The Perfect Spots To View Fall Foliage Right Now in West Virginia – Week of 10/9

With week two of October officially here, peak fall foliage trickles toward lower elevations across West Virginia. The higher elevations of the Mountain State continue bursting with autumn color, but the lower sections are finally starting to see some change.

Stay up to date on our Live Leaf Map and fill your next Almost Heaven with the season’s best colors! Your #AlmostHeaven photos will have the perfect backdrop.

These iconic areas will get you in the fall spirit this week, from chasing charming cascades to climbing boulders for that perfect view.

Potomac Highlands

The Potomac Highlands region is full of many scenic spots for you to enjoy peak fall foliage.

To be tunneled by bright reds, oranges and golds, roll down your windows and travel on Corridor H. This route extends from I-79 in Weston and crosses the crest of the Allegheny Mountains to I-81.

Lost River State Park is a hidden gem in West Virginia’s Eastern Panhandle. The park has just under 4,000 acres of quiet woods, providing a secluded getaway for outdoor enthusiasts. While you’re here, get your steps in by taking the two-mile hike up to the Cranny Crow Overlook. The overlook is on top of Big Ridge Mountain, which boasts a stunning view of five counties and puts you at nearly 3,000 feet above sea level. If you’d like to extend your stay, the park features 26 cabins.

Post another iconic #AlmostHeaven swing selfie on your Instagram profile at Lost River State Park’s Almost Heaven swing! Enjoy a panoramic view of this beautiful state park.

Mountaineer Country

Morgantown is filled with Mountaineer fans repping West Virginia University’s gold and blue colors, but nature will be adding a lot more reds, oranges and yellows to the mix. No matter if you’re downtown or deep in the sticks of Mountaineer Country, you will see plenty of sugar maple, American beech and other trees in their fall prime.

Sightsee like a local from the iconic outlook at Coopers Rock State Forest. From here, you will have a beautiful view of the Cheat River Gorge. If you’re feeling even more adventurous, take on some scenic rock climbing – ranging from beginner-friendly scrambles to gravity-defying sandstone cliffs. To get a closer look at the foliage, you can explore the Mon River Rail Trail’s 29 miles of serene wilderness on foot or two pedals.

To share your Coopers Rock State Park memories with your friends, capture your #AlmostHeaven swing selfie at the Almost Heaven swing!

For relaxing adventures out on the lake, make your way to Cheat Lake, which is just a 15-minute drive outside of downtown Morgantown. This lake is nearly 1,200 acres large and measures about 13 miles in length. Take in the surrounding fall foliage from the comfort of your personal or rental pontoon boat, kayak, canoe, power boat and more.

Fairmont is another must-visit destination in Mountaineer Country. To see some of the town’s best fall foliage, go with the flow at Valley Falls State Park. The wide, dark waters of the Tygart Valley River rush between large river rocks for a relaxing view. For a chance to win limited-edition prizes, add this waterfall to your list of check-ins on the West Virginia Waterfall Trail.

Elkins & Buckhannon

You will find plenty of unique spots to savor some of Almost Heaven’s best fall foliage. Charming mountain towns like Elkins and Buckhannon will certainly impress and make you wish fall was not in such a hurry to leave.

Audra State Park is a great option for those looking for a scenic hike. Tucked in the park’s heavy, wooded areas, Alum Creek and Cave Trail is a 2.7-mile loop that takes only about an hour to complete. This path also runs under the cliffside boardwalk along the Middle Fork River. You will see plenty of white sugar maple and other types of trees revealing their best fall colors from multiple vantage points. If you also love camping and birdwatching, this is your outdoor paradise.

For a higher view, Bickle Knob Observation Tower is the gateway for you to see some impressive fall foliage. This area of the Monongahela National Forest is about as serene as a wooded area can get, and at an elevation of just over 4,000 feet, you’ll likely spot a few white-tailed deer in the distance.

Are you craving more peak fall foliage adventures in Almost Heaven? Sign up for our weekly newsletter and don’t miss out on our West Virginia fall foliage updates!

This post was last updated on October 11, 2023