AGP Executive Report

Historic Places: Eight West Virginia landmarks will receive $490,261 in grants for repairs and rehabilitation, with several set to become museums, cultural centers, or educational sites. Conservation: Chestnut and chinquapin trees at the former Clements State Tree Nursery in Mason County are slated to be relocated on the property, with Nscale covering the work. Forest Access: The Forest Service planned prescribed burns on 726 acres in Monongahela National Forest; burn areas close during operations and may remain shut for several days. Fall Getaways: West Virginia’s foliage was reported in full color, and Stonewall Resort earned a spot among the South’s best in Condé Nast Traveler’s 2026 Readers’ Choice Awards. Hiking: The 316-mile Allegheny Trail offers a quieter option for hikers looking to avoid Appalachian Trail crowds.

Conservation: Nscale will pay to relocate Mason County’s historic chestnut and chinquapin trees within the former Clements State Tree Nursery, with work planned for late 2027. Fall Outdoors: West Virginia’s foliage map reports exceptional color across the region, while the Forest Service plans controlled burns on 726 acres in Monongahela National Forest; burn areas may close temporarily. Winter Getaways: Snowshoe has set Nov. 25 as its ski-season opening date. Places to Stay: Stonewall Resort earned a spot in Condé Nast Traveler’s 2026 Readers’ Choice Awards, and Fayetteville has welcomed the Hill Hall Hotel. Explore More: A guide points hikers to the 316-mile Allegheny Trail as an alternative to crowded Appalachian Trail routes, while Wardensville is highlighted as a small-town destination about 100 miles from Bethesda. Hinton, meanwhile, is finding new ways to keep celebrating after losing its excursion trains.

Storm Update: Isaias has weakened but is moving toward West Virginia, with forecasters warning of possible flooding, landslides and damaging wind gusts. Travelers should check local conditions before heading into the mountains. Forest Access: The Forest Service plans prescribed burns across 726 acres of Monongahela National Forest in Tucker and Pocahontas counties from mid-October to mid-November. Burn sites will close during operations and may remain closed for several days. Fall and Winter Getaways: West Virginia’s tourism department says fall color is exceptional across the region. Stonewall Resort earned a spot among the South’s best in Condé Nast Traveler’s readers’ awards, and Snowshoe has set Nov. 25 as its ski-season opening date. Fayetteville Lodging: Sen. Shelley Moore Capito joined the ribbon-cutting for Hill Hall Hotel, a new addition to the New River Gorge-area getaway scene.

Visitor Safety: West Virginia’s fall burning rules are in effect through Dec. 31: outdoor fires are allowed only from 5 p.m. to 7 a.m., must be attended, and require a cleared 10-foot buffer. New River Gorge: Freshly featured ghost stories explore the abandoned coal towns and railroad communities that give the gorge its eerie appeal. The annual Gold Star Mothers Bridge Ride also crossed the gorge Saturday, honoring 69 West Virginia service members. Fall Travel: State tourism officials have issued a second foliage map as exceptional color spreads across the region. Parks and Resorts: More than $19 million is headed to upgrades at state parks and forests, while Stonewall Resort earned a place among the South’s top resorts in Condé Nast Traveler’s readers’ awards. Winter Getaways: Snowshoe has set Nov. 25 as its opening date for ski season.

New River Gorge: Ghost stories tied to abandoned coal towns add a haunting twist to visits, with legends rooted in the gorge’s vanished mining communities and railroad corridors. Small-Town Escape: Wardensville has grown into a destination with a bookstore, glassblowing studio and the Lost River Trading Post, about a two-hour drive from Washington, D.C. Fall Hiking: The 316-mile Allegheny Trail offers a quieter alternative to the Appalachian Trail, crossing six counties and passing through state parks, forests and national forests. Autumn Color: West Virginia’s fall foliage is hitting exceptional levels, according to the state’s latest color update. Resorts and Parks: Stonewall Resort earned a place among the South’s best in Condé Nast Traveler’s 2026 Readers’ Choice Awards, while more than $19 million is headed to upgrades at state parks and forests. Rail-Town Revival: Hinton is finding new ways to celebrate after losing its excursion trains, keeping its railroad heritage part of the town’s visitor appeal.

