CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Peak fall colors remain in some lower elevations of the Mountain State as the first weekend of November approaches, according to the state Division of Forestry.
Forestry and the state Tourism Office released the latest fall foliage report Thursday:
Most opportunities to view fall foliage in the mountains have passed, but some pockets of color remain throughout West Virginia. The higher elevations experienced snow and wind over the weekend, leaving most leaves on the ground, and predicted rain may drop most remaining leaves within the next few days. Some color remains in the oaks and there are still a few opportunities for scenic drives this weekend.
West Virginia counties and regions still showing color:
Berkeley (100%) — River Road along the Potomac River and Sleepy Creek Wildlife Management Area along Hampshire Grade Road still have some good color.
Fayette (100%) — Most leaves are gone in the higher elevations, but some limited viewing opportunities remain in the New River Gorge. W.Va. 16 from Fayetteville to Gauley Bridge is a recommended drive.
Grant (85%) — Red oaks and white oaks are turning; peak color is expected for a few more days. U.S. 220 from Upper Tract in Pendleton County to Petersburg and Moorefield in Grant County is a recommended drive.
Hardy (100%) — Lots of color can still be found in the area. A recommended drive is old W.Va. 55 and U.S. 48 (Corridor H).
Jefferson (100%) —The Appalachian Trail south from Harpers Ferry is a beautiful walk now. Mason Road and Bakerton Road are showing some of the best color in the Eastern Panhandle.
Mingo (70%) — Color is approaching peak in the county. King Coal Highway and the new U.S. 52 between Horsepen Mountain and Taylorsville are recommended drives.
Monongalia (100%) — Beautiful colors remain at Coopers Rock State Forest and Cheat Lake.
Morgan (100%) — Colors are peaking in the county. Recommended sights include the three-state view from the panorama off W.Va. 9, Detour Road, Winchester Road and the overlook at Cacapon Resort State Park.
Wyoming (95%) — Most of the oaks have changed and good colors are scattered throughout the county. A recommended drive is W.Va. 10 from Pineville to Oceana.
Featured #AlmostHeaven Road Trip: state Route 2
Color is at 75% to 80% in Cabell and Mason counties, making this an ideal time to drive U.S. Route 2 along the Ohio River from Huntington to Point Pleasant. Area events this Saturday, Nov. 4, include an antique tractor pull at the West Virginia State Farm Museum in Point Pleasant and Way Back Weekend at Heritage Farm Museum and Village in Huntington. Stop for a gourmet hot dog at Hillbilly Hot Dogs in Lesage — voted one of West Virginia’s 101 Unique Places to Dine.
Residents and visitors are encouraged to continue sharing their favorite fall photos, moments and memories using #AlmostHeaven.
For more fall foliage and autumn travel inspiration, visit www.gotowv.com/fall.