West Virginia Department of Tourism Releases 2025 Fall Foliage Projection Map

Magnificent color expected to cover the Mountain State following summer rain

Charleston, W.Va. –  With autumn quickly approaching, the West Virginia Department of Tourism has unveiled its highly anticipated fall foliage projection map. Created in collaboration with the West Virginia Division of Forestry, this map predicts when and where fall foliage will appear across the state, helping travelers plan the perfect autumn trip to the third most forested state in the U.S. Summer rainfall totals have set the stage for exceptional color this season.

“West Virginia’s mountains are poised to put on one of their most breathtaking shows yet,” said West Virginia Division of Forestry Director Jeremey Jones. “With the wet summer and perfect mix of warm days and crisp nights, we’re expecting vibrant reds, brilliant oranges, and golden yellows to sweep across the hillsides this fall.”

Starting mid-September, the Department of Tourism will roll out weekly travel-ready itineraries highlighting some of the best destinations and adventures for enjoying vibrant color. These curated itineraries can be found on West Virginia Tourism’s social media channels and at wvtourism.com/press-releases. Join the West Virginia Tourism Instagram Broadcast Channel to be among the first to hear about fall happenings in West Virginia and unlock exclusive offers! An invite will be sent to all followers, or they can access the join link under the “Fall” highlight. 

“There are still a few weeks of summer left, but it’s never too early to start planning a trip to experience West Virginia’s stunning fall foliage,” said West Virginia Department of Tourism Secretary Chelsea Ruby. “Thanks to above-average rainfall this summer, the fall colors are expected to really show off. Head to our website for inspirational fall content and trip planning tips. There’s no better place to spend this season than in Almost Heaven!”

Travelers are invited to share their autumn photos using #AlmostHeaven for a chance to be featured on social media channels. Beginning late September, the department’s live leaf tracker will also showcase photos shared with #AlmostHeaven and will be updated in real time, offering a glimpse into the current conditions. 

In addition, the Department of Tourism plans to re-launch the popular state-wide Paranormal Trail and feature new spine-chilling stops.

To keep tabs on all things autumn in Almost Heaven, visit wvtourism.com/fall. 

For the official 2025 fall foliage map and high-quality images from previous autumn seasons, click here. Photo credit: West Virginia Department of Tourism.

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This post was last updated on August 15, 2025