The Best Spots to See Fall Foliage Right Now in West Virginia – Week of 09/25/24
With summer now in the rearview mirror, West Virginia is bursting with stunning fall colors. The Mountain State’s points of higher elevation are cooling down and make leaf peeping a perfect escape from the lingering heat. You can find the latest fall foliage updates across the state by looking at our Live Leaf Map!
This week, explore West Virginia’s extraordinary fall foliage in these featured areas.
Tucker County
Tucker County is home to some of West Virginia’s most beautiful spots this time of the year. Blackwater Falls State Park in Davis is a heavily wooded area with several varieties of color-changing trees, including yellow birch, American beech, black cherry, red maple and others. The “black” appearance of the iconic waterfall’s water is a result of tannic acid from fallen red spruce and fallen hemlock needles staining the water, which makes this one of the most unique destinations in the state to see peak fall foliage.
Take the easy yet rewarding hike to Lindy Point Overlook for astonishing views of the Blackwater River Canyon below. Extend your visit with an overnight stay in a cozy cabin tucked within the forest or the newly renovated lodge.
Catch a bird’s eye view of the Allegheny Mountains and the surrounding valley from the Scenic Chairlift Ride at Canaan Valley Resort State Park. For a chance to see both the vibrant trees and a painted sky, hike to Bald Knob or hop on later in the evening (the last chair loads 30 minutes before the sunset). You won’t want to miss this view of Almost Heaven’s crimson and copper hues.
While you’re here, capture the perfect #AlmostHeaven Swing selfie and share it with your friends!
Dolly Sods Wilderness
Located in Tucker, Grant and Randolph counties, the Dolly Sods Wilderness consists of more than 17,000 acres of land for you to find beautiful fall foliage. Hike through some of the Monongahela National Forest’s thickest wooded areas. This is the perfect opportunity to go backpacking with the perfect autumn backdrop. You will spot many shades of red, orange and yellow leaves glazing the maple and birch trees – scattered across all 47 miles of trails. Bear Rocks is one of the area’s best bets for a jaw-dropping autumn view.
Pocahontas County
You will spot turning leaves while turning back the clock when you visit Pocahontas County. Journey through some of West Virginia’s most spectacular fall views in a vintage steam-driven locomotive at Cass Scenic Railroad State Park. You will see plenty of stunning shades of gold, orange and red here. After your fall railroad excursion, you can also walk around and explore the Cass Historical Theater and Historical Museum.
Some of the most stunning views in Almost Heaven are found at Snowshoe Mountain in Pocahontas County. Over the weekend, the Basin side of Snowshoe Mountain is projected to reach its peak fall foliage, with the western side expected to follow soon after. See all the colors blend together while you take your mountain bike on world-class biking trails near the mountain. Whether you’re on the shore or on a boat, Shavers Lake is a fantastic spot to surround yourself with the many shades of burnt oranges and reds.
Looking for a scenic fall drive along the iconic country roads? Travel the Highland Scenic Highway and find yourself amongst some of the Mountain State’s most beautiful landscapes. Experience the gorgeous change in the season as you journey through serene peaks and valleys.
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This post was last updated on September 25, 2024