Fall Foliage Aflame

I am back in the saddle on this Tuesday evening after a long and enjoyable vacation. My drive through Garrett County Maryland and Preston County WV on Sunday revealed a dazzling display of autumn colors as the foliage above 2500’ elevation is captivating.

As I back track to Saturday October 1, my trip past Morgantown through Frostburg and Cumberland en route to Ocean City Md. was shrouded in a cold and grey rain with wet snow flakes falling at Savage and Negro ridges. Ski resorts nearby like Wisp, Canaan Valley and Snowshoe measured their first wet snow of the season.

Then when a spell of Indian Summer followed the wet snowfall last week, the stage was set for an outpouring of color that locals tell me is the best in 5 years.

As I drove south along I-79 from WVU to Clarksburg and Jane Lew-Weston and Sutton, the colors were bursting onto the scene. Colorations near 50% on Sunday October 9th will approach 75% this weekend.

Laura Lyke from the Army Corp at Summersville confirms the colors are vibrant and close to 75% full as we approach the weekend. Laura adds this is the last weekend for shooting the rapids on the Gauley as Summersville Dam’s releases end this Sunday.

Due to a special inspection, Summersville Dam will be dropped an additional 55 feet for a total drop of 120’ by early November. This will likely mean some of the best smallmouth bass fishing in years as the fish congregate near the dam. I know the root beer colored jig is a favorite of smally anglers!

Of course this weekend includes Bridge Day at Fayette Station where the fall colors will be at peak in time for those daredevils of free-fall!

In Spencer WV, it is Black Walnut Festival weekend with a fall celebration that is a homecoming for tens of thousands. I will be there on Saturday for the Grand Festival Parade. My trip along state route 119 past the Maple Hills farm will be simply scintillating as colors approach 70% fullness.

Here’s your road map to all the fun and excitement in Spencer.

http://www.wvblackwalnutfestival.org/

In Ohio, it’s time for the Bob Evans Farm Festival, down on the farm at the Homestead. A relic on the national register of historic landmarks, the Homestead is where Jewel and Bob started serving country breakfast to travelers back in the mid 20th century. Funny, but when I travel and get hungry, a stop at a Bob Evans restaurant is certain to please!

Here’s a link to the fun this weekend.

http://www.bobevans.com/ourfarms/bobevansfarm/annualfarmfestival.aspx