CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Regional Forester Rudy Williams says there is plenty of fall color to see this weekend, especially in areas of high elevation. Williams and his staff report that foliage in the upper elevations of Grant, Pendleton, Preston and Tucker counties currently ranges from 75 percent to 90 percent peak.
“The Mt. Storm area of Grant County is peaking and the Spruce Knob area of Pendleton County has peaked, but is still beautiful,” Williams said. Recommended Grant County drives include U.S. Route 50 and State Route 93.
In Preston County, Williams’ staff suggests driving State Route 92 and U.S. Route 50; in Tucker County take State Route 72.
In other parts of the state, the higher elevations of Pocahontas, Randolph, Webster and Greenbrier counties are at 70 percent peak. “This weekend should offer some excellent views from these higher elevations,” said Regional Forester Tom Cover. “Northern hardwoods are showing excellent color at the higher elevations, but most oaks are still green.”
Cover and his staff suggest the following drives: In Greenbrier County, take the Leonard-Cordova Road from U.S. Route 219 to the headwaters of Spring Creek. Take State Route 66 from Snowshoe to Cass and State Route 150/Highland Scenic Highway from Kennison Mountain to U.S. Route 219 in Pocahontas County.
U.S. Route 250/State Route 92 from Huttonsville to Durbin should offer good views this weekend in Randolph County, along with any road from Harman to Spruce Knob Lake.
In Webster County, take State Route 15 from Webster Springs to Valley Head across Point Mountain.
Cover predicts that leaves will be at peak in Fayette County next weekend, just in time for the 30th anniversary of Bridge Day.
Foliage in the Mid-Ohio Valley and the Metro Valley is slowly catching up with that at higher elevations. Regional Forester Kevin Arnold and his staff report that Calhoun, Doddridge, Gilmer, Jackson, Pleasants, Ritchie, Roane, Tyler, Wirt and Wood counties are at 30 percent peak. They recommend a drive along U.S. Route 50 from Clarksburg to Parkersburg for the best color in that area.
For more information about fall foliage, visit the Division of Forestry’s Web site at www.wvforestry.com.