West Virginia Department of Tourism releases final 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. — Some parts of the state continue to show good color as the West Virginia Department of Tourism releases its final fall foliage report to help travelers enjoy peak leaf season.

This report marks the sixth and final 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. 

“West Virginia’s fall colors put on quite the show this year, and because color arrived late, we’ve had an extended leaf peeping season,” said West Virginia Tourism Secretary Chelsea Ruby. “We encourage travelers to take advantage of this last weekend of fall color and post photos while exploring using #AlmostHeaven.” 

Fall Foliage Update

Color is past its peak throughout much of the state, but some color, especially in the oaks, still remains in most regions. The best color can be found in the lower elevations of southwestern West Virginia and along the Ohio River in the eastern half of the state.

Take a scenic drive from Parkersburg to North Bend State Park

This week’s featured drive begins on U.S. 50 East from Parkersburg to North Bend State Park, which features hiking and biking trails, lake activities and a full-service lodge. Parkersburg is known for its Victorian district and offers plenty of local dining options. Area highlights include Fort Boreman Park, a Civil War site that sits on a hilltop overlooking the Little Kanawha and Ohio rivers. Halfway between Parkersburg and North Bend, Mountwood Park offers nature trails, picnic areas and a dog park.

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 10, 2021