Oct. 14, 2005
 
Fall Color Behind Schedule Throughout WV
 
By Chris Spencer
Huntington News Network Photographer
 
West Virginia (HNN) – The bright fall colors usually associated with West Virginia falls are not here yet as mid October approaches. The weeks ahead will tell the story of a good colorful fall or dull fall.
 
A recent trip to Holly River State Park, Black Water Falls, Canaan Valley, Cathedral, Tygart Lake and Valley Falls indicated fall color this year is way behind typical fall seasons.
 

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Usually at this time in October in the higher elevations the fall color has already peaked and on the decline with many leaves gone.
 
Driving from Elkins to Black Water Falls shows many tress still have lot of green on them and many are just starting to turn color. Looking down the canyon of Black Water Falls also shows much green on the trees with their leaves starting to turn color.
 
There was some color showing along the road to Fairfax Stone, at Cathedral and in the trees at Valley Falls. With many of the leaves already starting to fall, they may not be on the trees when they do change color.
 
WSAZ-TV meteorologist Tony Cavalier on a recent trip to the West Virginia's higher elevations and into Pennsylvania noted on his Wednesday (October 12) 11 p.m. weather forecast that fall color was two weeks behind the usual time line and that this is a phenomenon that occurs once in about fifteen years.
 
There were some spots of color from a few individual trees or from trees in clumps, but not the spectacular fall color that can be in West Virginia.
 
Trees should be producing more fall color next week or later if the leaves are still on the trees. At this pace it could also mean that fall color may extend into mid November for the lower elevations of West Virginia.
 
A sudden cold spell, storm with a strong wind could change the fall color situation drastically by making it better or worse.
 
For those traveling wanting to see fall color it may be a good idea to call the area the day before leaving since conditions can change rapidly.
 
Editor’s Note: Summers County, which has elevations ranging from about 1,400 to 4,000 feet above sea leave, is also lacking in fall color, based on a drive to Willowwood Country Club by the editor, David M. Kinchen, on Thursday, Oct. 13, 2005. It might as well be September, with mild temperatures and only a hint of fall colors. Leaf peepers might have to go north for color, but this hacker’s not complaining! Fore!