State foresters recommend heading to the high country this weekend to see foliage at its peak. Perennial foliage hotspots, including Dolly Sods, Blackwater Falls and Canaan Valley are reportedly either at peak or expected to peak over the next few days.
“Dolly Sods is at peak for viewing,” said Fire Forester John Anderson of the West Virginia Division of Forestry (DOF). “Foliage is between 70 percent and 90 percent peak and colors include oranges, reds and yellows. The Davis/Thomas/Canaan Valley area is peak or nearing peak. Foliage there is very colorful and visitors will certainly enjoy the show while it lasts.”
In Pocahontas County, favorite foliage spots like Cheat Mountain, Snowshoe and the headwaters of the Greenbrier River are getting close to peak. The Highland Scenic Highway has good but scattered color.
The Silver Lake area of Preston County is approximately 60 percent peak and another recommended destination this weekend.
Pendleton County’s Spruce Knob is between 50 percent and 75 percent peak. A variety of yellow, orange and red hues are reportedly well worth the trip. The Allegheny Front and North Mountain also are must-see destinations.
Foresters in Morgan County report an abundance of color along the Cacapon River. The recommended drive is State Route 9 from Berkeley Springs toward Paw Paw, with a stop at the Panorama Overlook. The overlook includes views of three states, West Virginia, Maryland and Pennsylvania, as well as the Potomac and Cacapon Rivers.
For photos and more information about West Virginia’s 2013 fall foliage season, visit the agency’s Facebook page, www.facebook.com/wvforestry.
The next fall foliage report will be released Thursday, Oct. 10, 2013.