State guide
When to catch West Virginiathrough the year
We follow 6 places in West Virginia for fall foliage and wildflowers: fall at Bluestone and Canaan Valley Refuge and spring at Dolly Sods and Stuart Memorial Drive. Each timing below is the place's own source, in its words; none is a forecast.
When are you going?
Fall in West Virginia
Also good in fall
- BluestonePeak fall foliage, usually mid-October
- Canaan Valley RefugeFall color
- New River GorgeFall color at Grandview
From each place's own sources; no peak claimed.
Winter in West Virginia
Good in winter
- Ohio River Islands RefugeWide backchannel views with the trees bare
From each place's own sources; no peak claimed.
Next peak here after winter
“late September” · U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service ↗
Spring in West Virginia
- PHASE · WILDFLOWERSStuart Memorial DriveBloom in rapid succession from late March through early May (and 3 more phases)West Virginia
“bloom in rapid succession from late March through early May” · USDA Forest Service ↗
- SEASON · WILDFLOWERSDolly SodsFrom May through JuneWest Virginia
“from May through June” · USDA Forest Service ↗
Also good in spring
- Canaan Valley RefugeSparrows, bitterns and warblers on Middle Valley Trail
- Dolly SodsLaurel, rhododendron and azaleas in flower (May through June)
- New River GorgeRhododendron frames the view at Grandview, mid-May
- Stuart Memorial DriveSpring ephemerals in the middle elevations (late March to early May)
From each place's own sources; no peak claimed.
Next peak here after spring
“late September” · U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service ↗
Summer in West Virginia
Good in summer
- Canaan Valley RefugeSparrows, bitterns and warblers on Middle Valley Trail
- Dolly SodsLaurel, rhododendron and azaleas in flower (May through June)
- New River GorgeOutfitted river trips
- Stuart Memorial DriveMountain laurel (usually June)
From each place's own sources; no peak claimed.
Next peak here after summer
“late September” · U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service ↗
Places in West Virginia
- Spring
- Fall
Places on this map, as a list
Planning a West Virginia trip
Towns to stay in
- Charleston, WVNew River Gorge · 47 mi
- Huntington, WVDaniel Boone National Forest · 62 mi
- Morgantown, WVOhiopyle State Park · 29 mi
- Parkersburg, WVOhio River Islands Refuge · 21 mi
Nearest place we follow, straight-line miles.
Browse by season and event
- Fall foliage · 4 places hereFall foliage in West Virginia →Fall foliage, everywhere →
- Wildflowers · 2 places hereWildflowers, everywhere →
Questions people ask
How long is the Turnpike Trail at Bluestone?
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 at Bluestone?
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)
Why does fall come so early here at Canaan Valley Refuge?
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 at Canaan Valley Refuge?
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 do I get there at Dolly Sods?
From Petersburg, take WV 28/55 south to Jordan Run Road, turn right for 1 mile to Forest Road 19, then left and 6 miles up FR 19 to the Dolly Sods Scenic Area.Source: USDA Forest Service, Monongahela National Forest: Dolly Sods Wilderness ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Is there water at Dolly Sods?
No. Bring drinking water, or treat water from streams before you drink it.Source: USDA Forest Service, Monongahela National Forest: Dolly Sods Wilderness ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Nearby state guides: Virginia · District of Columbia · Maryland · Pennsylvania
West Virginia in pictures
How we know
- Sep 28Park ServicePeak fall foliage usually mid-October; about 5 in. of snow a month December–MarchSource (opens National Park Service, Bluestone park data in a new tab)
- Sep 28Park ServiceUsual peak by refuge: early October at Aroostook, Nulhegan Basin and Missisquoi; mid-October at Moosehorn, Rachel Carson and Great Bay (marsh)Source (opens U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, A fall foliage tour of the Northeast in a new tab)
- Sep 30Park ServiceLaurel, rhododendron and azaleas May through June; huckleberries in July; trails, rules, directions, safetySource (opens USDA Forest Service, Monongahela National Forest: Dolly Sods Wilderness in a new tab)
- Sep 28Park ServiceGrandview overlooks: rhododendron mid-May, fall color in October; Canyon Rim walkways; 83-mile driveSource (opens National Park Service, New River Gorge: finding your way around the park in a new tab)
- Sep 30Park ServiceBloom sequence by elevation: spring ephemerals, flame azalea, mountain laurel, great laurel; road safety; directionsSource (opens USDA Forest Service, Celebrating Wildflowers: Stuart Memorial Drive in a new tab)
- National Park Service sources: no claim to original U.S. Government works.