BLUEFIELD — With autumn now underway, leafers are already planning gatherings to view the wonderful fall foliage of the two Virginias.

October is the best month to come to southern West Virginia or Southwest Virginia, as advised by the U.S. Department of Forestry. The Virginia Division of Forestry recommends tourists hit the peak of the southwest’s season from Oct.10-20, while West Virginia’s Division of Forestry recommends tourists enjoy the leaves during late October.

Karen Stuebing, a Bluefield resident, keeps an eye on local foliage for the Foliage Network. According to Stuebing, anyone can become a foliage spotter.

“I don’t remember how I stumbled onto the Foliage Network but I find it the most accurate site for leaf peepers because it is updated regularly and gives information on what percentage of the trees have changed as well as the intensity of the color,” she said. “It also tracks leaf drop. Anyone can be a foliage spotter. There are two reports due every week during the season. Just e-mail the webmaster and tell her you want to be a spotter.”

Since she keeps track of the changing leaves in the area, she knows the best times and places to check out the autumn leaves.

“Most of the state parks are full during the second through fourth weeks of October. Some people start earlier in the north, where the foliage changes sooner, and drive south,” Stuebing said. “During a good year, it is spectacular seeing the hills ablaze with color. Even during so-so years, it is still stunning. We have a lot  trees in West Virginia and they can put on quite a show. I try to find new areas every year in addition to my regular route. I usually end up going somewhere I’ve never been before. It’s very relaxing to drive the back roads slowly and look for spots to take photos.”

Stuebing said her favorite fall colors come from a few select trees.

“My personal favorite is the maple because of the bright red but I also like the yellows of the birch and poplar trees,” she said. “Dogwoods turn scarlet and even the bronze color of the oaks and hickory trees add another color to the palette. I guess I like them all.”

She also has some advise for first-time leafers.

“Try to pick a clear day, usually after a cold front has passed through the area,” Stuebing said. “It’s very foggy here. Early morning or evenings have the best light. Take the back roads. You will have more luck finding a focal point for your foliage photos like an old barn. When you pull off a one-lane road, which isn’t really possible, put on your turn signal so people will know you’re stopped and will go around you. Don’t trespass. Even if it isn’t posted. Either stay on the road or ask permission from the land owner.  If you’re in a state park, stay on the trails. It’s very easy to get lost in the woods.”

There are a few things Stuebing recommends to bring along during the trip. “You should bring a camera, of course. Some walking/hiking shoes. Old clothes due to barbed wire fences and thorns. A sweater or hoodie for the early morning which can be quite cool. Something to drink and/or eat in case you’re not near a store. A mapbook. GPS doesn’t work well here.”

If you’re looking for a good local route to take when looking for local foliage, here are some great driving trips:



Coal History Loop: 21.5 miles and 41 minutes

A round trip through the history of coal in the area, this trail lets you see not only the beautiful colors along country roads, but also the two sides of the coal industry. Starting from the rail yards of Bluefield, travelers can head up Route 52 through Bluewell, past Pinnacle Rock State Park and into Bramwell, the Home of the Millionaires.

From Bramwell, foliage seekers can head down State Route 644 town to the heart of Pocahontas, Va., which features the Pocahontas Exhibition Coal Mine. Leaving Pocahontas, visitors can head back to Virginia Highway 102, heading through the small towns of Wolfe, Nemours, Yards and to Falls Mills. Leaving Falls Mills, continue on Highway 102 straight back to the Virginia side of Bluefield.

Along the way, roving hills and tree branches that create leafy tunnels over the road provide a beautiful foliage tour, as well as plenty of stop offs into the coal industry’s past in the area.

There are various areas for tourists to get out of the car and stretch their legs, enjoying some local coal-related attractions along the way. Visitors can climb up to the top of Pinnacle Rock State Park or tour the beautiful Victorian homes in Bramwell. The other side of the coal industry is available through a quick tour inside the exhibition mine in Pocahontas.

Visitors can enjoy some local fall beauty by checking out the waterfall at Mud Fork Creek that gave the town of Falls Mills, Va., it’s name. The creek reaches 20 feet high and is more than a mile wide, flowing into a nearby lake.

After seeing all of the fall colors, visitors can stop off at New Graham Pharmacy in Bluefield, Va., for an old-fashioned treat at the traditional style soda fountain.



The New River Route: 27.3 miles, 39 minutes

Starting in Princeton, this foliage route takes visitors straight down U.S. 460 to Pearisburg, Va., following along the beautiful scenery of the West Virginia mountains and New River.

Visitors pass through the Virginia towns of Glen Lyn, Rich Creek and Narrows as they trail along the New River and past the Jefferson National Forest. Travelers can continue on to Pembroke, Va., for an additional six miles and eight minutes on this trip, continuing to follow the New River.

This route offers not only the beauty of the changing seasons, but the reflection of the leaves in the New River. With access to the river, visitors can stop off for boating, fishing, camping and RVing at various stops along the way.

