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The Top Destinations for West Virginia Fall Foliage

West Virginia’s beautiful forests are expected to provide a stunning display of autumn colors this year. 

Fall foliage in West Virginia’s Monongahela National Forest typically occurs within a six-week window that starts in higher elevations in late September and ends around the first week of November

The gorgeous color change makes this time of year one of the best times to visit West Virginia.

Below are our favorite places to go for West Virginia fall foliage:

West Virginia Fall Foliage Progression Dates

To help plan your fall West Virginia escape, check out when and where you’ll find the best West Virginia fall foliage in 2023:

Peak Foliage in Late September

Peak Foliage in Late September to Early October

Peak Foliage in Mid October to Late October

Harman’s Luxury Log Cabins

Peak Foliage: Mid to Late October

Location, location, location. At Harman’s Luxury Log Cabins, you’re in the thick of seasonal change. Come mid-October, our secluded cabins are surrounded by vibrant reds, yellows, and golds. Each of our 21 luxury cabins includes an outdoor deck and a private outdoor hot tub for spectacular fall foliage viewing.

Plus, Harman’s has several on-site hiking trails, so you won’t have to travel too far to enjoy stunning views of West Virginia fall foliage.

Seneca Rocks

Distance from Harman’s: 11.7 miles

Peak Foliage: Mid to Late October

A well-known landmark in West Virginia, Seneca Rocks is a natural wonder that rises nearly 900 feet above the North Fork River. Seneca Rocks is located in Monongahela National Forest and features its own hiking trail that scales nearly 700 ft above the ground and is 2.6 miles round trip—the trail can be enjoyed by hikers of all ages. Fall foliage typically peaks in mid-to-late October.

Germany Valley

Distance from Harman’s: 16.5 miles

Follow the North Fork River south of Seneca Rocks to sprawling Germany Valley. Located in the Allegheny Mountains, this vast ecosystem of caves and karsts provides incredible sights during this time of year as well.

 

Canaan Valley

Distance from Harman’s: 26 miles

Peak Foliage: Late September

Located in northeastern West Virginia, Canaan Valley is made up of hundreds of plant and wildlife species, from blueberry to starflowers, and beavers to American Bald Eagle. Designated as a National Natural Landmark in 1974, Canaan Valley has become a popular scenic attraction thanks to its unique ecosystem, wildlife viewing at the Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge, and several hiking trails that range from less than one mile in distance to over four miles.

Dolly Sods & Bear Rocks

Distance from Harman’s: 12.4 miles

Peak Foliage: Late September

The red leaves of blueberry bushes create a canvas that must be seen in person to truly enjoy. Reaching nearly 4,000 feet in elevation, Dolly Sods is a unique hub for West Virginia fall foliage, thanks to the bogs and rocky plains that coexist at the center of a forest.

There are plenty of trails to journey that provide breathtaking views of Canaan Valley and the surrounding warm-tinted wilderness. Venture to Bear Rocks at Dolly Sods—where this elevated cliff overlooks sweeping mountains and ridgelines of dazzling colors—for the perfect photo op. Learn more about our cabins near Dolly Sods!

Bear Rocks was listed as one of West Virginia’s most Instagrammable spots!

Spruce Knob

Distance from Harman’s: 33 miles

Peak Foliage: Late September

Spruce Knob typically sees peak foliage during late September. As the highest peak in West Virginia—4,863 feet above sea level to be exactSpruce Knob is one of the first areas to experience fall’s natural transformation. Located in Monongahela National Forest, the area is enveloped with red spruce, blueberry bushes, and huckleberry plants.

The peak overlooks grassy plains and beautiful vistas of surrounding West Virginia. The Spruce Knob Observation Tower is also a great spot for enjoying the views.

Blackwater Falls

Distance from Harman’s: 46 miles

Peak Foliage: Late September, Early October

Commonly crowned as one of West Virginia’s most photographed landmarks, Blackwater Falls is a breathtaking experience year-round. As the leaves begin to glow yellow, orange, and red, the area surrounding this stunning waterfall only becomes more photogenic.

Numerous trails are available for exploring at Blackwater Falls State Park. Other popular attractions in the park include Elakala Falls, Pendleton Point Overlook, and Lindy Point.

Plan a West Virginia waterfalls road trip for your next fall mountain getaway!

Fall Foliage Train Tours in West Virginia

These West Virginia train tours will take travelers into the thick of the West Virginia wilderness. Enjoy unbeatable views of peak foliage this season on the following train tours:

Cass Scenic Bald Knob Trip

Hop aboard a historic Shay locomotive on the Cass Scenic Railroad. This 4.5-hour round-trip to Bald Knob departs from the Cass Depot in Cass, West Virginia Wednesday through Sunday from mid-September to late October.

Potomac Eagle Trough Trip

Head to Wappocomo Station to board the Potomac Eagle, where you’ll enjoy a tour through some of the best viewing locations in West Virginia. The Potomac Eagle’s Trough Trip is a 3-hour round trip through the Trough to Sycamore Bridge and back, and runs through early November.

Cass Scenic Whittaker Trip

Families with younger children love this 4-mile 2-hour round-trip excursion. The stop at Whittaker Station provides time for exploration, sights viewing, and for little ones to stretch their legs.

Learn more about the best West Virginia fall train rides.

West Virginia Log Cabins for Fall

The fall season is the perfect time to escape to a cabin in West Virginia. It’s the best way to enjoy the crisp autumn air and bright foliage that sweeps the Mountain State.

Picturesque views are plentiful at Harman’s Luxury Log Cabins. Our West Virginia cabin rentals are situated alongside the North Fork River in Hopeville Canyon, West Virginia. Here, you’ll enjoy tremendous views from your very own outdoor deck and private outdoor hot tub, available at each of our luxury log cabins.

Take a tour of our luxury log cabins to start planning your West Virginia fall foliage escape:

Book your fall trip to our West Virginia cabins. Don’t wait—our cabins fill up fast!