New River Gorgefall foliage
At Grandview, the National Park Service says fall color adds to the panorama in October (Grandview only, not the whole park) (Oct 1–31), not New River Gorge National Park and Preserve's own peak dates. No official report yet this season.
Right now in New River Gorge · September
- Outfitted river trips · Apr–Oct
3days to the next fall foliage seasonOct 1–31, At Grandview, the National Park Service says fall color adds to the panorama in October (Grandview only, not the whole park)
Next 7 days
- Rain likely · up to 60% chanceSunday, Sunday Night
National Weather Service forecast, issued Mon 2:49 PM (Eastern). Frost: a low of 36°F or less; wind: 20 mph or more; rain: 60% chance or more.
Frost near New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
First frost usually in ~3 weeks
Oct 21Average first fall frost
Apr 22Average last spring frost
The day a 32°F night is as likely as not, 1991–2020, at NOAA's Beckley Raleigh Co Airport station (4.6 mi away, 2,494 ft). Source ↗ (opens in a new tab)
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve through the year
- Outfitted river tripsNowApr–Oct
- Rhododendron frames the view at Grandview, mid-MayMay
- Fall color at GrandviewOct
Best spots around New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
- Grandview overlooksThe highest overlooks in the park, with broad views of the land cut by the New River
- Canyon Rim Visitor Center overlooksFully accessible walkways to views of the river, the gorge and the bridge
Around West Virginia this week
- Bluestone18 mi · usually Oct 11–20Todaydry and calmTuedry and calmWeddry and calmThudry and calmFridry and calmSatdry and calmSundry and calm
- Babcock State Park20 mi · no timing on recordTodaydry and calmTuedry and calmWeddry and calmThudry and calmFridry and calmSatdry and calmSunrain likely
- Hawks Nest State Park20 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 →
New River Gorge in pictures
How we know
National Park Service, New River Gorge: finding your way around the park (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28) · National Park Service, New River Gorge park brochure (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28) · National Park Service, New River Gorge rhododendrons (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 New River Gorge National Park and Preserve in 2026?
We don't have local timing for New River Gorge National Park and Preserve yet. At Grandview, the National Park Service says fall color adds to the panorama in October (Grandview only, not the whole park): Oct 1–31. That's for that one spot, not the whole place, and not a forecast.
How is the fall color in New River Gorge National Park and Preserve right now?
Not now: the fall foliage season is over for this year. The next one starts in about 3 days (Oct 1–31, At Grandview, the National Park Service says fall color adds to the panorama in October (Grandview only, not the whole park)).
How long is the scenic drive?
About three hours: the 83-mile route around the heart of the park mixes interstates, divided highways and two-lane roads. Allow extra time for stops.Source: National Park Service, New River Gorge: finding your way around the park ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Can I see the gorge without a steep trail?
Yes: at Canyon Rim, fully accessible walkways lead to overlooks, and at Sandstone Falls a fully accessible boardwalk leads to an island and its observation decks.Source: National Park Service, New River Gorge: finding your way around the park ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Where is the October color?
The Park Service names Grandview, where fall color adds to the panorama in October. That's Grandview's timing, not a prediction for every overlook.Source: National Park Service, New River Gorge: finding your way around the park ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Where are the best spots in New River Gorge National Park and Preserve?
Grandview overlooks: the highest overlooks in the park, with broad views of the land cut by the New River; Canyon Rim Visitor Center overlooks: fully accessible walkways to views of the river, the gorge and the bridge.
What is New River Gorge National Park and Preserve like through the year?
Outfitted river trips (Apr–Oct), Rhododendron frames the view at Grandview, mid-May (May) and Fall color at Grandview (Oct).