Fall color showing off in West Virginia’s higher elevations

West Virginia Department of Tourism announces first fall foliage report of the season

Charleston, W.Va. –  The West Virginia Department of Tourism celebrates stunning fall color making its way into the Mountain State with the first official fall foliage report of the year. The fall season has officially begun and the higher elevations of West Virginia are beginning to see extraordinarily colorful foliage.

According to the West Virginia Division of Forestry, Tucker County’s highest elevations are currently nearing peak conditions, just in time for the Leaf Peepers Festival this weekend. The brightest colors lie within the Canaan Valley, which can best be seen with a drive along Route 32. Pocahontas County is also coming alive with fall color, species of birch, maple and hickory are changing to warm shades of amber, especially on the Cheat and Elk mountains.  

“We’re seeing more and more fall color popping up throughout the state each day,” said West Virginia Department of Tourism Secretary Chelsea Ruby. “Now is a great time to start mapping out your fall travels with so much color change still to come. For the next few weeks, our higher elevations will have amazing leaf-peeping opportunities coupled with outdoor adventure. Be sure to check the live leaf map on our website throughout the fall season for real time updates of where to find stunning foliage.”

All areas of the state are showing signs of fall, with colorful foliage being spotted across the Mountain State at all elevations. Recent rain showers are producing foliage in bright shades of red, orange and yellow. 

Best Bets for Fall Foliage

While early autumn color can be spotted all across the Mountain State, best bets for vibrant leaf-peeping views are in the highest elevations of the state. The West Virginia Department of Tourism’s live leaf tracker will be updated in real time, featuring user-generated photos from social media. To access the live leaf map, along with the latest updates, happenings and insider tips around fall in Almost Heaven, visit WVtourism.com/fall. 

  • Discover cooler temperatures and autumn hues at Blackwater Falls State Park. Take the easy yet rewarding hike to Lindy Point Overlook for astonishing views of the Blackwater River Canyon below. Extend your visit with an overnight stay in a cozy cabin tucked within the forest or the newly renovated lodge. 
  • Visit Canaan Valley Resort State Park to witness sweeping views of the valley dotted with crimson and copper trees. While here, be sure to grab a selfie on the Almost Heaven swing. Hike to Bald Knob or take the scenic chairlift for an extra special view of popping color for miles.
  • Head to Snowshoe Mountain for another Almost Heaven swing photo-op. Perched atop the Skidder Ski Slope, this swing gives way to wonderful autumn views of rolling hills and valleys and can be reached with a short walk from the village. 
  • Retreat to Dolly Sods Wilderness for an exceptional fall oasis. Bear Rocks is one of the area’s best bets for a jaw-dropping autumn sunrise or sunset.  
  • Climb the observation tower at Spruce Knob, West Virginia’s highest point, for panoramic, 360-degree leaf-peeping views at nearly 5,000 feet high. 
  • Looking for a scenic fall drive along our iconic country roads? Travel Highland Scenic Highway and find yourself amongst some of the Mountain State’s most beautiful landscapes. Experience the gorgeous change in the season as you journey throughout serene peaks and valleys. 

About the West Virginia Department of Tourism

Known as the Mountain State, West Virginia is one of the most scenic states in the United States and home to thousands of acres of parks and public lands, including America’s newest national park, 36 state parks, nine state forests and three rail trails. In addition to its majestic mountains and rolling hills, West Virginia is full of rich historic sites, enchanting art galleries, charming towns and an immense sense of belonging found only in its heaven-like landscapes. 

Fall in West Virginia has already received national recognition this season, with mentions in top-tier publications such as National Geographic, Lonely Planet, Forbes, Reader’s Digest and more. For more information about West Virginia, visit WVtourism.com and start planning your trip today. 

To access high-res images of current fall foliage conditions, click here. Photo credit: West Virginia Department of Tourism. 

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This post was last updated on September 25, 2024