CHARLESTON, W.Va. – State foresters say that foliage at several sites in West Virginia is currently at peak color. Areas reported to be at 100 percent peak include the Allegheny Front in Mineral County, Pendleton County’s Spruce Knob and the Mt. Storm area of Grant County. In Tucker County, leaves at Davis and Canaan Valley also range in color from 90 to 100 percent peak. Foliage throughout the rest of the state ranges from 30 to 80 percent peak, with areas of higher elevation continuing to show the most fall color. Sugar maple, elm and poplar trees appear to have the most vibrant colors, but dogwood trees, Virginia creeper and sumac are adding their deep red hues to the landscape too. Oaks are once again slow to change and mostly remain green.
Regional Forester Tom Cover says that colorful leaves are enhancing some of the state’s best scenery. “U.S. Route 219 from Lewisburg to Droop Mountain not only has great year-round views, but now also has great fall color,” he said. “The higher elevations of Greenbrier County are at 80 percent peak, while the lower elevations are about 65 percent.”
Cover says Randolph County’s foliage is colorful again this week with areas of elevation above 3,500 feet nearing peak. The rest of the county has foliage at about 70 percent peak. Cover recommends a drive along U.S. Route 250 with a stop at Gaudineer Knob.
Foresters recommend several other drives that should be colorful this weekend:
· Nicholas County’s portion of U.S. Route 19 is reported to be at 70 percent peak color.
· U.S. Route 60 from Rainelle to Anstead in Fayette County where foliage is at 65 percent peak.
· Interstate 79 through Braxton and Clay counties has 55 percent peak foliage.
· Those attending the Black Walnut Festival in Spencer this weekend will enjoy 30 percent peak foliage along State Route 14 from Parkersburg and U.S. Route 33 from Ripley.
For more information about fall foliage, visit the Division of Forestry’s Web site at www.wvforestry.com.