Other sites of interest include the Duck Pond and Mill Dam in Narrows, a nice place for a picnic along Wolf Creek and a chance to feed domesticated and wild ducks as well as the Canadian Geese that congregate there. The restored Mill Dam on the site was originally built before the Civil War and is described as a “cornerstone” of the community.



The Pipestem Route: 7.7 miles and 21 minutes

Though this is the shortest route on the list, it has the most to do. This foliage route is perfect for nature lovers and the outdoorsy types.

The trail begins at the entrance to Pipestem Resort State Park and circles around the park, offering foliage hunters the best in preserved wildlife and natural beauty.

Visitors can get out at the Pipestem Visitor’s Center in the middle of the park and ride the park’s aerial tram down to the cabins and restaurant, offering them a beautiful aerial view of the foliage and Bluestone River.

The park also includes an observation tower to view the rolling hills as the foliage changes. A park nature center and arboretum provide visitors with information on park wildlife and trees.

Hiking trails at the park range from less than a mile to eight miles long, allowing leafers to stretch their legs and get a chance to see the autumn colors up close and on foot.

The park also offers cabin stays, camping, horseback riding, cycling, canoeing and paddle boating.



West Virginia Route 52: 28.3 miles, 42 minutes

Starting in Bluewell and ending in Welch, Route 52 provides a look at the best of West Virginia foliage through mountainous terrain.

Winding through the towns and hamlets of Mercer and McDowell counties, this route allows visitors to see small-town West Virginia and the beautiful foliage of the area.

Going through the towns of Bramwell, Northfork, Keystone and Kimball, the trail ends in Welch. This route gives the best look at the West Virginia mountains sloping in to the valley towns, giving tourists plenty of chances to see the varying range of hues from the leaves.

Along the way, visitors can stop off at Pinnacle Rock State Park near Bramwell or the Elkhorn Inn and Theater in Eckman. For more information on McDowell County, tourists can visit the McDowell County Visitor’s Center in Kimball.

Welch offers a taste of mountain culture with the History in Our Mountains Museum, a perfect stop for travelers to learn about the mountains they have been wandering through.



The Burkes Garden Loop: 36.4 miles, 1 hour

Also known as “God’s Thumbprint,” the town of Burkes Garden is considered a geological wonder and provides plenty of Appalachian Charm.

The longest route on this list of optimum foliage driving tours, this is also one of the most well worth it if a visitor is looking for Appalachian charm in Virginia.

Starting in Tazewell, Va., head on Virginia Highway 61 East and make a left on State route 623, also known as Burkes Garden Road.

The road weaves through Jefferson National Forest until it branches off into Back Road and State Route 623, both of which loop around to Burkes Garden.

Travelers can start by taking the Back Road branch of State Route 263, which merges into East End Road or Route 625. This route eventually connects back with Route 263, taking tourists to Burkes Garden. From Burkes Garden, travelers can then head back on Route 623 toward Little Town and find themselves heading back to Tazewell.

Along the way, visitors can stop off at the Tazewell County Historical Museum for more information on the county.

Once in Burkes Garden, visitors can find some old fashioned and handcrafted goods at the Burkes Garden Country Store or enjoy the beautiful scenery of Garden Mountain and the Burkes Garden Loop, taking them to see the foliage around the community.



Jefferson National Forest Route: 22.5 miles, 28 minutes

This route allows travelers to see the beauty of leaves in Jefferson National Forest, offering plenty of natural beauty and wonder.

Starting in Bluefield, visitors follow Route 52 and merge left onto Interstate 77, heading south toward Bland, Va. After exiting from the East River Mountain Tunnel, travelers can see the beauty of the forest as the autumn leaves begin their change.

Following along I-77, visitors can see the rolling mountains and valley towns dotting the National Forest, passing through the towns of Rock Gap and Bastian on their way to Bland.

In addition to seeing the forest, visitors can take a break at the Virginia Welcome Center near Rocky Gap, Va., to find out more about the state.

A visit to the Wolf Creek Indian Village and Museum in Bastian, Va., can give tourists an insight into Native American Culture in the area by seeing artifacts, exploring nature trails, and seeing the recreated Indian Village.

Once visitors have arrived in Bland, they can visit the reservoir Crab Orchard Lake outside the city, which offers fishing, swimming and boating at various times of the year.

For a longer trip, visitors can merge off of interstate Exit 62 and take the North Scenic Highway 52 or State Route 606 for a while to see more of the forest’s changing leaves.

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While out on a trip through the autumn foliage of the two Virginias, keep in mind both states want to know of any particularly spectacular sights. Both Virginia and West Virginia have hotlines for tourists to point out great places to view foliage to help future tourists.

Virginia’s Division of Forestry encourages tourists to report their best fall foliage sightings to alert future tourists of the best areas to sight see. The division also has maps and recommendations for the best areas to find foliage this season. The fall foliage hotlines for Virginia can be reached at (800) 424-Love or (800) 354-4595.

The West Virginia Division of Forestry also encourages tourists to report beautiful fall foliage and to contact them for information on where the best sight-seeing locations are. The West Virginia fall foliage hotline is (800) CALL-WVA or (800) 225-5982.

— Contact Kate Coil at kcoil@bdtonline.com