West Virginia Releases New Fall Foliage Map
The tourism department issued its fifth foliage update for the 2026 season.
Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Forecasts
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The West Virginia Department of Tourism has released its fifth updated fall foliage map for 2026. This report highlights top destinations across the state for leaf peeping and autumn activities.
Why it matters
Regular updates help travelers plan trips to specific sites like Coopers Rock State Forest, ensuring they arrive during peak conditions. The release also emphasizes the state's ongoing seasonal tourism efforts.
This fifth version of the foliage map covers the entirety of West Virginia. The report tracks seasonal progression for destinations including Coopers Rock State Forest through the remainder of October.
The players
West Virginia Department of Tourism
This state agency promotes travel and economic development within West Virginia by managing seasonal campaigns and tourism resources.
The details
Travelers are encouraged to visit locations like the West Virginia Penitentiary in Moundsville or take ghost tours in Shepherdstown as part of the state's fall programming. Participants can also continue the Fall SWINGO Challenge by checking in at designated swings across the region.
Timeline
October 2026: Peak season for foliage and paranormal site tourism.
December 31, 2026: The Fall SWINGO Challenge concludes.
Seasonal Patterns
The report tracks regional color transitions against historical peak foliage averages for the state. This map follows the seasonal pattern established by the West Virginia Department of Tourism's Fall SWINGO Challenge to encourage prolonged tourist interest through late December.
Travelers can post photos of their visits to social media using the #AlmostHeaven hashtag while tagging @wvtourism. Participants should check in at designated swings across the state to qualify for prizes through the end of the year.
The takeaway
Autumn visitors should check the latest map to maximize their chances of seeing peak colors at sites like Coopers Rock State Forest. Leveraging official social media channels helps travelers share their experiences and participate in ongoing state-sponsored challenges.
What happens next
The Fall SWINGO Challenge is scheduled to conclude on December 31, 2026.
Further reading
Find more details on regional conditions on the West Virginia Forecasts page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WOWK 13 Huntington.
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Do you plan to visit state-recommended local tourism destinations this fall?