Hiking: West Virginia’s 316-mile Allegheny Trail offers fall backpackers an alternative to crowded Appalachian Trail routes, crossing six counties and passing through state parks, forests and national forests. Conservation: The West Virginia Land Trust says it has protected more than 62,000 acres, preserving outdoor access, wildlife habitat and historic sites. Festival Travel: Hinton Railroad Days runs through Oct. 11, keeping its 60-year tradition alive with music, food and family activities despite the loss of excursion trains. Road Conditions: A road slip on Route 33 near Arnoldsburg has cut the road to alternating traffic, complicating trips between Calhoun and Roane counties during festival weekend. Fall Getaways: State tourism officials report strong fall color and have released a second foliage map to help visitors plan scenic trips. Park Upgrades: More than $19 million is headed to state parks, forests and recreation areas for repairs and improvements, including work at Canaan Valley, Cass Scenic Railroad and Hawks Nest. Resort News: Stonewall Resort earned a place in Condé Nast Traveler’s 2026 Readers’ Choice Awards.

State Parks: West Virginia is directing more than $19 million to repairs and upgrades at parks, forests and outdoor recreation areas, including work at Canaan Valley, Cass Scenic Railroad and Hawks Nest. Fall Getaways: Tourism officials’ latest foliage map reports exceptional color across the state, while Stonewall Resort earned a place among the South’s best in Condé Nast Traveler’s 2026 Readers’ Choice Awards. Weekend Events: Hinton’s 60th Railroad Days runs Oct. 9–11, with more than 80 vendors; the free Festival of Leaves in Bland County, Virginia, also draws visitors from West Virginia and beyond. New Stay: Hill Hall Hotel has opened in Fayetteville, adding a lodging option in the New River Gorge area. On the Road: The state’s Click It or Ticket campaign runs Oct. 9–31, with extra enforcement over the holiday weekend.

Outdoor Escapes: WVU’s new Birdwatching Club is organizing hikes at local parks, including Prickett’s Fort State Park, and welcomes beginners. Fall Traditions: Salem’s Apple Butter Festival celebrates 40 years with a free community gathering, a 5K and a Saturday ’80s rock tribute. Autumn Travel: West Virginia tourism officials say fall color is in full swing and have released a second foliage map to help visitors find scenic spots. Park Stays: Stonewall Resort earned a spot in Condé Nast Traveler’s 2026 Readers’ Choice Awards, while more than $19 million is headed to upgrades across state parks and forests. Winter Ahead: Snowshoe has set Nov. 25 as its opening day for ski season. On the Road: The U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree tour is scheduled to stop in Morgantown on Nov. 16.

Fall Foliage: West Virginia’s tourism department has issued its second fall-color map, highlighting changing leaves in Tucker and Pendleton counties. Suggested stops include Cass Scenic Railroad, Davis and Thomas, Seneca Rocks and Blackwater Falls. New Fayetteville Stay: Hill Hall Hotel has opened in the former 1923 Fayetteville High School. The 40-room property gives visitors a historic place to stay near New River Gorge National Park and Preserve. Parks and Outdoor Recreation: State officials announced more than $19 million for upgrades to state parks and forests, while the Snowshoe Highlands Area Recreation Collaborative received the state’s Future of Tourism Award for its work on outdoor access and stewardship. Snowshoe plans to open for ski season Nov. 25. On the Road: West Virginia’s Click It or Ticket campaign runs Oct. 9–31, with extra enforcement during the Columbus Day weekend.

