The Perfect Spots To View Fall Foliage Right Now in West Virginia – Week of 10/2

It’s crunchy leaf season here in the Mountain State. As the cool temperatures begin to reach out mountains, some of the brightest fall colors reach their peak – making a stunning backdrop for all of your #AlmostHeaven photos. The higher elevations of the Mountain State are now bursting with autumn color, while the lower sections are beginning to see some pops of changing leaves.

For the latest fall foliage updates across the state, take a look at our Live Leaf Map and pick your next Almost Heaven adventure with ease!

This week, explore West Virginia’s peak fall foliage in these iconic areas. Every view in Almost Heaven will leave you in awe.

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 color-changing trees, including yellow birch, American beech, black cherry, red maple and others. The “black” appearance 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.

For an adventure in the clouds, 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, hop on later in the evening (the last chair loads 30 minutes before the sunset). You won’t want to miss this perspective of Almost Heaven’s fall colors.

While you’re at this iconic spot, capture the perfect #AlmostHeaven swing selfie and share your special moment with your followers!

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 festooning the maple and birch trees – scattered throughout all 47 miles of trails. Depending on the weather, you may even catch some snowflakes due to this destination’s ranging elevation, which reaches over 4,700 feet in some locations.

Pendleton County

The observation tower at Spruce Knob marks the highest elevation point in West Virginia at 5,000 feet above sea level, meaning that fall colors are at their peak. For another unique vista, take an up-hill hike to Seneca Rocks, a natural rock formation that rises to nearly 900 feet. If you want to add some adrenaline to your future fall foliage adventures, learn world-class rock climbing skills at NROCKS Outdoor Adventures. There, you can experience the Via Ferrata with a guided tour. Embrace the picturesque array of maple and birch trees like never before at this Pendleton County gem.

Cass Scenic Railroad State Park

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 the turning leaves while also turning back the clock as you get a feel for the old-school train ride through Pocahontas County. Once your vintage train ride has concluded, you can also explore the Cass Historical Theater and Historical Museum to fill your fall foliage with fun facts about the area.

Snowshoe Mountain

Some of the most stunning views in Almost Heaven exist 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. There are also many world-class mountain biking trails near the mountain, as Snowshoe has hosted the Mercedes-Benz UCI Mountain Bike World Cup several times. Shavers Lake makes an excellent spot for you and your group to float and direct your pupils to the surrounding scarlet reds and burnt oranges. While you’re here, warm yourself up with breakfast at the Waffle Cabin and check out the local stores.

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This post was last updated on October 6, 2023