October 23, 2002

A wide area of moderate color (31 to 60 percent) has now developed in much of the region. The exceptions being eastern and extreme western Virginia, southern Maryland, and much of Delaware where the color change is still low (11 to 30 percent), and the mountains of West Virginia and Maryland where high color (61 to 80 percent) and peak conditions rule.

Leaf drop in most of the region low to moderate and is not yet a concern for leaf-peepers.

Some suggested scenic drives include the following. In Maryland: Route 219 running north to south in western Maryland; Route 135 from Bloomington to Altamont. In West Virginia: Route 219 from Silver Lake to Elkins; Route 72 from Hambleton to Red Creek; Route 33 from Elkins to Harman.

This information provided by Marek D. Rzonca, The Foliage Network.