Fall Getaways: West Virginia’s latest foliage report highlights changing leaves in Tucker and Pendleton counties, with Cass Scenic Railroad, Davis and Thomas, Seneca Rocks and Kumbrabow State Forest among this week’s picks. Holiday Stop: The 2026 U.S. Capitol Christmas tree tour is scheduled to visit Morgantown on Nov. 16, bringing free public festivities to the area. Travel Honors: Stonewall Resort ranked No. 12 among the South’s top resorts in Condé Nast Traveler’s Readers’ Choice Awards; The Greenbrier placed No. 5. Tourism Investment: Hill Hall Hotel has opened in Fayetteville’s former high school, adding a 40-room stay near New River Gorge National Park. Nearly $20 million in upgrades is also planned for state parks and forests. Outdoor Recreation: Snowshoe plans to open for ski season Nov. 25, while the Snowshoe Highlands Area Recreation Collaborative earned the state’s Future of Tourism Award for its recreation and stewardship work. River Tourism: The Ohio River Way conference in Ironton brought communities together to discuss tourism along the river, with the organization expanding its work into West Virginia.

Tourism & Lodging: Stonewall Resort in Weston earned a spot in Condé Nast Traveler’s 2026 Readers’ Choice Awards, spotlighting its lakeside stays, golf, spa, dining, and outdoor recreation. Historic Reuse: Fayetteville’s former high school reopened as the Hill Hall Hotel, with West Virginia Tourism Secretary Kayla Kessinger joining the ribbon cutting—another example of New River Gorge-era momentum turning local landmarks into visitor stays. River-Region Travel Planning: The Ohio River Way conference met at Ro-Na Cultural Center in Ironton to connect communities along an 800-mile Ohio River network and build tourism partnerships, with West Virginia still “breaking into” the effort. Outdoor Safety & Nature Tips: WV Division of Forestry updated fall burn rules starting Oct. 1, and a WV-focused guide warned drivers about wildlife on roads—especially deer—plus practical steps when you find a dead animal. Wildlife in Your Yard: WVU extension experts shared how to keep wild turkeys from becoming a nuisance in gardens and lawns. Family-Friendly Learning: Clay County High School launched a ProStart team heading to Morgantown for a culinary boot camp tied to the West Virginia Hospitality Cup at The Greenbrier. Local Travel Economy: A cruise-planning talk by Cruise Planners owners highlighted popular cruise and resort trends for travelers.

Tourism Education: Gov. Patrick Morrisey and Tourism Secretary Kayla Kessinger unveiled “Mountain Moves,” a Game of Life–style board game for 8th graders that teaches West Virginia history, tourism, and local career paths, with statewide distribution planned. State Parks & Forests: West Virginia is set to see major tourism-and-outdoors investment as funding and upgrades are approved for state parks and forests, including a new service barge for Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park. Wildlife Safety: Black bear activity is ramping up as animals prepare for hibernation, with experts warning drivers and residents to remove food attractants to prevent dangerous human-bear encounters. Road-Trip Reality Check: Fall foliage travel overlaps with peak deer movement during the breeding season, a period linked to higher animal-vehicle collisions—plan routes and drive extra cautiously. Local Infrastructure: Weirton’s $39M water line replacement faces delays and possible steep rate impacts, as officials work through funding options to avoid major customer increases. Outdoor Safety Policy: The West Virginia State Fire Commission approved a comprehensive fire safety strategy after an audit found gaps, focusing on prevention, response capacity, and better data. Fuel Watch: Diesel prices in Hampshire County hit $6.29 for the week ending Sept. 26, while other counties saw mixed midgrade and E15 pricing.

