Canaan Valley Refugefall foliage
No reports yet this season for Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge. It usually peaks Sep 21–30.
Next 7 days
No frost, strong wind or heavy rain in the forecast.
National Weather Service forecast, issued Mon 12:11 PM (Eastern). Frost: a low of 36°F or less; wind: 20 mph or more; rain: 60% chance or more.
Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge through the year
- Sparrows, bitterns and warblers on Middle Valley TrailNowMar–Nov
- Fall colorNowSep
- First snow flurries possibleOct
- Cross-country skiing on refuge trailsDec–Feb
Best spots around Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge
- Cabin Mountain TrailClimbs through forest to a wide view of the valley
- Cabin Mountain Spur TrailSteep trail, mostly through northern hardwood forest
- Brown Mountain Overlook TrailValley-floor loop overlooking the refuge's wetlands
- Freeland Boardwalk TrailShort accessible boardwalk past a beaver pond to balsam fir
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
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, A fall foliage tour of the Northeast (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28) · U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28) · U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge, Trails (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28) · U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge, Cross-country Skiing (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)
Questions people ask
When is peak fall foliage in Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge in 2026?
There's no forecast yet. In a typical year it peaks Sep 21–30. We add the forecast as soon as one is published.
How is the fall color in Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge right now?
There's no official report yet this season.
Why does fall come so early here?
The refuge sits about 3,200 feet up in the Allegheny Mountains, and the cold arrives early. The Fish and Wildlife Service puts peak color in late September.Sources: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, A fall foliage tour of the Northeast ↗ (opens in a new tab), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Where does the color start?
On the mountaintops first; then it works its way down the slopes into the valley.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, A fall foliage tour of the Northeast ↗ (opens in a new tab)
How cold is it in fall?
Mornings below freezing begin in September, and the first snow flurries can show up in early October. Come prepared.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, A fall foliage tour of the Northeast ↗ (opens in a new tab)
When is the visitor center open?
Wednesday through Saturday, 10 am to 4 pm.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Where are the best spots in Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge?
Cabin Mountain Trail: climbs through forest to a wide view of the valley; Cabin Mountain Spur Trail: steep trail, mostly through northern hardwood forest; Brown Mountain Overlook Trail: valley-floor loop overlooking the refuge's wetlands; Freeland Boardwalk Trail: short accessible boardwalk past a beaver pond to balsam fir.
What is Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge like through the year?
Fall color (Sep), First snow flurries possible (Oct), Cross-country skiing on refuge trails (Dec–Feb) and Sparrows, bitterns and warblers on Middle Valley Trail (Mar–Nov).