As we move from middle to late October, the peak of leaf-peeping season is upon us! Bright yellows, reds, and oranges during this time of the year provide stunning views across the Allegheny Highlands and the Greenbrier Valley.
Why do leaves change color?
As days get cooler and shorter, and nights get colder and longer, deciduous trees start to break down chlorophyll. Chlorophyll is a pigment which gives the leaves their green colors during the warmer months. As the production of chlorophyll stops, the green appearance in the leaf fades, and the other pigments in the leaf become visible, such as carotenoids (orange/yellow) and anthocyanins (red). While yellow and orange colors are visible every fall, the number of red hues we see around us varies from year to year. Especially after a period of cool nights and warm sunny days, the red colors will really pop. During sunny days in late Summer/early Fall, leaves photosynthesize and produce lots of sugars. These sugars then get trapped in the leaves as temperatures drop and the veins of the leaves narrow. When combined with full sun, the sugars lead to the production of anthocyanin, which produce the red, crimson, and purple shades we see.
How is our color looking this year?
Soil moisture and the presence of drought play large roles in the onset and vibrance of Fall color. The best foliage displays happen when we’ve received adequate rainfall through the growing season, followed by a period of drier, warmer days and cooler, drier nights. Though our area was in the midst of a drought during Spring and early Summer, fortunately we were able to finally catch up on the rainfall by late July/August. This might have just saved us from a duller display of color. Our area has also had numerous mild, drier days and cooler, but not-freezing nights, which are ideal for vivid leaf change. We also haven’t had any major wind events either, so the leaves aren’t dropping too early.
Where are the best locations to leaf-peep?
While some higher elevations above 3,500 feet are just passing peak season by now, a drive along the Highland Scenic Highway is still worth it during this time of the year, as the Monongahela State Forest shows its grand finale of color. Cranberry Glades State Park, Falls of Hills Creek, Beartown State Park, and Snowshoe Resort are all great spots within a few hours’ drive to enjoy prime leaf-peeping along the higher terrain before it gets too late.
Now through the beginning of November, our lower elevations will have their most vibrant color. Strolls through the Greenbrier State Forest and along the Greenbrier River Trail are highly recommended. The Greenbrier Resort, Green Bank Observatory, Moncove Lake State Park, Brush Creek Falls, Pipestem Resort and Bluestone Lake are some of the author’s personal favorites. Hopkins Mountain Fireman’s Cabin and Hanging Rock Raptor Observatory also provide stunning views of the valleys below, just to name a view scenic overlooks!
Additional Photos:
Allegheny Mountains
Highland Scenic Highway, Pocahontas County
