Changing leaves show fall advancing quickly

West Virginia state foresters say areas of high elevation, 3,500 feet and up, continue to have the most colorful foliage. Canaan Valley and Dolly Sods, which peaked earlier this week, should remain colorful through the coming weekend. State Route 32 from Harmon to Davis and Thomas is the recommended drive in the Canaan Valley area. The Bear Rocks area of Dolly Sods, which is especially colorful this year, is the recommended destination within the wilderness area.

Other points of interest nearing peak this week include Blackwater Falls, Spruce Knob, the Highland Scenic Highway and the Allegheny Front.

“The Highland Scenic Highway will make an excellent drive this weekend, especially from Kennison Mountain to Elk Mountain outside Marlinton,” Regional Forester Tom Cover said. “Foliage along the Highland Scenic Highway should be good next week, too.”

Cover said colors below 3,500 feet are appearing quickly and points of interest like the headwaters (East and West Forks) of the Greenbrier River, Spruce Knob Lake, Allegheny Mountain and Cheat Mountain should be good this coming weekend and the following one. Cover also suggested leaf peepers check out the viewing platform at Kumbrabow State Forest for excellent color.


Local festivals foresters suggest leaf peepers take in this weekend include the 41st annual Burlington Old Fashioned Apple Harvest Festival in Mineral County, the Mannington Octoberfest and Bunners Ridge Heritage Festival in Marion County, the Mountain State Forest Festival in Elkins, Oglebayfest/Ohio County Fair, and Pioneer Days in Elizabeth.