10/22/2009
CHARLESTON, W.Va. –Despite widespread rain last week and even snow in some parts of the state, there still are areas of West Virginia that have great fall color. Foresters say that now is a perfect time to take in the colors in Hancock, Marshall and Ohio counties in the Northern Panhandle, although they report that foliage in Brooke County is past peak. A drive along State Route 2 is recommended, as is a trip along U.S. Route 250 to Hundred in Wetzel County. Foliage in the area around Hundred is reported to be especially colorful.
Barbour, Harrison, Marion, Monongalia, Preston and Taylor counties also are reported to have excellent fall color. Points of interest include Watters Smith State Park in Harrison County and Coopers Rock State Forest in Monongalia County.
In the Eastern Panhandle counties of Morgan, Berkeley and Jefferson, foliage ranges from 90 percent to 100 percent peak. Travel along State Route 230 from Shepherdstown to Harpers Ferry is highly recommended, as is a trip along the Washington Heritage Trail. Foresters also suggest driving State Route 9 from Berkeley Springs to Paw Paw.
For those who didn’t make it to Bridge Day last weekend, foresters in that area report that there are still some good opportunities to view fall foliage in the New River Gorge. Don’t delay, though; leaves are falling fast there. Grandview Park in Raleigh County is another suggested destination and should provide opportunities to see good color this weekend.
Areas of McDowell, Mercer, Monroe and Wyoming counties continue to have good color. Foresters recommend visiting Berwind Lake Wildlife Management Area in McDowell County, traveling U.S. Route 19 from Ghent to Princeton and driving State Route 10 from Pineville to Welch.
Foliage is reported to be at 80 percent peak in Calhoun, Doddridge, Jackson, Ritchie, Roane, Tyler and Wirt counties. Travel along State Route 14 is highly recommended.
In Kanawha County foliage is reported to be at 60 percent peak. Pockets of color can be found along I-77 and I-79.
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