1. Discovering Fall Foliage in West Virginia
2. Top Destinations for Autumn Views
3. Optimal Viewing Times for Fall Colors
Where and when to see the spectacular fall foliage in West Virginia.
In West Virginia, the fall colors feel a bit more vibrant than anywhere else. As the only state located entirely within the Appalachian Mountain region, it boasts plenty of high-elevation hiking and biking trails where you can enjoy views of the changing leaves.
Want to see the kaleidoscope of burnt orange, crisp red, and bright yellow hues that blanket the state in the fall? Here are eight destinations throughout West Virginia that all autumn enthusiasts need to add to their travel itinerary, plus information on when to head there for the best fall foliage views.
Coopers Rock
Coopers Rock State Forest is already well-known for having some of the best vistas around due to its canyon overlooks. Come to explore the park and its 50 miles of hiking and biking trails as well as spaces for rock climbing, picnicking, and everything in between. For the best fall views, sit by the lake to see the colors reflected in the water or head up to one of the overlooks to marvel at the sea of color.
Blackwater Falls
Blackwater Falls State Park, nestled in the Allegheny Mountains, has more than enough natural beauty to go around. Yes, it’s home to a 57-foot waterfall with amber-colored water, but it’s also the absolute best place to be in the fall for a leaf show. The area has many platforms where visitors can stand in awe of the changing foliage day after day. Active travelers can take their viewing on the move thanks to more than 20 miles of hiking trails within the park.
Plum Orchard Lake
The Plum Orchard Lake Wildlife Management Area is home to hundreds of acres of tree-lined landscapes that beg to be photographed. While the 202-acre Plum Orchard Lake is known as a prime fishing spot, it’s also an ideal destination for lakeside leaf-peeping. Bring your kayak or rent a boat and head out on the water to feel like you’re enveloped in fall colors. For photographers, the lake’s many docks create a perfect composition.
Highland Scenic Highway
The Highland Scenic Highway is so gorgeous it was granted the distinction of a National Scenic Byway. For 43 miles, travelers can drive through one stunning scene after the next, seemingly watching the leaves change color in real time. Slow down and take in more of the view at one of the highway’s four overlooks that provide a glimpse of the mountains and valleys. And, with spots hitting 4,500 feet in elevation, it’s a highway with vistas heads above the rest.
Pipestem Resort State Park
For families, there’s no better fall destination than Pipestem Resort State Park. Located on the east rim of the Bluestone River Gorge, the park is home to more than 4,000 acres of land, all of which come to life in a fall blaze of glory during peak foliage times. You can take a zip-line tour, go trout fishing, hit the mountain-biking and hiking trails, and so much more. For the ultimate fall view, head to the aerial tramway to see the stunning landscape from above.
Seneca Rocks
Seneca Rocks is a popular rock climbing spot known for its sweeping views. There’s a steep but rewarding 1.3-mile hiking trail with steps and switchbacks that gains over 700 feet in elevation. The titular formation reaches about 900 feet and includes an observation platform overlooking the North Fork Valley, offering hikers the chance to see bald eagles as well as vivid fall foliage.
Dolly Sods Wilderness
Located in the Monongahela National Forest, Dolly Sods is one of the best places for those high-elevation, cinematic views of the burnt orange and bright red hues that cover West Virginia come fall. With 47 miles of trails running along old railroad grades and logging roads, there’s no shortage of outdoor adventure within its 17,371 acres. Once you’ve climbed the 2,500 to 4,700 feet in elevation gains, you’ll be rewarded with gorgeous vistas of the area’s unusual plant species and vibrant fall colors.
Harpers Ferry National Historical Park
One of the best-known places in the U.S. for fall foliage, Harpers Ferry National Historical Park consists of about 3,500 acres across three states: West Virginia, Maryland, and Virginia. The park’s 22 miles of hiking trails immerse visitors in the awe-inspiring autumnal mise-en-scène. Head to the town of Harpers Ferry, at the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers, to access the park’s trails, historic landmarks, and a downtown district with plenty of Southern charm.
When to Visit West Virginia for Fall Foliage
According to the West Virginia Division of Forestry, the prime time for fall foliage viewing is between late September and late October, with variations depending on where you plan to visit. Temperatures, rainfall, and elevation can all be factors in fall foliage, so you may want to plan an extended stay to ensure you’re there when the leaves hit their peak.
