CHARLESTON, W.Va. — State officials say West Virginia is on the cusp of one of its most spectacular autumns in years, thanks to a perfect blend of summer rain, crisp mountain nights, and the rolling terrain that makes West Virginia a natural canvas for fall.
The West Virginia Department of Tourism released its second fall foliage update of the season this week, predicting that rainfall over the coming days will preserve leaf moisture and intensify the colors that have already begun to spread across ridges and valleys.
Jeremy Jones, director of the West Virginia Division of Forestry, said despite a dry lead-in, wet weather will improve and heighten the brilliance of the leaf change over the next two months.
“Bright colors are spreading across more areas of Almost Heaven each day,” Jones said. “The rain expected this week will help preserve leaf moisture, resulting in a boost of vibrancy that stays on the trees for longer.”
A Season Poised for Brilliance
Conditions, although recently dry, have been nearly ideal for foliage growth. Above-average rainfall kept the state’s forests lush and healthy through the summer, while wide swings in temperature — warm, sunlit days followed by crisp, cool nights — are setting the stage for a kaleidoscope of color.
So far in meteorological fall, parts of West Virginia (including the Charleston area) have experienced below-normal precipitation.
As of September 24, Charleston had received about 1.85 inches of rain since September 1, which is nearly 0.95 inches below the 1991-2020 normal for that period.
Currently, conditions are becoming wetter. According to the National Weather Service, rain gauge data show measurable rainfall in multiple counties over the past few hours to days, and forecasts indicate that showers and storms are likely in many regions.
The state’s 2025 Fall Foliage Projection Map, released earlier this month, gives travelers a guide to when and where to expect peak color:
- Late September–early October: High-elevation areas in the Alleghenies, including Canaan Valley, Dolly Sods, and Spruce Knob.
- Early–mid-October: Mid-elevation ridges and valleys.
- Mid–late October: Low-elevation regions, river valleys, and rolling foothills.
- Late October–early November: Southern counties and lower hills.
West Virginia Tourism Secretary Chelsea Ruby said fall foliage color is beginning to blossom in every part of the state.
“Beautiful pops of color can now be seen making their way into almost every region of the state,” Ruby said. “This week’s leaf-peeping itinerary is perfect for locals eager to explore their own backyard as well as nearby visitors looking for the best color in the region.”
Leaf-Peeping, the West Virginia Way
The Department of Tourism has gone beyond forecasts to offer tailored weekly itineraries for travelers seeking not just foliage, but a full autumn experience. This week’s recommendations blend seasonal festivals, scenic overlooks, and small-town hospitality. Among the highlights:
Buckwheat Festival (Sept. 23–28): In Preston County, an Appalachian tradition features parades, pageants, and the legendary buckwheat cakes that locals insist taste best on a chilly fall morning.
Canaan Valley Resort State Park: Visitors can capture Instagram-worthy shots on the “Almost Heaven” swing or ride a chairlift to panoramic mountaintop views.
Dolly Sods Wilderness: Known for its tundra-like plateau and windswept vistas, the high-elevation preserve transforms into a painter’s palette of crimson and gold.
Monongahela National Forest: Cozy cabins nestled beneath the autumn canopy provide access to an immersive seasonal escape.
Cass Scenic Railroad State Park: A steam-driven locomotive winds its way up Cheat Mountain, offering passengers a journey through glowing forests.
Real-Time Color: The Live Leaf Tracker
For those unwilling to leave timing to chance, the Department of Tourism’s Live Leaf Tracker has become a must-use tool. The interactive map is updated in real time with photos submitted by visitors using the hashtag #AlmostHeaven, showing conditions across the state from “green” to “past peak.”
It’s part of a broader push by the state to blend digital tools with travel inspiration. Followers of the department’s Instagram page (@WVtourism) can even join a Broadcast Channel to receive insider tips, special offers, and behind-the-scenes glimpses of weekly itineraries.
Why West Virginia Stands Apart
While many states boast colorful autumns, few can match West Virginia’s combination of geography, climate, and authenticity.
The Mountain State’s elevation range — from under 300 feet along the Potomac River to nearly 5,000 feet at Spruce Knob — creates a rolling season of color. Leaves begin changing in the highlands in September and continue to blaze across valleys into early November, offering visitors a longer window to catch peak conditions.
The state’s climate also helps. Warm days paired with cool nights accelerate chlorophyll breakdown, revealing the pigments that produce the colors red, orange, and yellow. This year’s rainfall means those colors will be especially vibrant and longer lasting.
Signature Scenic Spots
Fall in West Virginia is as much about place as it is about color. Iconic destinations include:
Blackwater Falls State Park: The 57-foot falls tumble into a gorge framed by golden birches and crimson maples.
