Where to Go for Early Autumn Color in WV

Every year anticipation builds as fall approaches. Autumns can be glorious in West Virginia as leaves turn from green to gold. And every year we wonder what kind of a year will it be for color. Although much is known about why leaves change color, every year is different. So it’s difficult to predict how vivid the colors will be and what the timing will be. But here are some rules of thumb for where to best appreciate the first colors of autumn in West Virginia.

Highland Scenic Highway - 2012

Highland Scenic Highway

Leaves first start changing color at high elevation, so it’s best to start in the highlands. Although it varies yearly, fall foliage colors generally peak at high elevations in the last week of September to the first week in October. The Highland Scenic Highway (SR 150) is generally radiant with fall colors at that time of year. The Highway runs along the spine of the Allegheny Highlands in Pocahontas County, reaching more than 4,500 feet in elevation on Black Mountain. I like the Williams River Overlook for a panoramic view of fall color. About three miles north of the Big Spruce Overlook, you’ll find a host of brilliant red maples lighting up the hillside. 

Highland Scenic Highway - 2012

Summit Lake

Summit Lake (elevation 3,388), just 10 miles outside of Richwood on SR 39, is another early autumn venue for leaf color. Hillsides of brilliant color reflect in the lake, making an autumn paradise. Golden aspen trees line the trail to the fishermen’s dock. Summit Lake is a must for early fall color odysseys. It peaks about a week after the Highland Scenic Highway. 

Summit Lake - 2012

Blackwater-Canaan Area

Blackwater Falls State Park is another fall color hot spot. Particularly nice is the view of the Blackwater Canyon from either Lindy or Pendleton Points. Highway 32 south of Davis as it ascends to Canaan Heights often has spectacular fall colors. For that matter don’t forget Canaan Valley. The Beall Trails in the Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge are good for color. And I would definitely take the Scenic Chairlift Ride at Canaan Valley State Park. 

Blackwater Falls - 2008

Dolly Sods

At 4,000 feet in elevation the color change occurs early at Dolly Sods in Tucker County, too. Although the trees at Dolly Sods can be beautiful, the main attraction is near the ground. At Bear Rocks at the north end of forest road 75, the blueberry shrubs that carpet the earth turn a brilliant red. Acres and acres of scarlet earth--it’s a sight to behold!  

Canaan Valley - 2015

Snowshoe Mountain

There are couple of places in the highlands of West Virginia that I haven’t seen in the fall, but can recommend anyway. One is Snowshoe Mountain Resort in Pocahontas County. At elevations of 4,800 feet, fall arrives early and in glory at Snowshoe judging by some photos that I’ve seen.   

Dolly Sods - 2008

Spruce Knob & Lake

In western Pendleton County, Spruce Knob is the highest point in West Virginia (4,863 feet). Leaves will turn quickly at that elevation. A fisherman friend of mine likes Spruce Knob Lake for autumn colors. Standing at 3,840 feet in elevation, it is the highest lake in West Virginia. In the autumn the lake is encircled with slopes of reds, golds, and yellows. 

Dolly Sods - 2015

Well, I’ve tried to hit the high spots (pardon the pun) of early autumn color in West Virginia. If I’ve missed some places, please leave a comment. In another post, I’ll mention some places in West Virginia that hit peak color in mid to late October.