West Virginia Department of Tourism releases fifth fall foliage report and featured country road trip of 2021

Travelers encouraged to plan trips in advance to see West Virginia’s beautiful fall color

CHARLESTON, W.VA. — Vibrant fall color continues throughout much of the state as the West Virginia Department of Tourism releases its fifth fall foliage report to help travelers enjoy peak leaf season.

This report marks the fifth in a series of weekly updates, prepared in partnership with the West Virginia Division of Forestry, to help travelers plan autumn road trips and adventures based on peak foliage across the state.

“There’s still time to catch beautiful autumn color across the Mountain State,” said West Virginia Tourism Secretary Chelsea Ruby. “If you’ve been waiting to take a fall foliage road trip, there’s no better time to go. Our mountains are really putting on a show right now.”

Fall Foliage Update
Color has been slower to peak in West Virginia this year, resulting in some beautiful fall foliage remaining through early November. The higher elevations in the eastern mountains are past peak, but colorful foliage can still be found throughout the other eight travel regions. Much of the state is expected to peak over the next week or two, so this weekend marks a great opportunity to see peak color before the leaves drop.

Take a scenic drive through the Northern Panhandle
This week’s featured drive connects the Northern Panhandle cities of Moundsville and Wheeling on the Ohio River, where color is at peak. Start at U.S. 250 in Moundsville then follow W.Va. 88 north to Wheeling. There are plenty of scenic areas you can drive through or stop at to take in the autumn colors, including Grand Vue Park in Moundsville and Oglebay Resort in Wheeling. Dining options include several locally owned restaurants, coffee shops and breweries in or near Wheeling’s historic Centre Market.

As you travel along this country road, post, share and tag your favorite fall photos and road trip memories using #AlmostHeaven. User-generated photos are updated daily on the Tourism Office’s live leaf tracker map. For more autumn inspiration and to see where the leaves are changing near you, visit WVtourism.com/fall.

To access photos of this week’s featured road trip, click here.

About the West Virginia Department of Tourism
The West Virginia Department of Tourism promotes West Virginia as a leading four-season travel destination and top state to live, work and retire.

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 and 45 state parks and forests. 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.

For more information about West Virginia and to plan your trip, visit WVtourism.com.

This post was last updated on November 3, 2021