West Virginia Tourism Unveils 2024 Foliage Map, Revealing Autumn’s Hidden Gems

Saturday, August 10, 2024

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West Virginia Department of Tourism has unveiled its annual fall foliage projection map in anticipation of the rapidly approaching autumn season. Developed in collaboration with the West Virginia Division of Forestry, the map offers estimates on when fall colors are expected to appear throughout the Mountain State, aiding travelers in planning their fall getaways.

Governor Jim Justice highlighted the foliage projection and the upcoming fall season during his weekly administration update briefing.

“West Virginia is blessed with four incredible seasons, and fall is when we truly shine,” Gov. Justice said. “There is something magical about watching the leaves change to the most beautiful, vivid colors you’ve ever seen. We have so much goodness happening during the season, so start planning your trips now because you don’t want to miss out on the breathtaking scenes around Almost Heaven.” 

Starting in mid-September, the Department of Tourism will begin providing weekly fall foliage updates, featuring real-time color reports and a curated list of the week’s most Instagrammable fall scenes. This list will help travelers discover the state’s top spots for prime leaf-viewing experiences.

“There’s still a few weeks of summer left to enjoy, but it’s never too early to start planning an autumn trip to experience West Virginia’s stunning fall colors,” said West Virginia Tourism Secretary Chelsea Ruby. ”I’m looking forward to our rolling hills coming alive with vibrant foliage very soon. I have a feeling this may just be the best fall season we’ve seen in more than a decade. There’s no better place to experience the season than right here in Almost Heaven.”

Along with the fall foliage map, the Department of Tourism will offer a live leaf tracker that updates in real-time as the season progresses, giving travelers an up-to-date view of fall colors across the state. The tracker features photos shared on social media with #AlmostHeaven. Experts are predicting an outstanding fall season for West Virginia.

“It’s hard to believe it, but fall is quickly approaching. West Virginians are lucky to call the third most forested state in the U.S. home, with its wide variety of tree species that change different colors at different times which allows for an extended leaf watching season. There are so many ways to take in this beautiful time of the year,” said West Virginia Division of Forestry Director Jeremy Jones.

“We encourage all travelers to the state to join in on the fun and help us showcase our state’s natural beauty and jaw-dropping fall colors by sharing photos on social media using #AlmostHeaven,” said Ruby.

In addition to the foliage map and live leaf tracker, travelers can discover recommended places to stay, breathtaking hikes, popular seasonal activities, and special fall festivals and events. Adventure seekers can also order or download the Department of Tourism’s free vacation guide to plan their perfect fall getaway.

For the latest updates, happenings, and insider tips on fall in Almost Heaven, be sure to stay informed.

High-quality graphics of the 2024 fall foliage map and stunning images from previous fall seasons are also available.