WEST VIRGINIA (LOOTPRESS) – As October comes to an end, astonishing fall colors can be found in all nine travel regions of the Mountain State. West Virginia’s hills and valleys continue to transform with colorful hues, making this season one of the longest-lasting autumns the state has experienced in decades.
The Metro Valley and New-River Greenbrier Valley have seen significant color change, with peak conditions expected within the week. Autumn trees now cover the Northern Panhandle, Eastern Panhandle, Mid-Ohio Valley and Hatfield-McCoy Country. Amber and maroon leaves linger throughout the Potomac Highlands, Mountaineer Country and Mountain Lakes regions.
“This fall is one of the most stunning I’ve ever seen in West Virginia,” said West Virginia Department of Tourism Secretary Chelsea Ruby. “The season took its time to get here, but now we’re enjoying a very extended and vibrant autumn. Visit our website to help plan your trip to the Mountain State and be sure to bring your friends and family along with you!”
Best Bets for Fall Foliage
The West Virginia Department of Tourism’s live leaf tracker continues to be updated in real-time, featuring user-generated photos from social media. To access the live leaf map, along with the latest updates, happenings and insider tips around fall in Almost Heaven, visit WVtourism.com/fall. Share your current fall photos using #AlmostHeaven for a chance to be featured.
- Visit Harpers Ferry to explore charming fall foliage followed by a spine-tingling Ghost Tour. A stop on the West Virginia Paranormal Trail, this journey uncovers unearthly tales of the town’s former residents.
- Ascending nearly 900 feet, Seneca Rocks is a magnificent formation that is especially picturesque when surrounded by deep reds and bright oranges. Be rewarded with jaw-dropping sights after the 1.3 mile uphill trek.
- Take a peaceful stroll on serene walking trails through Ritter Park to catch trees dressed in remarkable shades of autumn.
- Stop by the overlook at Hawks Nest State Park for sweeping views of peak foliage. While here, check out Turkey Creek Falls and Mill Creek Falls, stops on the West Virginia Waterfall Trail.
- Cozy up in a cabin tucked within a fall forest at Beech Fork State Park. Spend your day playing disc golf and hiking amongst incredible leaf-peeping opportunities.
- Discover Summersville Lake encircled by a kaleidoscope of autumn hues when visiting this week. Hike Long Point Trail, a relatively easy 3.9 mile out-and-back path, for the area’s best vantage points.
About the West Virginia Department of Tourism
Known as the Mountain State, West Virginia is one of the most scenic states in the United States and home to thousands of acres of parks and public lands, including America’s newest national park, 36 state parks, nine state forests and three rail trails. In addition to its majestic mountains and rolling hills, West Virginia is full of rich historic sites, enchanting art galleries, charming towns and an immense sense of belonging found only in its heaven-like landscapes.
Fall in West Virginia has already received national recognition this season, with mentions in top-tier publications such as National Geographic, Lonely Planet, Forbes, Reader’s Digest and more.
For more information about West Virginia, visit WVtourism.com and start planning your trip today.
