Turning
over a new leaf
State begins to see autumn colors
SEPT. 29, 2004 -- Every autumn, the Mountain State comes alive with color and provides opportunities to see some of the best fall foliage in the country. This year will be no exception. Division of Forestry officials say leaves appear to be turning colors more slowly than in recent years, but they assure the public that when the colors do change, they will be breathtaking.
Although Jack Frost usually gets credit for the changing leaves, the scientific reason for fall foliage is a process called “photoperiodism”. As the sun moves further south, the hours of daylight shorten and the temperatures fall. This causes leaves to cease production of chlorophyll, the chemical that colors leaves green. As the chlorophyll disappears, the underlying colors of the leaves are unmasked. The next strongest pigment becomes dominant, giving the leaves a “new” color.
Typically, leaves at higher elevations
turn more quickly than those in lower areas. At this time, peak color ranges
from 5-50% across West Virginia. Following are some suggested driving routes
and/or areas to visit:
The Richwood area of Nicholas County is near 50% peak color. A drive along
Route 39 and Route 55 from Richwood over Kennison Mountain should be worth
the trip.
In Pocahontas County, color adds to the beautiful views that can be seen from the Scenic Highway, (Route 150). That area of Pocahontas County is near 50% peak. Color can also be seen from Durbin to Mill Creek. A drive along Route 250 is highly recommended. Higher elevations of Randolph County are at 45% peak color. A drive east along Route 33 should be spectacular.
Dogwood and sumac trees are now peaking in the northern part of the State. Avoid traffic and take any back farm road in Marion, southern Marshall, Taylor and Wetzel Counties to see those trees at peak. Colors are changing quickly in Tucker County where currently 10-15 % of the leaves are at peak. Texas Mountain and Clover Run are two recommended drives in Tucker County.
A visit to Coopers Rock State Forest in Monongalia County will provide leaf peepers with a good show of color in shades of yellow and red. Trees along the Allegheny Front in Mineral County are near 20% peak color. Suggested driving routes in Mineral County are Route 2, Route 50 and Route 4.
Fayette, Greenbrier, Monroe and Summers Counties are currently at 20% peak color. Recent rains have knocked some leaves to the ground, but some color can still be seen in those counties. Mercer County is currently at 30% peak.The next Fall Foliage Report will be available Wednesday, October 6.
For more information about fall foliage, visit the Division of Forestry’s website at www.wvforestry.com.
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West Virginia Division of Tourism • 90 MacCorkle Ave., SW • South Charleston, WV 25303
304-558-2200 or 1-800-CALL-WVA • FAX: 304-558-2459 • www.callwvanews.com