CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The West Virginia Tourism Office in partnership with the West Virginia Division of Forestry released the third fall foliage report of the season Wednesday:
Higher elevations in Region 2 (Braxton, Clay, Fayette, Greenbrier, Lewis, McDowell, Mercer, Monroe, Nicholas, Pocahontas, Raleigh, Randolph, Summers, Upshur, Webster and Wyoming counties) still have some good viewing opportunities, but leaf drop has begun. Color is beginning to extend to the mid elevations of the region, but the best viewing is still a week to 10 days from peak color. This may be the last colorful weekend in higher elevations.
West Virginia counties currently showing vivid color:
Greenbrier (65%) — Beech Ridge is at peak this weekend but the rest of the county will color in the next 10 days.
Mercer (50%) — Higher elevations around Flat Top may be near peak this weekend. Expect good color on U.S. 19 from Flat Top to Camp Creek State Forest.
Nicholas (60%) — Higher elevations around Richwood should be near peak this weekend and Powells Mountain appears to have good viewing.
Pendleton (45%) — Dolly Sods will be peak color this week. In Petersburg, South Side Depot Fall Train Rides begin Oct. 7.
Randolph (70%) — Higher elevations, especially Cheat Mountain and the Harman area, will be at peak or slightly past peak this weekend. Recommended drives are U.S. 33 from Bowden to Harman; U.S. 19 from Huttonsville to Mingo; and U.S. 250 from Huttonsville to Durbin.
Webster (65%) — Higher elevations have reached peak viewing for the weekend while the lower elevations still have green colors mixed with the maples, beeches, birches and gums. A recommended drive is WV Route 15, from Webster Springs to Valley Head. The Upper Gauley River should be peak this weekend.
Featured #AlmostHeaven Road Trip: Pocahontas County
At 70 percent peak, higher elevations in Pocahontas County should have some good viewing, but leaf drop has begun, so this weekend may be your last opportunity to see the best color. Recommended drives are U.S. 219 from Mace to Marlinton; County Route 66 from Slaty Fork to Cass; and WV Route 150 (Highland Scenic Highway).
The area has much to explore, from the natural beauty of the Falls of Hills Creek, Cranberry Glades Botanical Area and Beartown State Park, to the historical sites of Droop Mountain Battlefield State Park and the Pearl S. Buck Birthplace, to the wonders of science and technology at Green Bank Observatory. You can find overnight lodging, dining and lots of recreational opportunities at Snowshoe Mountain. Ride the Cass Scenic Railroad and explore a historic logging camp while you savor the brilliant fall color of the surrounding mountains.
Residents and visitors are encouraged to continue sharing their favorite fall photos, moments and memories using #AlmostHeaven.