Don’t Forget About These 6 Sneaky Little Winters That Often Counterbalance Spring In West Virginia

Spring is officially here, and many West Virginians can personally attest to it; robins have arrived, daffodils are blooming, and spring peepers are singing. But don't get too comfortable with the warmer weather because we've still got to survive the many "Little Winters" that often characterize an Appalachian spring. For instance, have you ever heard of locust winter? Let's face it; winter in West Virginia is never boring!

There's Redbud Winter...

Redbud winter is the first of these "Little Winters" and usually arrives in late March. It is characterized by several heavy frosts between warm spells. Winter in West Virginia is often very beautiful.

You'll know to watch for it when the redbuds and apple trees start to bloom. It’s a gorgeous season that we love.

...and Locust Winter...

Some folks think Locust Winter happens in early April, when the locust leaf buds start to unfurl.

Others place it after the Dogwood Winter, in late May when the locusts begin to bloom. West Virginia winters are utterly enchanting.

... and Dogwood Winter ...

Dogwood Winter occurs in mid to late April, when the dogwood trees are in full blossom. Who knew winter in West Virginia could look like this?

A heavy frost is not unusual during this time. But we think it just makes everything more beautiful.

... and Blackberry Winter...

In early to mid-May, the blackberries begin to bloom. West Virginia winter is your typical winter.

Blackberry Winter is also known as the notorious "May 10th Cold Snap" that often dashes the early efforts of over-eager gardeners. Still, this cold snap during the blackberry bloom helps to set on the blackberry fruit. It’s good to know that the berries need that cold snap!

... and Whippoorwill Winter...

Many folks merge this one with Britches Winter, but traditionally it refers to a cold spell in mid to late May that coincides with the Whip-poor-will migration. These little West Virginia winters are easier to manage with beautiful things like flowers and birds to sweeten it up.

... and Britches Winter.

Finally, if there's a bit of a cool down around Memorial Day, it's probably Britches Winter (or Long John Britches Winter or Cotton Britches Winter or Linsey-Woolsey Winter), referring to the last time you might need to wear long underwear until fall. We can get behind that!

Of course, there's plenty of regional debate about the names and order and dates of these winters, but here's the thing that all experienced mountain folk agree on: even though we're seeing plenty of signs that spring has come, don't think that we've seen the last of old man winter just yet.

Which of these "Little Winters" are you watching for? Are there any we missed?

Oh, and if you'd like to take advantage of the beautiful spring weather in between these cold snaps, check out these 7 easy and beautiful spring hikes in West Virginia.