along State Route 55 from Mill Point to Richwood. Suggested routes in Randolph County include U.S. Route 33 from Elkins to Harman and U.S. Route 219 from Huttonsville to Marlinton (Pocahontas County). Elk River Road from Webster Springs to Whitacre Falls is the recommended drive in Webster County.
Cover estimates that counties of lower elevation, including Braxton, Clay, Lewis, Nicholas and Upshur are 10 to 14 days away from peak. And as far as the color outlook for Bridge Day goes, he says to expect near peak conditions along U.S. Route 19 and the New River Canyon.
Foliage in the state’s southwestern counties ranges from 50 percent to 60 percent peak, except in Kanawha County where foresters estimate the foliage to be at 80 percent peak. Drives along most side roads will be colorful, as will those along Interstates 77 and 79.
Blair Mountain in Logan County is reported to be at 70 percent peak and foresters recommend a drive along State Route 17 across the mountain.
Limited color remains in the state’s northern counties, but with rain and wind in the weather forecast, foresters anticipate that most of the leaves will be falling in those areas very soon.
State foresters will continue to track and report on foliage throughout October. The next fall foliage report will be released on Thursday, Oct. 21, 2010.
For more information about fall foliage, visit the Division of Forestry’s website at www.wvforestry.com.
Contact Information
Leslie Fitzwater, Public Information Specialist
304.957.9342 or 304.541.8102
Leslie.C.Fitzwater@wv.gov