CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Autumn 2025 will soon be here, and West Virginia officials say the Mountain State is gearing up for one of its most colorful seasons in years.
The W.Va. Department of Tourism, in partnership with the W.Va. Division of Forestry, released its 2025 Fall Foliage Projection Map this week, giving travelers a detailed look at when and where peak fall colors will appear across the state.
The announcement comes after a summer of above-average rainfall and ideal temperature swings—warm days followed by crisp nights—that experts say will produce especially vivid reds, oranges, and golds.
Jeremey Jones, director of the state Division of Forestry, said conditions are right for a spectacular leaf change.
“West Virginia’s mountains are poised to put on one of their most breathtaking shows yet,” Jones said.
“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.”
West Virginia Peak Color Forecast
According to the 2025 Fall Foliage Projection Map, the following regions will enjoy peak color in the corresponding weeks:
- Late September to early October: High-elevation areas in the Allegheny Mountains
- Early to mid-October: Mid-elevation valleys and ridges
- Mid to late October: Low-elevation regions and river valleys
- Late October to early November: Southern counties and lower hills
Tourism officials stress that these dates are approximate and recommend checking the Live Leaf Tracker, which will be published in September, for real-time conditions.
Weekly itineraries for Leaf-Peepers
Beginning mid-September, the department will post weekly travel itineraries highlighting prime leaf-viewing routes, hiking trails, festivals, and small towns. The itineraries will be shared on social media and at WVTourism.com/press-releases
Visitors can also join the West Virginia Tourism Instagram Broadcast Channel for early access to updates and special offers. An invite will be sent to all followers, or they can access the join link under the “Fall” highlight.
Leaf tracker live!
In late September, the Live Leaf Tracker will feature up-to-the-minute photos from across the state, submitted by travelers using the hashtag #AlmostHeaven.
The tracker will display current foliage stages—green, patchy, partial, peak, and past peak—helping visitors decide the best time to travel.
Autumn adventure with a twist
Tourism Secretary Chelsea Ruby encourages travelers to start planning now for the anticipated brilliant leaf change.
“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,” Ruby said.
“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!”
In addition to leaf-peeping opportunities, the W.Va. Department of Tourism will relaunch its popular West Virginia Paranormal Trail, adding new haunted locations to explore.
For more details, peak foliage predictions, and trip-planning resources, visit WVTourism.com/fall.
Why West Virginia is ideal for fall foliage
West Virginia is one of the most remarkable places in the United States in which to experience fall foliage, thanks to its unique combination of geography, climate, and natural diversity. In the heart of the Appalachian Mountains, the state boasts elevations ranging from under 300 feet to over 4,800 feet.
This wide range in altitude allows autumn colors to arrive gradually, beginning in the highest peaks in late September and lingering in southern valleys into early November. For leaf-peepers, that means an extended season with plenty of opportunities to catch peak color, no matter when they visit. Unlike some destinations where fall color appears all at once and fades quickly, West Virginia’s layered terrain ensures a slow, rolling transformation across its landscape.
The state’s climate plays an equally important role in producing its vivid autumn displays. Warm days followed by crisp, cool nights help trigger the breakdown of chlorophyll in leaves, revealing the underlying pigments of yellow, orange, and red. Summers in West Virginia often bring ample rainfall, which keeps trees healthy and foliage dense through the growing season.
When fall arrives, the result is a canopy that changes all at once into a vibrant mosaic. Red maples, sugar maples, oaks, hickories, and birches each contribute their own signature hues, creating a painter’s palette that stretches for miles over ridges, valleys, and rolling hills.
Another reason West Virginia stands out as a fall destination is its abundance of protected natural areas. With more than 75 state parks, state forests, and wildlife management areas—plus the Monongahela National Forest and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve—the state offers countless vantage points for leaf viewing. These areas provide not only beautiful scenery but also access to hiking trails, scenic overlooks, and water features that enhance the autumn experience.
Blackwater Falls State Park, with its iconic waterfall framed by bright foliage, and Babcock State Park, home to the picturesque Glade Creek Grist Mill, are two of the most photographed locations in the state during October. Meanwhile, the Highland Scenic Highway in Pocahontas County delivers miles of uninterrupted mountain views, offering travelers a front-row seat to the seasonal show.
Variety is another hallmark of West Virginia’s fall landscape. Visitors can enjoy the spectacle from multiple perspectives: driving winding mountain roads, riding historic railways, hiking to panoramic overlooks, or even paddling calm rivers and lakes. The Cass Scenic Railroad, for example, climbs through dense hardwood forests that seem to change color with every turn of the track.
West Virginia’s small towns and cultural offerings add yet another layer to its appeal as a fall foliage destination. Autumn is festival season across the state, with communities hosting harvest celebrations, craft fairs, and music events that complement the natural beauty.
Local orchards and farms open for apple picking, pumpkin patches, and corn mazes, while roadside stands offer seasonal treats like fresh cider and apple butter. This blend of outdoor adventure and small-town charm makes the experience richer, offering visitors a taste of Appalachian hospitality along with their scenic views.
Perhaps the most compelling reason to choose West Virginia for fall foliage is the authenticity of the experience. Unlike more commercialized destinations, much of the state remains uncrowded, allowing visitors to enjoy nature without feeling rushed or overwhelmed. Roads are often open and trails peaceful, making it easier to find a quiet spot to take in the view.
The slower pace of life in rural areas invites travelers to linger, savoring the crisp mountain air and the sound of leaves crunching underfoot. In this way, West Virginia offers more than just a visual display—it provides a setting for reflection, connection, and appreciation of the natural world.
For all these reasons, West Virginia is an ideal place to enjoy fall foliage. Its diverse elevations create a long season of color, its climate produces brilliant displays, and its protected lands ensure there are plenty of ways to experience them. Add to that a wealth of scenic routes, outdoor adventures, welcoming towns, and an unspoiled sense of place, and it becomes clear why the Mountain State stands among the best fall destinations in the country.
Whether visiting for a weekend or an extended trip, travelers will find that autumn in West Virginia offers both a feast for the eyes and an experience that lingers long after the leaves have fallen.
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