Preston, Tucker highest elevations have best color, Cheat River on Route 72/Route 26 foliage is 70% peak --

West Virginia’s state foresters reported the first week in October will be a colorful one in the state’s higher elevations. The Davis-Thomas area of Tucker County and Dolly Sods are again recommended destinations. Foliage in the Davis-Thomas area is estimated to be 70 percent peak. Color is much more advanced this week at Dolly Sods than it was last week and is well worth a trip.

Reports from Preston County recommend a drive along the Cheat River on Route 72/Route 26, where foliage is at 70 percent peak. Foresters recommend a trip to Cathedral State Park ,which they report is already spectacular with 50 percent peak color.

Foresters also recommend a visit to Spruce Knob, where foliage is expected to be approximately 60 percent peak the first full week of October. Leaf peepers can take U.S. Route 33 to Spruce Knob Road, which has been paved in the past few years and is in good shape. Climb the stairs to the 30-foot platform for the breathtaking view from the state’s highest point. Lower elevations of Pendleton County are still quite green, with only 25-30 percent of their foliage changing color.

Foliage at elevations above 3,000 feet in Greenbrier, Pocahontas, Randolph and Webster counties should peak this weekend. A long list of recommended points of interest includes the Sinks of Gandy and Dry Fork, Cheat Mountain, Shavers Mountain, the headwaters of the Tygart Valley River, the headwaters of both the Forks of the Greenbrier River, Kennison Mountain and Elk Mountain. Leaves at higher elevations to the east of the Richwood area of Nicholas County are at or near peak, while those to the west remain green.

Although color within Elkins will be limited, the mountains surrounding the town should present colorful viewing opportunities.

Take Little Kanawha Parkway or Parkersburg Road from Spencer to Elizabeth. Although foliage is reported to be only 30 percent peak, both drives are highly recommended. In scenic Ritchie County, take the Staunton Turnpike to see 30 percent peak foliage this weekend. Although a long way from peak, Ohio County hosts Oglebay Festival/Ohio County Fair this weekend. DOF personnel and Smokey Bear will be there so stop by and say hello.

Foliage in the Davis-Thomas area of Tucker County was estimated to be at 70 percent peak earlier in the week and may peak during the first week of October.

Forestry officials encourage leaf peepers who post 2015 West Virginia fall foliage photos to tag them with #fallinwv. Photos may be featured on the DOF’s Facebook page www.facebook.com/wvforestry. Check the Facebook page throughout the week for foliage updates.