10/1/2009
SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Autumn is a special time in the Mountain State with crisp air, fun festivals and gorgeous fall foliage. This year promises a colorful canopy of leaves that will satisfy even the most experienced leaf peeper.
“West Virginia has some of the best fall color in the country,” said Tourism Commissioner Betty Carver. “We have great fairs, festivals, special events, landmarks and tourist attractions throughout the state, plus awesome scenery lining your drives to them. I encourage everyone to visit West Virginia this fall.”
Carver’s counterpart at the Division of Forestry guarantees visitors and residents will have plenty of colorful foliage to see this autumn. “Trees are very full this year due to plenty of rain through spring and summer,” Director/State Forester Randy Dye said. “I expect to see deep, rich color and plenty of it.”
Dye said that if cool temperature patterns continue, the state could start to see fall color earlier than in recent years. “Leaves change color as daylight hours lessen and temperatures fall,” he explained. “It’s a process foresters call photoperiodism.”
Leaves in areas of higher elevation, like those in Pendleton, Pocahontas, Randolph and Tucker counties, will change color first. Next, communities like Richwood and Summersville take center stage, and gradually the rest of the state takes on a colorful cloak of fall hues.
Foresters will provide weekly fall foliage reports starting Oct. 1 to recommend where both residents and visitors can travel to see the best color. Reports will be posted on www.wvforestry.com and www.wvtourism.com.
Tourism personnel are standing by to help you plan the ultimate fall foliage escape. Start planning your trip today by calling 1-800-CALL-WVA or visiting one of our many Welcome Centers for information on events and attractions happening throughout the fall season.
Contact Information
Tricia Sizemore
304-558-2003 x 319
tricia.t.sizemore@wv.gov