Gov. Justice Releases 2024 Fall Foliage Projection Map

Live leaf tracker to launch with start of fall season

Charleston, WV – In anticipation of the quickly-approaching autumn season, the West Virginia Department of Tourism has released its annual fall foliage projection map. The map, prepared in partnership with the West Virginia Division of Forestry, estimates when fall color is expected to begin appearing across the Mountain State in an effort to help travelers plan their fall getaways.

Gov. Jim Justice discussed the foliage projection and the upcoming fall season during his weekly administration update briefing.

“West Virginia is blessed with four incredible seasons, and fall is when we truly shine,” Gov. Justice said. “There is something magical about watching the leaves change to the most beautiful, vivid colors you’ve ever seen. We have so much goodness happening during the season, so start planning your trips now because you don’t want to miss out on the breathtaking scenes around Almost Heaven.” 

Beginning mid-September, the Department of Tourism will start releasing weekly fall foliage updates which will include real-time color reports as well as a list of the week’s most Instagrammable fall views. The list will guide travelers to the state’s prime leaf-viewing opportunities.

“There’s still a few weeks of summer left to enjoy, but it’s never too early to start planning an autumn trip to experience West Virginia’s stunning fall colors,” said West Virginia Tourism Secretary Chelsea Ruby. ”I’m looking forward to our rolling hills coming alive with vibrant foliage very soon. I have a feeling this may just be the best fall season we’ve seen in more than a decade. There’s no better place to experience the season than right here in Almost Heaven.”

In addition to the fall foliage map, the Department of Tourism will also offer a live leaf tracker which will be updated in real-time as the season begins to shift to give travelers an inside look at fall color around the state. The tracker features photos from social media using #AlmostHeaven and can be viewed online at WVtourism.com/fall. Experts believe West Virginia is well-positioned for a fantastic fall. 

“It’s hard to believe it, but fall is quickly approaching. West Virginians are lucky to call the third most forested state in the U.S. home, with its wide variety of tree species that change different colors at different times which allows for an extended leaf watching season. There are so many ways to take in this beautiful time of the year,” said West Virginia Division of Forestry Director Jeremy Jones.

“We encourage all travelers to the state to join in on the fun and help us showcase our state’s natural beauty and jaw-dropping fall colors by sharing photos on social media using #AlmostHeaven,” said Ruby.

Along with the foliage map and live leaf tracker, travelers can also explore recommended places to stay, spectacular hikes, popular seasonal adventures, special fall festivals and events all at WVtourism.com/fall. Those looking for an adventure can order or digitally download the Department of Tourism’s free, vacation guide to help plan their fall getaway.

To access the latest updates, happenings and insider tips around fall in Almost Heaven, visit WVtourism.com/fall.

For graphics of the 2024 fall foliage map and high-quality images from previous fall seasons, click here. Photo credit: West Virginia Department of Tourism

###

This post was last updated on August 9, 2024