AGP Executive Report

West Virginia Tourism: The state’s tourism bureau says West Virginia tourism hit a record in 2025 and is laying out what to expect for the rest of 2026. Fall Travel Alerts: Fall forest fire season restrictions are now in effect statewide, with outdoor burning limited to specific overnight hours and strict safety rules—important for anyone planning campfires or yard cleanup. Leaf-Peeping Update: The West Virginia Department of Tourism reports early fall color starting at higher elevations, pointing travelers to spots like Canaan Valley, Blackwater Falls, Dolly Sods, Snowshoe, and Spruce Knob. Outdoor Recreation: A new high-demand stay is drawing attention: the Red Oak Fire Lookout tower in the Monongahela National Forest is open for reservations, offering a unique “camping spot” with big views. Local Travel Disruption: A mudslide closed Route 2 near Wells Campground in Sistersville, with crews clearing debris and addressing drainage. Wildlife & Hunting: A below-average acorn crop could affect deer movement this fall, shaping hunting plans.

State Parks & Tourism Upgrades: Gov. Morrisey announced nearly $19.725M for West Virginia State Parks and Forests, including a new 34-site campground at Little Beaver, major cabin renovations at Twin Falls, statewide paving and repairs, and a $300K fix for Blennerhassett Island’s service barge and tugboat—aimed at keeping the “Almost Heaven” travel engine strong. Fall Foliage Watch: The WV Department of Tourism reports the first color shifts at high elevations, especially Tucker and Pocahontas counties, with early leaf-peeping stops like Canaan Valley, Blackwater Falls, Dolly Sods, Snowshoe, and Spruce Knob. Outdoor Burning Rules: West Virginia’s fall fire season starts Oct. 1 with strict daytime burning limits (no burning between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m.), plus safety strip and supervision requirements—important for hikers and weekend travelers planning campfires. Wildlife Tech in the New River Gorge: Researchers are tagging endangered bats in New River Gorge National Park using tiny cellular transmitters to track where they go after leaving mines at night. Rural Health Access: Morrisey announced rural health investments, including a mobile medical clinic and provider productivity upgrades, to bring care closer to central West Virginia communities. On-the-Road Safety: A national roads report highlights big differences in fatal crash risk by state, a reminder for visitors driving mountain routes during peak fall travel. Arts & Community: A new adult movement course, “Motion from Visual Art,” launches Oct. 5 at the Beckley Art Center in partnership with the West Virginia Dance Company.

State Parks & Tourism Upgrades: Gov. Jim Morrisey announced nearly $19.725M in major upgrades across West Virginia State Parks and Forests, including a new 34-site campground at Little Beaver State Park, cabin and lodge renovations at Twin Falls, and statewide paving and repairs for campsites, driveways, parking lots, and walkways—aimed at keeping tourism momentum strong. Rural Health Access: Morrisey also announced more than $4M in rural health transformation awards for Minnie Hamilton Health Care Center, including a $1.7M mobile clinic to bring primary care, behavioral health, wound care, diagnostics, and telehealth into central WV communities. Outdoor Safety: West Virginia’s fall fire season starts Oct. 1, with outdoor burning limited to 5 p.m.–7 a.m. (vegetation only) through Dec. 31, and firefighters urge residents to call ahead and keep burn piles safe. Wildlife & Nature Tech: Researchers are tagging endangered bats in New River Gorge National Park with tiny cellular transmitters to track where they go after leaving mines. Family Fun: The West Virginia Botanic Garden’s Fall Children’s Festival returns Sunday (1:30–4:30 p.m.), with pumpkin painting, crafts, and fairy house building. Travel Planning Tip: Early fall foliage is already showing in Tucker and Pocahontas counties, with spots like Spruce Knob, Canaan Valley, Blackwater Falls, Dolly Sods, and Snowshoe leading the first color.

State Parks Boost: Gov. Patrick Morrisey announced nearly $19.725 million for upgrades across West Virginia state parks and forests, including a new 34-site campground at Little Beaver, wastewater improvements at Chief Logan and Cacapon, snowmaking upgrades at Canaan Valley, and repairs/paving statewide—good news for fall travelers and winter skiers. Mon Forest Gateway Wins: The Mon Forest Towns Partnership earned West Virginia Department of Tourism “Almost Heaven Achievement Awards” for recreation-focused economic development, with new trails, cycling routes, and wayfinding helping draw visitors to gateway towns. Outdoor Access Funding: The Monongahela National Forest approved nine community-and-recreation projects totaling about $240,000 under federal Secure Rural Schools, including wilderness portal signs and trail crew support. Fall Family Fun: WVU students are organizing a sports equipment drive and “Mini Day of Play” at Jackson’s Mill to help flood-displaced Lewis County students get back to normal. Local Events: Wellsburg Applefest returns for its 47th year with vendors and entertainment, and Oglebay’s Boo at the Zoo plus Fright Lights runs in October. Travel Practicalities: GasBuddy reports show some of the lowest local fuel prices in the week ending Sept. 19, including Hampshire County premium at $4.99 and Lincoln County regular at $4.09.