Tourism & Education: Gov. Patrick Morrisey and Tourism Secretary Kayla Kessinger unveiled “Mountain Moves,” a new West Virginia history and tourism board game for 8th graders, inspired by Game of Life and set to roll out to classrooms statewide. Public Safety: West Virginia’s State Fire Commission approved a comprehensive fire safety strategy after an audit found gaps, with a focus on prevention, fire department capacity, water resources, and better data—especially important for rural areas with long response times. Road Safety: Law enforcement will join the statewide “Click It or Ticket” mobilization Oct. 9-31 to crack down on unbuckled drivers and unrestrained children during the deadly Columbus Day weekend. Nature & Wildlife: A WVU-led study using new GPS “backpack” tracking helped DNR adjust river otter management, raising the annual trapping limit from one to two starting 2027-28. Parks & Heritage: Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park is set to receive $300,000 for a replacement service barge to keep vehicles and equipment moving to the island. Outdoors & Travel: The Trump administration is weighing opening more roadless national forest areas in West Virginia to logging and road development, a potential hit to wilderness recreation.

State Parks Boost: Gov. Morrisey announced nearly $19.7M for West Virginia State Parks and Forests, including a new 34-site campground and electrical upgrades at Little Beaver, cabin and lodge work at Twin Falls, and improvements at Pipestem, Hawks Nest, plus statewide paving and repairs. Road-Trip Reality Check: WVDOT says the first major phase of the I-64 Fort Hill Bridge rehabilitation starts Oct. 6 with crossover prep for January 2027 lane closures; deck replacement is slated through spring 2028. Fall Foliage Watch: Southern West Virginia is seeing early color, with tourism officials pointing to late October into early November for peak views, including scenic drives and back-road stops. Outdoor Hunting Planning: WVDNR released the 2026 Hunting Outlook and Mast Survey: mast is down statewide, with expectations for higher deer and raccoon harvests and mixed results for other species. Safety for Travelers: Click It or Ticket runs Oct. 9–31 alongside Operation Crash Reduction over Columbus Day weekend, targeting seat belt use and unrestrained children. Local Life & Community: Waterways Council Inc. named Nick Boykin director of communications and membership, and a 3,000th robotic-assisted joint replacement milestone was reached at WVU Medicine Princeton Community Hospital.

Fall Foliage Watch: West Virginia Tourism says southern WV should hit peak colors in late October to early November, with rain expected to help keep reds and yellows vibrant; officials encourage visitors to get off the main roads and even enjoy scenic drives along highways and bridges. Early Fall in Charleston: Families are already catching a preview on Charleston’s Sunrise Carriage Trail, where art and activities are drawing visitors to the first color changes. State Parks Boost: West Virginia is rolling out nearly $20M in upgrades for state parks and forests, aiming to improve tourism infrastructure and visitor experiences. Family-Friendly Local Events: Parkview Field in Huntington is in its “last hurrah” phase before transforming for Holiday Lights, with the early fall weather still bringing crowds. Outdoor Safety: Firefighters across the region are reminding families during National Fire Prevention Week to charge lithium-ion devices safely—watch for swelling, overheating, strange smells, and use hard, flat surfaces. Travel-Adjacent Culture: Francisco “Frank” Rabon, a CHamoru dancer from Guam, received the 2026 NEA National Heritage Fellowship—an arts win that highlights traditional culture worth seeking out.

State Parks & Tourism Funding: West Virginia is set to receive nearly $20 million for upgrades across state parks and forests, with tourism officials pointing to fall travel momentum and new projects in the works. Fall Travel Timing: The West Virginia Department of Tourism is highlighting early signs of fall color and peak viewing areas, plus fresh travel challenges for the season. Outdoor Safety: Fall burning season is underway, with restricted burning regulations now in effect and officials urging residents to follow updated rules. Monongahela National Forest Support: Funding is also headed to projects supporting the Monongahela National Forest and surrounding communities, tying conservation to local visitor experiences. Local Attractions: Harpers Ferry is getting attention as a classic fall escape, with scenic overlooks, local shops, and the Harpers Ferry Toy Train Museum and Joy Line Railroad. Water Quality Watch: A Gazette-Mail series spotlights public health risks from West Virginians’ well water, including rust and corrosion issues in rural Clay County. Sports & Travel Tie-In: West Virginia’s road game at Iowa State is on the sports calendar, a reminder to plan around game-day travel.