Babcock State Park: Home to the oft-photographed Glade Creek Grist Mill, perhaps the state’s most iconic autumn postcard.
Highland Scenic Highway: A 43-mile drive through Pocahontas County offering sweeping mountain views.
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve: America’s newest national park, where the Endless Wall Trail provides jaw-dropping overlooks of the gorge ablaze in color.
Coopers Rock State Forest: With its sandstone cliffs and panoramic views, it’s a perennial favorite for both Morgantown locals and visiting hikers.
Autumn Festivals and Local Flavor
The leaf change also marks the start of festival season across West Virginia. Communities celebrate with apple butter stirrings, pumpkin patches, corn mazes, and craft fairs. Roadside stands offer fresh cider, while local orchards invite visitors to pick their own apples.
Small towns embrace the moment with open arms. In Fayetteville, coffee shops fill with hikers swapping trail stories. In Lewisburg, galleries and restaurants host special fall events. In Shepherdstown, ghost tours and historic walks dovetail with the season’s supernatural spirit.
The state has even revived its West Virginia Paranormal Trail, adding new haunted sites for travelers seeking a spooky twist to their fall adventure.
Outdoor Adventure Meets Autumn
For those craving more than a scenic drive, fall in West Virginia doubles as an outdoor playground. The Gauley River draws whitewater enthusiasts from around the world during its six-week release season. Pipestem Resort State Park offers ziplining through a canopy of color. Anglers cast into trout-filled streams framed by fiery foliage.
And then there are the railroads — a uniquely West Virginian way to experience fall. The Cass Scenic Railroad, Durbin Rocket, and Potomac Eagle each offer different vantage points, from tight mountain curves to open river valleys.
David Sibray, a tourism expert and publisher of West Virginia Explorer Magazine, says autumn is an ideal season for hiking, paddling, and climbing due to the favorable weather conditions.
"This is an ideal time for rock climbing in West Virginia because it's not as hot as it is in summer, and it can get very hot out on those cliffs in summer with the sun beating down," he said.
The Economic Boost of Autumn
Beyond its beauty, fall foliage represents a significant economic engine for West Virginia. Tourism is a growing sector in the state, and autumn is one of its peak seasons. Restaurants, lodges, outfitters, and small businesses report surges in visitors each October, with many booking trips around the peak forecast.
The leaf-peeping season in the eastern U.S. has a measurable economic impact, particularly in rural or forest-rich regions where it drives substantial spending in lodging, dining, fuel, and other travel services.
For example, Vermont attracts approximately 2.5 million visitors annually during its fall foliage season, resulting in roughly $500 million in visitor spending. In New England, tourism tied to autumn colors contributes several billion dollars per year. According to the Associated Press, the regional figure is approximately $3 billion in spending by tourists seeking foliage, especially in states such as New Hampshire, Vermont, and Maine.
Beyond direct spending, leaf peeping stimulates secondary economic effects. Local businesses benefit (restaurants, bed & breakfasts, shops), lodging rates often rise during peak foliage, and many rural towns see seasonal employment boosts.
Additionally, industry data indicate a strong year-over-year rise in interest. Searches for fall stays in the U.S. jumped 27% year-over-year, according to a 2025 report by Travel Daily News, with rural destinations accounting for a large share of that demand.
A Slower, More Authentic Season
One of West Virginia’s advantages is what it lacks—overwhelming crowds. Unlike some heavily commercialized destinations, much of the state remains quiet, allowing travelers to savor the sound of leaves crunching underfoot or the stillness of a mountain overlook.
The authenticity resonates with visitors seeking respite from busier attractions. People come for the scenery, but they often leave with a sense of connection — to nature, to community, and to themselves.
Fall Foliage Planning
Tourism officials advise travelers to start planning now, as popular lodging options — from cabins in Monongahela National Forest to bed-and-breakfasts in historic towns — tend to book quickly during peak season.
Dozens of itineraries, travel tips, and fall-specific content can be found at WVTourism.com/fall. For those who prefer spontaneity, the Live Leaf Tracker ensures that wherever the colors are peaking, visitors can adjust their plans accordingly.
A Season Like No Other
As West Virginia stands on the threshold of autumn, it offers more than just a changing landscape. It offers experiences that are immersive, authentic, and memorable — a mix of natural beauty, cultural richness, and Appalachian hospitality.
With rain ensuring vibrant colors, festivals welcoming visitors, and digital tools helping travelers find the best views, the Mountain State is ready to shine. Whether through the window of a train, the bend of a trail, or the lens of a camera, fall in West Virginia is a spectacle not to be missed.
So grab a pumpkin spice latte from a local café, lace up your hiking boots, or hop aboard a scenic railway. The leaves are waiting. And this year, they promise to be more brilliant than ever.
W.Va. Fall Foliage Map 2025
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