Fall travel push: West Virginia Tourism is gearing up for a record-breaking autumn with a weekly-updated fall foliage forecast map, a new Almost Heaven Swing Bingo Challenge across nearly 60 swing locations, and more paranormal and outdoor options. Family Halloween plans: Oglebay Park Resort in Wheeling is bringing back Boo at the Zoo plus Fright Lights and a separate haunted house experience (House of Screams) on Oct. 9-11, 16-18, and 23-25. Wildlife tourism: The state’s elk restoration is paying off in the southern coalfields, with a growing herd around Tomblin Wildlife Management Area and organized elk tours for fall viewing. Outdoor recreation guide: The Mon Forest Gravel & Bikepacking Route Network is expanding curated gravel and multi-day bikepacking routes connecting Mon Forest towns across the Monongahela National Forest. Seasonal safety: West Virginia’s fall fire season runs Oct. 1-Dec. 31, with outdoor burning limited to 5 p.m.-7 a.m. Local culture: The West Virginia Humanities Council released People & Mountains (Fall 2026), featuring historian-journalist Rick Atkinson and the Oct. 15 Capitol Theater lecture.

WVU Sports & Tourism: The Big 12 confirmed WVU’s Oct. 10 home game vs. Arizona will air at noon on TNT (with TruTV and HBO Max simulcast), and the Mountaineers head to Iowa State Oct. 3 at noon on TNT. Local Events: The Big 12 Fall Tour stops in Morgantown Oct. 8-10, with a free David Lee Murphy kickoff concert Oct. 10 at Almost Heaven Village (no public concessions). State Parks & Safety: West Virginia Division of Forestry urges residents to follow fall fire-season rules starting Thursday through Dec. 31, with outdoor burning limited to 5 p.m.-7 a.m. Tourism Spotlight: Susan Riddle was named 2026 Tourism Professional of the Year, and Visit Mountaineer Country highlighted growth tied to Mylan Park and sports/camping/biking. Outdoor Adventure: A new Mon Forest Gravel & Bikepacking Route Network in Pocahontas County connects Mon Forest towns with curated gravel and multi-day itineraries. Heritage Expansion: Congressman Riley M. Moore introduced the Shenandoah VALOR Act to expand the Shenandoah Valley Battlefields National Historic District into WV’s Eastern Panhandle. Road Travel: Rolling roadblocks are set for I-79 northbound and southbound nightly Oct. 5-9, 6 p.m.-6 a.m., with delays expected.

Big 12 on TV in Morgantown: WVU’s Oct. 10 home game vs. Arizona is set for noon on TNT, with simulcasts on TruTV and HBO Max. The Big 12 Fall Tour stops in Morgantown Oct. 8–10, with a free David Lee Murphy kickoff concert at Almost Heaven Village (Oct. 10) and the WVU Sports Hall of Fame induction at 9 a.m. Road & park updates: Rolling roadblocks begin next week on I-79 (Oct. 5–9, 6 p.m.–6 a.m.) with flaggers and possible delays. Gov. Morrisey announced Land and Water Conservation Fund improvements for Cold Run Valley Park ($140,000) and upgrades for a new park in South Berkeley County. Outdoor season: WV’s fall bow season opens Sept. 26, with a Hunters Helping the Hungry contest encouraging deer donations. The WV Division of Forestry warns about fall fire season (Oct. 1–Dec. 31) and outdoor burning limits. Tourism & history: Congressman Riley M. Moore introduced the Shenandoah VALOR Act to expand the Shenandoah Valley Battlefields National Historic District into WV’s Eastern Panhandle. Local culture: Carnegie Hall in Lewisburg hosts Melanie Myhre’s Artwalk exhibit through Oct. 30 and a beginner-friendly Paper Quilling: Autumn Trees workshop Oct. 3. Travel costs: GasBuddy reports the lowest diesel in Mineral County at $5.76/gal (week ending Sept. 19), with WV’s diesel average at $6.12.

