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West Virginia Tourism released its annual Fall Foliage Forecast Friday morning, providing predictions on when the change in tree coloration will be seen in the various parts of the Mountain State.
According to their map, the first major change will be in late September and early October in much of the eastern portions of the state, including areas around Morgantown, Philippi, Elkins, Thomas and Davis, and moving south.
The majority of the Eastern Panhandle would come next, in early to mid-October
The Martinsburg area, the Northern Panhandle, and much of the southwestern part of the state will be last, supposedly hitting coloration in late October and early November.
While the temperatures, locally, have still been hot, the school year is fast approaching and we are reminded that autumn is not too far away.
The thoughts of many often turn to football, maybe a few seasonal fairs, pumpkin-flavored everything, apple-flavored somethings, and the start of "spooky season." I enjoy many of those as well, but, for me, this time of year typically also means weekend trips with family to explore our state.
I've had the chance to travel to various parts of the country, but I look forward to the autumn months in West Virginia, as our hills and mountains are flooded with oranges, reds, yellows, and purples. The cooler air wraps around us. The waters become more still as the summer boating activities wrap up.
Some of my favorite travels through West Virginia have taken place during the fall, whether it's a quick drive up to Tomlinson Run for a walk around some of the trails, an overnight to Parkersburg to include a night-time excursion to Blennerhassett Island, a day or two to Canaan Valley and Blackwater Falls state parks, or even an afternoon trip around other parts of the Northern Panhandle.
There are so many events in West Virginia from September though early December.
Locally, we celebrate the season with the Brooke County Fair, New Cumberland Fall River Fest, Wellsburg Applefest, and more.
Davis hosts the Leaf Peepers Festival, while the Mountain State Forest Festival is in Elkins. Bridge Day is a major highlight for many in the state as the only day spectators can walk across the New River Gorge Bridge. The day is known primarily as an extreme sports event, as BASE jumpers launch themselves (with a parachute) into the gorge below, and rappellers take a trip from the bridge's catwalk.
Several events highlight food themes, such as the Buckwheat Festival in Preston County, Taste of Our Towns in Lewisburg, and Martinsburg's Mountain State Apple Harvest Festival. There are various Paw Paw festivals, named either in honor of the town or the fruit native to the Appalachian region.
If the supernatural is more your interest, you can't forget the Mothman Festival, held each September in Point Pleasant.
There are too many other events to list in this space, of course, but it's enough to say autumn is a busy season in West Virginia.
If you have an interest in learning more, or even planning a trip, a good place to start locally would be stopping by the Top of West Virginia Convention and Visitors Bureau. You can grab a few brochures and travel magaizines, and maybe check out a few locally made items in the Top Shop.
For more statewide attractions, go online to West Virginia Tourism, where state staffers compile a listing of events by month. They also offer suggestions on excursions based on the time of year.
As for me, while I don't want to give away any details, there may be a trip on the horizon to visit a few more of our state parks and check out some of our scenic views before the winter sets in.
(Howell, a resident of Colliers, is managing editor of The Weirton Daily Times, and can be contacted at chowell@weirtondailytimes.com or followed on Twitter/X @CHowellWDT)