West Virginia Tourism Office Releases Second 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, W.Va. (Oct. 16, 2019) — Warmer temperatures in September delayed fall color a bit this year, but foliage season is now in full swing. Leaf peepers have several more weeks to enjoy a county road trip to see peak foliage throughout West Virginia.

The West Virginia Tourism Office released its second fall foliage report of the 2019 season today, highlighting U.S. Route 250 as the featured country road trip of the week. This series of foliage reports, prepared in partnership with the West Virginia Division of Forestry, helps travelers plan road trips and fall adventures based on peak foliage times around the state.

“Fall was a little late in coming this year, but West Virginia’s autumn beauty never disappoints,” said West Virginia Tourism Commissioner Chelsea Ruby. “In the first few weeks of the season alone, we’ve seen a great response from visitors who have posted their #AlmostHeaven fall photos on social media. As the season continues, I encourage everyone to get outside, enjoy the fall colors, and explore the many events and festivals happening across our great state.”

Fall Foliage Update

Hillsides in West Virginia’s southern counties and lower elevations are taking on hues of yellow, orange and red, creating anticipation around the state for the coming weeks of foliage season. But the best fall color this weekend is still at higher elevations in counties such as Randolph County.

Featured Country Road: U.S. Route 250 between Elkins and Durbin

This weekend is a perfect time for a scenic drive along U.S. Route 250 between Elkins and Durbin. Fall colors are peaking in this area, so a drive along the Monongahela National Forest is sure to offer spectacular views. At 40 miles in length, the drive can be completed in a morning or afternoon. Whether you start in Elkins or Durbin, you’ll want to spend a good part of the trip in the Gaudineer Scenic Area, located on the borders of Randolph and Pocahontas counties about five miles northwest of Durbin. The 140-acre Gaudineer Scenic Area consists of 50 acres of virgin red spruce forest that is up to 300 years old. The remaining portion of the area has native hardwoods, such as red maple, sugar maples, yellow birch and beech.

After some time exploring the area and enjoying fall color, take a short drive up Forest Road 27A to Guadineer Knob. This 4,432-foot peak is the tallest point of Shavers Mountain and offers views of the mountainous national forest on all sides. For an extended trip, visit nearby Kumbrabow State Forest for even more fall color views. Cast a line in Shavers Fork, or go hunting at the Cheat Wildlife Management Area. Stop in Elkins to shop or get a bite to eat at a local restaurant.

As you travel U.S. Route 250, post and share your favorite fall photos and road trip memories using #AlmostHeaven. User-generated photos are updated daily on the Tourism Office’s live leaf tracker map. For more autumn inspiration and to see where the leaves are changing near you, visit 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 16, 2019