Fall travel fuel watch: GasBuddy reports show West Virginia prices are mixed heading into October—Hardy County’s lowest E15 hit $3.89 (week ending Sept. 19), while diesel deals include Pleasants County at $6.39 and Hampshire County regular at $4.19. Forest fire season rules: The WV Division of Forestry says fall fire season runs Oct. 1–Dec. 31, with outdoor burning limited to 5 p.m.–7 a.m. to prevent leaf-and-debris escapes. Mountain State Forest Festival: The 88th edition kicked off in Elkins with “Autumn in Color,” plus early races like the 10K/5K/children’s fun run, and it continues through Oct. 4. Tourism & culture: A West Virginia filmmaker brought extraction-era history to life in the horror movie “Dark Hollow,” returning for screenings after filming in the state. Outdoor recreation: Elk viewing tours continue through October at Chief Logan State Park. Sports with local pull: WVU women’s soccer stayed undefeated with a 2-0 win over Iowa State, and WVU is set to face Marshall in the Mountain State Derby on Sept. 26.

Mountain State Forest Festival: The 88th Mountain State Forest Festival kicked off in Elkins with an “Autumn in Color” opening ceremony at the Jennings Randolph Federal Center, featuring the royal court and performances, with events running through Oct. 4. Local Giving: Mountain Valleys Shrine Club members from Durbin traveled to Lexington, Kentucky to donate $1,000 to Shriners Children’s—marking the third donation to Shriners hospitals in 2026. Film & Tourism: Elkins filmmaker Daniel Byers brings his horror movie “Dark Hollow” back to West Virginia for screenings, tying the story to the state’s extraction history and current debates over data-center development. Wildlife & Travel Safety: WVU wildlife expert tips explain why raccoons thrive in Appalachia and how to keep them out of yards before they cause damage. Gas Prices for Road Trips: GasBuddy reports show spotty but notable deals across the state, including lowest E85 at $3.76 in Cabell County and regular gas lows like $4.19 in Upshur County and $4.09 in Preston County. Sports Calendar for Visitors: WVU men’s soccer hosts the Mountain State Derby against Marshall on Sept. 26 (7:15 p.m., ESPN+), a good excuse to plan a Morgantown weekend.

West Virginia Tourism & Fall Planning: The West Virginia Department of Tourism released its 2026 fall foliage projection map and will post weekly updates so visitors can time peak color across the state. Local Sports Spotlight: WVU men’s soccer hosts the annual Mountain State Derby vs. Marshall on Sept. 26 at Hoops Family Field, with the match set for a 7:15 p.m. kickoff on ESPN+. Big 12 Football, WVU Angle: Oklahoma State snapped a long drought with a 41-24 win at Morgantown, a key conference-opening moment for WVU fans and travelers heading to games. Tourism Economy Milestone: Tourism coverage highlights West Virginia’s record $9.4 billion economic impact, underscoring how travel dollars are driving the state. Road Trip Utility: Gas prices updates show continued volatility, with the national regular average rising to $4.48 per gallon—useful for planning fall drives.

Fall Foliage Planning: The West Virginia Department of Tourism released its 2026 fall foliage projection map and will post weekly updates starting mid-September, helping visitors time leaf-peeping trips across the state. Big 12 Kickoff (Local Sports Buzz): West Virginia opens Big 12 play at 7 p.m. Saturday against Oklahoma State at Milan Puskar Stadium, aiming to carry momentum from a non-conference win over Virginia. Outdoor Conservation: The Monongahela National Forest and the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources renewed and updated their long-running partnership, coordinating on trout streams, wildlife habitat, and trail/road work. Road Trip Classic: US Route 50 turns 100 on Nov. 11, 2026, with a spotlight on the historic corridors that shaped the highway through West Virginia and beyond. Gas Prices Watch: GasBuddy reports show E85 and regular/diesel prices fluctuating across West Virginia counties in the week ending Sept. 19, with the national regular average rising to $4.48.

College Football (W.Va. Big 12 opener): West Virginia hosts Oklahoma State at Milan Puskar Stadium Saturday as the Mountaineers try to carry a 3-0 start into Big 12 play, with kickoff on FS1. Outdoor & Nature (Monongahela partnership): The Monongahela National Forest and the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources renewed and updated their long-running agreement, boosting cooperation on trout streams, wildlife habitat, and trail/road work. Hunting Season (archery/crossbow): West Virginia’s archery and crossbow big-game seasons open Sept. 26 for deer, bear, and wild boar, running through Dec. 31. Tourism & Community (Gold Star ride): Fayetteville will welcome the West Virginia Gold Star Mothers Bridge Ride on Oct. 10, with riders arriving mid-day and a parade route through Court Street. Travel Practicalities (gas prices): GasBuddy reports show E85 and diesel prices varying by county, while the national regular average rose to about $4.48 per gallon.

