Bluestonefall foliage
At Bluestone National Scenic River, the usual peak for fall foliage is Oct 11–20 (National Park Service). No official report yet this season.
Right now in Bluestone · September
13days to the next fall foliage seasonusually Oct 11–20
Next 7 days
No frost, strong wind or heavy rain in the forecast.
National Weather Service forecast, issued Mon 4:00 PM (Eastern). Frost: a low of 36°F or less; wind: 20 mph or more; rain: 60% chance or more.
Frost near Bluestone National Scenic River
First frost usually in ~5 weeks
Oct 30Average first fall frost
Apr 10Average last spring frost
The day a 32°F night is as likely as not, 1991–2020, at NOAA's Bluestone Lake station (6.3 mi away, 1,393 ft). Source ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Bluestone National Scenic River through the year
- Warmest months, about 70–71°F on average (Mercer and Summers county averages, 1895–2022)Jul–Aug
- Peak fall foliage, usually mid-OctoberOct
- Snow, about 5 in. a month (NPS average)Dec–Mar
Best spots around Bluestone National Scenic River
- Former Lilly town siteRiver-level access to the Bluestone Turnpike Trail, where the Little Bluestone meets the Bluestone
- Rim overlooks at PipestemThe river viewed from above, from Pipestem Resort State Park
Around West Virginia this week
- New River Gorge18 mi · At one spot: Oct 1–31Todaydry and calmTuedry and calmWeddry and calmThudry and calmFridry and calmSatdry and calmSunrain likely
- Babcock State Park35 mi · no timing on recordTodaydry and calmTuedry and calmWeddry and calmThudry and calmFridry and calmSatdry and calmSunrain likely
- Hawks Nest State Park38 mi · no timing on recordTodaydry and calmTuedry and calmWeddry and calmThudry and calmFridry and calmSatdry and calmSunrain likely
Trees this fall (Sep 15–21). Across the Southern Appalachians, every species with enough observations is close to a typical year. Which trees turn when →
How we know
National Park Service, Bluestone park data (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28) · National Park Service, Bluestone Turnpike Trail (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28) · National Park Service, Bluestone basic information (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28) · National Park Service, Bluestone directions (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28) · National Park Service, 2023 weather in review, Bluestone (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28) · National Weather Service forecast and alerts (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28) · USA National Phenology Network, colored leaves observations (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28) · NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (annual/seasonal) (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27)
Questions people ask
When is peak fall foliage in Bluestone National Scenic River in 2026?
There's no forecast yet. In a typical year it peaks Oct 11–20. We add the forecast as soon as one is published.
How is the fall color in Bluestone National Scenic River right now?
Not now: the fall foliage season is over for this year. The next one starts in about 13 days (usually Oct 11–20).
How long is the Turnpike Trail?
9.5 miles one way, rated moderate, about 4 to 5 hours: plan a ride back rather than a loop.Source: National Park Service, Bluestone Turnpike Trail ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Can I camp here?
Not inside the national scenic river; camping is available nearby at Pipestem Resort State Park and Bluestone State Park.Source: National Park Service, Bluestone basic information ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Can I bring a dog?
Yes, restrained at all times on a leash no longer than 6 feet.Source: National Park Service, Bluestone basic information ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Where are the best spots in Bluestone National Scenic River?
Former Lilly town site: river-level access to the Bluestone Turnpike Trail, where the Little Bluestone meets the Bluestone; Rim overlooks at Pipestem: the river viewed from above, from Pipestem Resort State Park.
What is Bluestone National Scenic River like through the year?
Snow, about 5 in. a month (NPS average) (Dec–Mar), Warmest months, about 70–71°F on average (Mercer and Summers county averages, 1895–2022) (Jul–Aug) and Peak fall foliage, usually mid-October (Oct).