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 2022:
Peak Foliage in Late September
Peak Foliage in Late September to Early October
Peak Foliage in Mid October to Late October
Harman’s Rainbow Trout cabin.
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 peak.
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 foliage.
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 foliage.
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 foliage.
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 exact—Spruce 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 foliage.
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!
Cass Scenic railroad locomotive.
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:
1 Bedroom Cabins
2 Bedroom Cabins
3 Bedroom Cabins
4 Bedroom Cabins
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the fall foliage in West Virginia?
Some of the best fall foliage in West Virginia is at Dolly Sods, Seneca Rocks, Blackwater Falls, and Spruce Knob. Each destination is located in Monongahela National Forest in eastern West Virginia.
What is fall like in West Virginia?
According to Weather U.S., average highs in Cabins, West Virginia during fall range from 74 degrees in September to 62 degrees in October and 50 degrees in November. Average lows range from 52 degrees in September to 43 degrees in October and 32 degrees in November.
Fall is also one of the driest seasons of the year in Cabins, West Virginia. November is the driest month of the year, averaging just 1.73 inches in rainfall. Light snowfall is also common in October and November.
