West Virginia Tourism Office Releases Fourth Fall Foliage Report and Featured Country Road Trip of 2019
Travelers encouraged to plan trips in advance to see West Virginia’s beautiful fall color
CHARLESTON, WV (Oct. 30, 2019) — Fall color is moving fast through West Virginia as foliage peaks in the mountains and is nearing peak in the eastern panhandle and river valleys in the southern counties. With numerous places to see beautiful fall color, this weekend is one of the best to see foliage this season.
To help leaf peepers and tourists visiting the state plan their country road trips, the West Virginia Tourism Office released its fourth fall foliage report of the 2019 season today, highlighting U.S. Route 522. This series of foliage reports, prepared in partnership with the West Virginia Division of Forestry, helps travelers plan fall adventures based on peak foliage times around the state.
“Fall color in many areas of the state has peaked or is nearing peak, so we’re encouraging travelers to plan their fall getaways while the vibrant colors are still on the trees,” Tourism Commissioner Chelsea Ruby said. “Nothing compares to a mountain escape surrounded by stunning fall color, and that’s exactly what you’ll find this weekend in West Virginia.”
Fall Foliage Update
Fall color can be seen statewide, but foliage in the higher elevations is past peak. Lower elevations in the eastern panhandle and southern counties have the best color this weekend.
Featured Country Road: U.S. Route 522
West Virginia’s eastern panhandle is one of the last areas in the state to peak during the fall foliage season, which makes this weekend a perfect time to enjoy a country road trip down U.S. Route 522. In addition to red, yellow and orange fall colors, this beautiful and historic region is alive with vibrant downtowns and outdoor recreation. While only a brief 10-mile drive, U.S. Route 522 from Berkeley Springs to Cacapon Resort State Park is not short on beautiful views. You can enjoy a morning of hiking, fishing and outdoor adventures at Cacapon before you visit the historic spa town of Berkeley Springs for an afternoon of exploring quaint shops, local restaurants and the Spa at Berkeley Springs State Park.
Make a weekend of your country road trip by spending the night at Cacapon Resort. And make sure you include a detour down W.Va. Route 9 to Panorama Overlook, located three miles from Berkeley Springs. In addition to seeing fall color on Cacapon Mountain and the Potomac River, this scenic overlook provides gorgeous views of four states: West Virginia, Virginia, Pennsylvania and Maryland.
As you enjoy your country road trip this weekend, post, share and tag your favorite fall photos and road trip memories using #AlmostHeaven. For weekly fall foliage updates and travel inspiration, visit www.WVtourism.com/fall.
About West Virginia Tourism Office
The West Virginia Tourism Office, an agency of the West Virginia Department of Commerce, aims to promote West Virginia as a leading four-season travel destination and top state in which to live, work and retire.
Known as the Mountain State, West Virginia is one of the most scenic states in the nation and is home to the beautiful Monongahela National Forest, six national parks, and 45 state parks and forests. In addition to its majestic mountains and rolling hills, West Virginia is full of rich historic sites, enchanting art galleries, charming towns and an immense sense of belonging found only in its heaven-like landscapes.
For more information about West Virginia and to plan your trip, visit www.WVtourism.com.
This post was last updated on October 30, 2019