One of the several attractions to the area-the fall foliage-isn't in full swing yet but officials predict it will be soon.

West Virginia Division of Forestry officials said over the next two weeks the Wood County leaves should be at their peak and Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Forestry officials said the southeast region should reach it's peak in the next couple of weeks.

Officials said the trees producing the most colorful leaves in both states are the oaks which turn red, tulip poplars (or yellow wood) which become yellow and maples which become shades of orange and red. In Ohio, the green ash are also starting to turn gold.

However officials said the leaves are changing quicker because of the dry weather.

West Virginia Division of Forestry officials said this time of year the leaves' colors change from green to shades of orange, purple, and yellow as a result of the shorter days and lower temperatures.

The leaves stop producing chlorophyll which makes them green and then the underlying colors of the leaves are revealed.

Officials said anytime there's stress on the trees like the lack of water, the color will change sooner.

"You get down in the low lying hollows where it's a little bit cooler in the evenings and I saw some brilliant scenery this morning (Thursday) coming up (I-77) but it's not as widespread as you'll see in another week or two," said Matthew Cook, LSCA logging specialist of the West Virginia Division of Forestry.

Cook said the fire season is a concern this year because the leaves are changing color and falling off the trees sooner.

In West Virginia, fire season started the first of this month and usually goes until December depending on the weather.

So during these months you cannot burn anything outside between the hours of 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. in the evening in the state.

If you do burn a fire, it must be attended at all times.

In Ohio, you can't burn anything outside from 6 a.m until 6 p.m. through November.

Over the next few weeks there are several ways to enjoy the fall scenery.

In Washington County there will be a self-guided driving tour starting at the Washington County Home on State Route 26. It's part of the 19th annual Fall Foliage and Antique Engine Show Saturday, Oct. 18 from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and Sunday, Oct. 19 from 12 p.m. until 6 p.m.

There is also a Covered Bridge tour in Washington County. for a copy of the map, contact the Marietta/Washington County Convention and Visitors Bureau at 1-800-288-2577 or 740-373-5178. You can also stop by the office at 121 Putnam St. inside the Putnam Commons in Marietta or log on to the Web site below.

There are more driving tours listed on the Ohio Department of Development, Division of Tourism Web site and fall foliage updates reported on the ODNR Web site. Both of these sites are attached below.

In West Virginia there are state fall color driving tours. For a list of maps log on to the WV Tourism Web site below or stop by the WV Welcome Center nearest you. The center in Williamstown is located off the I-77 exit and can be reached at 304/375-2700.

There is also a 10 mile fall hike at North Bend State Park this Saturday, October 11. For more information contact the North Bend State Park Activities Coordinator at 304-643-2931.