Oct. 29, 2005
 
RAHALL REPORT: ‘Tis The Season to Discover West Virginia
 
From the desk of U.S. Rep. Nick Rahall (D-WV)
Representing West Virginia's 3rd District
 
Washington, D.C. (HNN) -- It has been said that fall is a second spring when every leaf is a flower. If this be the case, then southern West Virginia is the most vibrant of all autumn bouquets.
 
From the breathtaking bird's eye view of the New River at Hawks Nest State Park to the wooded ridges and valleys of Watoga, to foliage-framed majesty of the Twin Falls, the cornucopia of color in our own backyard is as beautiful as any ever seen.
 
Unfortunately, like all good things, these beautiful bursts of orange and red and yellow, too, must come to an end. Which is why there's no better time than the present to visit one of our beautiful state parks. Chances are, there's one in your own backyard.
 
Whether you choose to visit one of the parks just mentioned or make a trip to Pipestem, Babcock, Chief Logan or Grandview, the fall foliage is reported close to peak.
 
The Midland Trail Scenic Byway is the perfect trail to satisfy both leaf-peepers and history buffs.The Trail itself was a warpath for both Union and Confederate armies during the Civil War. As you travel the Trail be sure to watch for Civil War historical sites. One of the grandest historical sites on the Byway is the award-winning Greenbrier Resort.
 
Or, if you prefer, travel through a wild and undeveloped portion of the Monongahela National Forest on the Highland Scenic Highway. When you stop at any of the four scenic overlooks along the Byway, you will be welcomed by a breathtaking view of the Allegheny Highlands. See mountainous terrain covered by hardwood forests and topped with dark spruce.
 
A less-known treasure lies in the southeastern corner of West Virginia, where Monroe County's Farm Heritage Road offers a picture of life in rural agricultural communities which in many ways, retains the character of previous generations. The route encompasses three distinct geographical settings: the gentle winding of Indian Creek, the rolling plateaus of farmland, and the picturesque Sweet Springs Valley nestled alongside Peters Mountain in the Appalachian Ridge and Valley region. The push of industry and commercialism has largely by-passed the area, therefore, many old houses, farms, and public buildings remain from throughout the county's 200 year history.
 
If you've already had the chance to take in the explosion of color, whether by foot or by car, go again, because like a painting in progress, the canvass of our mountains changes with every chilly mountain night. And if you haven't been, no better time than now to see for yourself not just the fall foliage, but why more than 2.5 million out-of-state travelers visited West Virginia's State Parks last year.