West Virginia Division of Forestry |
West Virginia’s Rich Forests Provide
Great Opportunities to View Fall Foliage
Most Leaves Now in Early Transition Stage – Green Still Dominant
Autumn has arrived in the Mountain State and with it comes the anticipation of seeing some of the most plentiful fall foliage in the nation.
“West Virginia is the third-most-forested state in the country with nearly 80 percent or 12 million acres of the land covered with trees,” said State Forester Randy Dye. “When the state’s hardwood forests are at peak color, they rarely disappoint even the most experienced leaf peeper.”
Although anticipation of brilliant fall color is high, most of the state’s foliage currently is only in the beginning stage of transition. Here are some of the best spots this week to see:
The higher elevations of Grant, Pendleton, and Tucker counties have the most color change with foliage ranging between 25 and 40 percent peak. Mt. Storm and Dolly Sods in Grant County are showing some color, as is Spruce Knob in Pendleton County. In Tucker County, the higher elevations are close to 45 percent peak foliage with reds mostly showing through the otherwise green landscape.
In Pocahontas and Randolph counties the higher elevations are at 25 percent peak color where maple, birch, and poplar leaves are changing quickly. Foliage along the Scenic Highway in Pocahontas County is developing its traditionally spectacular fall hues.
Foliage in Hardy County ranges between 15 and 25 percent peak. Old Route 55 from Wardensville to Baker is the recommended drive for that county.
Sycamore, poplar, and maple trees are starting to take on color along the New River in Summers County, although color is presently only near 15 percent peak.
The Division of Forestry will provide fall foliage reports throughout the month of October.
For more information on fall foliage, visit West Virginia Forestry’s Web site at www.wvforestry.com.
For information about fall foliage around the nation, visit the USDA Forest Service's foliage page at http://www.fs.fed.us/news/fallcolors/index.shtml.