West Virginia Fall Foliage Peaks Mid-to-Late October
• West Virginia's fall foliage season is expected to peak between October 18 and October 26, 2026, according to More Than Just Parks (source: More Than Just Parks, Sep 27, 8:30am ET). The first county to experience peak colors will be Pocahontas County around October 13, while Mingo County will be the last, peaking around October
• Elevation plays a significant role in the timing, with higher elevations peaking earlier than lower areas. This year's foliage season is running three days later than usual due to September's cooler temperatures. The forecast is based on data from 16 long-running forest monitoring sites and includes adjustments from local observations and state sources.
Impact & Risks
The delayed peak foliage season may affect tourism plans for those visiting West Virginia to enjoy the vibrant autumn colors. Visitors should plan their trips carefully to align with the peak viewing windows in specific counties. The delay could also impact local businesses that rely on fall tourism, such as lodges, restaurants, and outdoor activity providers.
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