2008 West Virginia Fall Colors

West Virginia Autumn Colors 2008

Friday, October 10TH 2008

A friend and I traveled the mountainous roads of West Virginia photographing the vibrant colors of fall. I was a little concerned that it might be too early in the season for the colors to be at their best. However, in many locations, the colors are vibrant and captivating. The color is dependent on elevation and the types of trees in different locations. Many mountain sides reminded us of a painter’s efforts to canvas the likeness of a rainbow. Bright cheery reds and lemon yellows splashed across sloping mountainsides all along the roadways. Enough green remained to add yet another layer of color to the mosaic. We estimated the progression of color change to be at about 60% and in several locations even further along. About 700 miles of road running by Sam’s valiant driving yielded great photographic opportunities. His driving was so noble that even when he was burning rubber while passing a West Virginia Smoky Bear we got off with only a warning.

Our trip took us down route 79 south to 119 south into Philippi where the first land battle of the Civil War took place. A huge two lane covered bridge spans across the river in town. A late brunch was enjoyed on Main Street at the Medallion Restaurant a local favorite. Our waitress instructed us to Century Junction Road were another covered bridge resides. After spending some time photographing the area, we continued south along 55 skirting Monongahela National Forest. A little known natural area near the westward trek of 55 called Cranberry Botanical Area is photogenic woodlands, ferns, and old trees scattered about. We stopped to photograph a few stand out features along its roadway. It was all day going to Fayetteville across from the New River Gorge Bridge.

Saturday, October 11th 2008

Early, before dawn we hit the road going to Babcock State Park to photograph Glades Creek Gristmill. This is the most perfect setting one could imagine with a working gristmill nestled along a creek with colorful trees framing it in. The creek leads up to the mill and a more perfect picture could not be wished. The park is located off 119 along route 44. When we arrived, the night sky offered a spectacular glimpse into the cosmos. Being away from city lights we looked up to witness a clear sky filled with countless bright stars and lights. Amazing, is not adequate to explain it.
When the sun began to break and light bathed the area the view was uncloaked and the photography was on. Many other photography enthusiasts gathered with us. A few of them even spent the night in their car. The creek was not running much water, so the waterfall in front of the mill was not as impressive as I have seen it. However, with the water being relatively still the mills reflection was clear as could be.
After the sun shown its light hard on the mill the photography is no longer good and we moved on to the small lake above the mill area. Some reflections of colorful trees offered a challenge.
We decided that all that could be accomplished was, so we started back home. Our trek took us to Gauley Bridge along route 60 then onto route 39 back to 119 north. We then made time to 79 north. After making good time we decided to take one last detour from the interstate and hunt for a few more pictures. We found the West Virginia State Cemetery with Arlington like tomb stones of veterans in endless rows. We discovered a few nice barns and farmlands and a few more spectacular stands of colorfully vibrant trees on back roads.
We negotiated our way through the University of WV Mountaineer Football crowd and had a less than memorable late day lunch at a Shonnys.

All and all it was a great get away from the old grind and we got to see enough fall color to last until next year.