West Virginia Continues to Experience Best Fall Foliage of the Decade

Jaw-dropping colors spread across the Mountain State

Charleston, W.Va. – Autumn color is widespread across the whole Mountain State as the West Virginia Department of Tourism releases the third fall foliage update of the season. Here’s where to find fall color now. The southern part of the state is currently experiencing brilliant autumn color that will extend into the weekend and through next week. Additional areas, such as the Eastern Panhandle, are starting to see gorgeous changes to their landscapes and will have ideal leaf peeping conditions over the next week or two. 

“One of the best parts of West Virginia’s fall foliage is that it lasts for so long. Other states only see color for a brief period but West Virginia’s fall color lasts for nearly two months due to the elevation variances, ” said West Virginia Department of Tourism Secretary Chelsea Ruby. “Those stunning hues are just starting to pop in the lower elevations. There’s still plenty of time to plan your leaf peeping adventures. It’s turning out to be one of the most colorful seasons in recent years, so you don’t want to miss it.”

Fall Foliage Update

“The southern portion of the state should be reaching its peak by the end of the week,” said Division of Forestry Director Jeremy Jones. “A drive on Route 3 throughout Raleigh County should provide nice views. We are also expecting some pops of color for Bridge Day this weekend and encourage folks to get out and enjoy the next few weeks of peak color in the state before it’s too late.”

Southern West Virginia is now seeing exceptional yellow Walnuts, Hickories, Sycamore, Birch and Maple. Oaks, Maples and Dogwoods have turned astonishing shades of ruby red while Sumacs and Sassafrasses are glowing with breathtaking tones of ginger.

Featured Destinations & Activities 

Take the West Virginia Turnpike from the capital city of Charleston to the southern region of the state for a delightful drive alongside mountains coated in marvelous autumn hues. Make a pit stop in Raleigh County to traverse through the Piney Creek Preserve and check out the newest gems part of the West Virginia Waterfall Trail. 

Stroll the charming streets of Lewisburg, voted one of America’s coolest small towns, for a plethora of unique shops, dining options and an endless line of splendid trees. Surround yourself with jaw-dropping fall foliage on two wheels when biking the Greenbrier River Trail, a path that spans 78 miles and takes bikers through multiple state forests. Cozy up amongst your family and friends as you gallop throughout The Greenbrier’s 11,000-acre property with a scenic carriage ride in White Sulphur Springs.

When visiting the Eastern Panhandle of the state, exploring Harpers Ferry National Historical Park is a must. Reconnect with autumn when taking a leisurely stroll along the C&O Canal in Shepherdstown, then enjoy the natural healing waters of Berkeley Springs.

Get Outside
The Department of Tourism has once again partnered with AllTrails, the most trusted and used outdoor platform in the world, to give away free six month memberships to AllTrails+ for dedicated fans of Almost Heaven. Experience some of the best leaf peeping opportunities when hiking throughout Almost Heaven, the third-most forested state in the entire country. Sign up today at wvtourism.com/alltrails-2023.

AllTrails is home to the most extensive collection of digital trail guides, with over 400,000 hiking, running, and mountain biking trails worldwide. The platform helps users find and explore new trails and connect them to routes best suited for their unique needs.

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 3 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 continues to receive national recognition this season, with mentions in top-tier publications such as Travel + Leisure, National Geographic, Lonely Planet, Forbes, Observer and more.

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. For more information about West Virginia, visit WVtourism.com and start planning your trip today. To access high-res images, click here. Photo credit: West Virginia Department of Tourism. 

###

This post was last updated on October 18, 2023