Wildlife & Public Lands: The Monongahela National Forest and the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources renewed and updated a long-running partnership, formalizing cooperation on trout streams, habitat work, invasive plant removal, and threatened species management across the forest. Big-Game Season: West Virginia’s archery and crossbow season for deer, black bear, and wild boar opens Sept. 26 and runs through Dec. 31, with hunters getting a longer stretch to enjoy fall conditions before later firearms seasons. Elk Viewing: Chief Logan State Park continues weekend elk viewing tours through October, with guided rides to a 360-degree viewing tower during elk mating season. Community & Tourism Events: Fayetteville will host the West Virginia Gold Star Mothers Bridge Ride on Oct. 10, inviting residents and visitors to line Court Street for the motorcycle procession. State Reading Push: Gov. Morrisey launched West Virginia’s Dolly Days Read-a-Thon for K-5 students, running Oct. 1 through Dec. 31 with a 25-book challenge. Outdoor Safety Note: With a nor’easter forecast to bring strong winds, heavy rain, and coastal flooding to the Northeast, travelers may want to plan around weather impacts.

Dolly Days Read-a-Thon: Gov. Jim Justice launched a statewide Dolly Parton literacy challenge for K-5 students, running Oct. 1 through Dec. 31 with kids aiming to read 25 books and track progress via library-supported logs. Tourism & community: Give Like Dolly Day events across North Central WV are pairing literacy drives with local partnerships tied to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. Outdoor wildlife: Chief Logan State Park is keeping elk viewing tours running on weekends through October, with morning/evening trips and a 360-degree tower view during mating-season bugling. Festival travel planning: Elkins’ Mountain State Forest Festival is ramping up with street closures and parking/traffic changes starting as the carnival sets up, running through early October. Gas prices for road trips: GasBuddy reported the lowest premium gas in Marion County at $4.80 (week ending Sept. 19), while Mercer County’s lowest regular hit $3.98 and Raleigh County’s lowest regular was $4.09—useful for fall driving plans. Road safety: A WVDOH-focused reminder says dead animals on roadways are handled as traffic hazards, with removal prioritized where they affect travel lanes.

Tourism Honors: Visit Mercer County won the 2026 Digital Innovation Award at the Governor’s Conference on Tourism, credited to a connected digital strategy that guides travelers from social ads to planning and booking. Spooky Season: West Virginia Paranormal Trail is back with 20 new-to-you stops, free digital “passports” via email/text, and 2026 challenge prizes—finish 3+ for a sticker, 8+ for a beanie, 15+ for a lantern, and all locations for a limited poster plus a chance at an overnight Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum tour for two. Fall Travel Timing: A new look at when fall “really” starts in West Virginia notes two different calendars—meteorological Sept. 1 vs. the Sept. 22 equinox—plus elevation-driven differences that can make autumn feel early in the mountains. Roadside Safety for Travelers: West Virginia’s high deer-strike risk is highlighted, with State Farm citing a 1-in-40 chance of hitting deer or other animals, far above the national average. Weather Disruption: Gov. Morrisey declared a State of Emergency for Boone and Lincoln counties after flash flooding, with rescues, road closures, and hazardous travel conditions. Gas Watch: Diesel and regular gas prices were reported across multiple counties (including Raleigh, Hardy, Kanawha, Cabell, Pendleton, Nicholas, and Summers) showing ongoing regional volatility for drivers heading out on weekend trips.

Tourism Honors: Travel + Leisure ranked West Virginia America’s second most beautiful state, praising its forests, 6,600+ miles of rivers, six NPS sites, and nearly 200 waterfalls. Severe Weather & Safety: Gov. Morrisey declared a state of emergency for Boone and Lincoln counties after flash flooding from slow-moving storms; officials warned of hazardous roads, rescues, and the risk of more flooding and landslides. Fall Travel Timing: A report breaks down why West Virginia can “feel” like fall twice—astronomical fall begins at the equinox, while meteorological fall starts Sept. 1, with mountain elevation shifting peak color timing. Roadside Wildlife Warning: West Virginia leads the nation in deer strikes, with drivers facing about a 1 in 40 chance of hitting an animal; WVDOH removes hazards based on traffic danger. Local Events: Elkins is gearing up for the Mountain State Forest Festival with major downtown closures and limited parking, and Point Pleasant’s Mothman Festival continues to draw paranormal fans. Outdoor/Adventure Culture: A feature highlights intimate camping festivals in the New River Gorge area, pointing to the growing appeal of small, community-driven getaways.