Incredible Autumn Colors in West Virginia?

The autumn foliage seems more vivid in West Virginia. There are several high-altitude hiking and bike paths in this state, the only one wholly inside the Appalachian Mountain range, where you may see the leaves change.

In the autumn, the state becomes a veritable rainbow of colors, including burned orange, sharp red, and dazzling yellow. We’ve compiled a list of the top eight places to see the fall foliage in West Virginia, along with the ideal time of year to visit each.

Coopers Rock

The canyon viewpoints at Coopers Rock State Forest are famous for their breathtaking views. Come check out the park’s rock climbing walls, picnic areas, and 50 miles of trails for hiking and bicycling. Sit beside the lake to see the colors reflected in the water, or go up to a viewpoint for a bird’s-eye perspective of the autumn landscape.

Blackwater Falls

There is more than enough breathtaking scenery to go around at Blackwater Falls State Park in the Allegheny Mountains. It’s the ideal site to see the leaves change color in the autumn, and it also has a 57-foot waterfall with amber water. There are several vantage points from which to take in the area’s ever-shifting greenery. The park’s more than 20 miles of hiking paths allow visitors to take their sightseeing on the go.

Plum Orchard Lake

Thousands of acres of forested countryside are just begging to be photographed at the Plum Orchard Lake Wildlife Management Area. The 202-acre Plum Orchard Lake is a popular fishing area and beautiful in the fall for seeing the foliage from the shore. Take in the changing leaves from a new perspective this autumn and bring your kayak or hire a boat and venture out on the river. The many docks around the lake provide for great picture opportunities.

Highland Scenic Highway

Because of its breathtaking beauty, the Highland Scenic Highway has been designated as a National Scenic Byway. For 43 miles, visitors may experience breathtaking views of the foliage changing colors almost in real time. The roadway has four scenic overlooks where drivers may pull over to get a better look at the surrounding mountains and valleys. And it’s a road with unparalleled views since it reaches an altitude of 4,500 feet in certain places.

Pipestem Resort State Park

Pipestem Resort State Park is the best autumn getaway for families. The park has more than 4,000 acres of property on the east rim of the Bluestone River Gorge, all of which come to life in a blaze of brilliance during the autumn foliage season. You may go on a mountain bike or hiking excursion, do a zip line trip, fish for trout, and much more. Take the aerial tramway for a bird’s-eye view of the autumn foliage for the best possible perspective.

Seneca Rocks

Seneca Rocks is well-known as a scenic rock climbing phrazle destination. There is a 1.3-mile hiking track with nearly 700 feet of elevation increase through stairs and switchbacks. Hikers may witness bald eagles and vibrant autumn foliage from the 900-foot-tall formation’s observation platform, which looks out over the North Fork Valley.

Dolly Sods Wilderness 

One of the greatest spots to see those high-altitude, dramatic vistas of the burnt orange and vivid crimson colours that dominate West Virginia in the autumn is at Dolly Sods, which is located in the Monongahela National Forest. There’s no lack of outdoor fun on any of the 47 miles of trails that wind through the area, which were built on former logging roads and railroad grades. After gaining an elevation of 2,500 to 4,700 feet, you will be able to take in breathtaking views of the area’s rare flora and brilliant autumn foliage.

Harpers Ferry National Historical Park

Harpers Ferry National Historical Park is located in three states—West Virginia, Maryland, and Virginia—and spans roughly 3,500 acres. The park’s 22 miles of paths allow hikers to become one with the breathtaking fall setting. To reach the park’s trails, historic sites, and charming downtown area, visit Harpers Ferry, located at the junction of the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers.

When to Visit West Virginia for Fall Foliage

The West Virginia Division of Forestry recommends visiting during the months of September and October for the best autumn foliage views. Since temperatures, precipitation, and altitude can all affect autumn foliage, it’s best to plan a longer trip if you want to see the colors at their prime.