Falling for foliage: Fall fun awaits in Marion County

Since the summer season was so hot and dry, the leaves have been changing since late August, according to Valley Falls State Park Superintendent Brett Harshbarger.

Peak foliage time should still extend through the first week or two of October, Harshbarger said.

"The heat and the drought combined have started everything earlier," he said. "There is going to be more color early, and the peak have some more green with that color. It's going to be beautiful, but just a little bit earlier than normal."

For his money, there are no better autumn sights than those at Valley Falls, Harshbarger said.

"It's gorgeous, especially when we have all of these bright oranges, yellows and reds that are mixed in with the green and the blue of the water," he said. "It's a striking contrast, and there are so many colors going on. You have those base grays and browns with the rocks, too, so it's almost like a watercolor painting come to life when you have all of those different colors contrasting off of each other."

While at the park for the sights, there is plenty to do, even this late in the year. Although the water for the falls themselves is lower than normal, people can still kayak or fish, as well as hike or bike on the park's nearly 16 miles of trails.

"The Rhododendron Trail parallels the river downstream, and there are a few outcroppings where you can see the river better," Harshbarger said. "We also have the Dogwood Trail, where you'll get some different foliage and views from the top of the mountain. For foliage looking and scenery, those are my two picks."

Harshbarger has been at the park for nine years and is familiar with just about every inch of Valley Falls. He loves how remote and peaceful it is, despite being so close by to Fairmont, Morgantown and Grafton.

“All of these cities are so close, but you take that short drive out here and it’s like you’re in a different world,” he said. “We have, of course, the waterfalls that are gorgeous, and so many beautiful hiking trails with rock formations and foundations from the old town that was here."

There is such a variety of things to see and do, and the park changes as the seasons do, Harshbarger said.

"The park is different in the spring than it is in the summer or fall. It’s constantly evolving," he said. "You can come to the park once, but you’re not going to really appreciate it until you come multiple times a year through the different seasons.”

He encouraged all of those interested and able to make the trip out to Valley Falls State Park to see the fall foliage to do so, promising a relaxing delight for the whole family.

"It's a great break from the heat we've had this summer," Harshbarger said. "Come have a picnic and see the beautiful scenery."

Other places in the county, like Palatine Park, are also great spots to see fall foliage, said Marion County Convention and Visitors Bureau Executive Director Leah Smith.

"Palatine Park is a gorgeous spot in the fall because of the river and all of the trees surrounding it," she said. "It's also a nice, open space. Kayaking there is an amazing experience. It's a great spot."

Smith also recommended taking the scenic drive to Mannington to see the Hamilton Round Barn and Wilson School Museum.

Pricketts Fort State Park, with its trails and picnic areas, is also a prime spot, Smith said.

No matter where someone goes to see the foliage change, Smith encouraged people to get outside and enjoy the season and all that it brings.

"Get out, because it's beautiful and there's not a lot of time," Smith said. "It's a limited experience that no one can control. The leaves are turning early this year, so it's important to make plans and have an idea of when you're going to go because you won't be able to do it again until next year."