Vibrant Autumn Hues Continue to Cover West Virginia

Exceptional fall conditions linger across the Mountain State

Charleston, W.Va. – West Virginia continues to experience some of the longest-lasting fall foliage the state has seen in decades. Shades of red and orange can now be found in almost every corner of Almost Heaven. According to the West Virginia Division of Forestry, Oak trees across the state are just beginning to turn, meaning significant color changes are still in store. 

Peak foliage remains on display throughout the Potomac Highlands, Mountaineer Country and the Mountain Lakes region. Signs of autumn have settled into the Northern Panhandle and Mid-Ohio Valley, with peak conditions expected within the next week. Travelers can now catch sights of beautiful, changing leaves across the Metro Valley.

“We are continuing to see amazing color change happening in every region of Almost Heaven,” said West Virginia Department of Tourism Secretary Chelsea Ruby. “The beauty of the season is lingering longer than it has in years, so there’s still time to plan your leaf-peeping adventure to the Mountain State!”

Best Bets for Fall Foliage

Read below for our best bets of where to explore amongst pristine autumn conditions in the Mountain State this week.

The West Virginia Department of Tourism’s live leaf tracker continues to 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. Share your current fall photos using #AlmostHeaven for a chance to be featured.

  • Visit Coopers Rock State Forest to witness a stunning overlook surrounded by auburn and magoney covered mountains. Grab a photo on the Almost Heaven swing or stop by at sunset for an extra special sight. 
  • Explore hiking trails, fishing streams and a peaceful, autumn atmosphere at North Bend State Park. For even more leaf-peeping views, stroll or bike the scenic, 72-mile North Bend Rail Trail.
  • Gallop your way past golden leaves with a guided horseback tour at Oglebay. Enjoy a fall getaway and stay on-site in the newly renovated lodge, enjoy a delicious meal and discover even more activities.  
  • Cruise through jaw-dropping fall foliage as you journey along the former Buffalo Creek & Gauley Railroad in a pedal-powered vehicle at Rail Explorers in Clay County. The 12-mile round trip follows the twists and turns of the creek though the magnificent forest, passing waterfalls, bridges and wildlife.
  • When in the capital city, don’t miss a lovely autumn walk along the Sunrise Carriage Trail. An easy 1.4 mile out-and-back trek, this trail is family-friendly and boasts spanning views of downtown Charleston. 

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. 

###

This post was last updated on October 22, 2024