CLARKSBURG, W.Va. — The arrival of the autumnal equinox each September marks a turning point for West Virginians, ushering in cooler days, longer nights and the colorful transformation of the Mountain State’s hillsides.

The equinox — when day and night are nearly equal in length — signals the official start of fall in the Northern Hemisphere. While the event lasts only a moment, its effects ripple through rural communities across West Virginia for weeks to come.

Life in Rural West Virginia During the Seasonal Shift

For many living in the state’s small towns and mountain hollows, the changing season shapes daily life in subtle but meaningful ways. Farmers often see the equinox as a natural signpost: A reminder to finish late harvests of crops like pumpkins, apples and corn before frost s

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