ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA — West Virginia has some catching up to do. The latest fall color map for September 28, 2026 shows the Mountain State running a bit behind on its fall foliage season, but forecasters expect colors to change more quickly this week thanks to a recent blast of cold air. By the weekend, the leaves across the Allegheny Highlands should be back on track, while much of Pennsylvania shows low color and major cities like Washington, D.C., Baltimore, Philadelphia and Richmond remain mostly green.
West Virginia Playing Catch-Up
West Virginia’s high country is known for some of the most spectacular fall color in the eastern U.S., but this year the trees have been slow to turn. The map shows pockets of moderate color in the eastern mountains, though forecasters note that the highest elevations may actually still be a little shy of moderate color right now.
The good news is that recent cold nights are expected to speed things up. Cooler temperatures trigger trees to stop producing green chlorophyll, allowing reds, oranges and yellows to show through.
Allegheny Highlands Lead the Way
The best color in the Mid-Atlantic right now is found along the Allegheny Highlands of eastern West Virginia. The Monongahela National Forest region, including Canaan Valley, Dolly Sods, Blackwater Falls, Seneca Rocks and the Snowshoe area, is where color is developing fastest.
Scenic routes such as the Highland Scenic Highway should become increasingly colorful by the weekend, making it one of the top spots in the region for leaf peepers.
Lower Elevations Still Mostly Green
Away from the mountains, most of West Virginia remains in the little to no color stage. Charleston and the western part of the state are still largely green, with color expected to arrive later in October.
That split between high and low elevations is typical. Mountain areas cool off faster at night, so they tend to reach peak color weeks before valleys and river towns.
Virginia Mountains Show Low Color
In Virginia, the Blue Ridge and Shenandoah mountain ridges are showing low color, with some early changes along the higher terrain west of Staunton. Popular drives such as Skyline Drive in Shenandoah National Park and the Blue Ridge Parkway near Roanoke are beginning the transition.
A small pocket of moderate color appears in the far southwestern corner of the state, but most of Virginia’s mountain color is still on the way.
Pennsylvania Covered in Low Color
Much of Pennsylvania is now showing low color, especially across the central and northern parts of the state. Areas around the Allegheny National Forest, Pine Creek Gorge, the Laurel Highlands and the mountains near Scranton and the Poconos are starting to show early hints of fall.
Southeastern Pennsylvania, including Philadelphia, remains mostly green, along with the Pittsburgh metro and areas near the western border.
DC, Baltimore, Richmond and the Coast Stay Green
Across the eastern Mid-Atlantic, the leaves have barely started to change. Washington, D.C., Baltimore, Richmond, Norfolk and the Delmarva Peninsula all remain in the little to no color category.
These lower-elevation and coastal areas typically reach peak color in late October and early November, so city residents still have a few weeks to wait.
Cooler Pattern Could Speed Up the Show
A much cooler pattern is expected across the Mid-Atlantic from October 5 to 10, with temperatures running about 5 degrees below normal in Washington, Richmond and Charleston, West Virginia, and up to 7 degrees below normal across parts of Pennsylvania.
That extended stretch of cooler air could help push color changes forward quickly, especially in the mountains of West Virginia, Virginia and Pennsylvania.
Best Weekend Trips for Leaf Peepers
For the best color this weekend, head to the Allegheny Highlands of West Virginia, especially Canaan Valley, Dolly Sods and the Monongahela National Forest. Northern and central Pennsylvania mountain areas should also offer early fall views.
Arrive early at popular overlooks, pack warm layers for chilly mountain mornings, and check road and trail conditions before heading out.
More Color Coming Soon
West Virginia may be late to the party, but with cold air moving in, its famous fall display is expected to catch up fast. Over the next two weeks, color will spread down the mountains and into the valleys across the Mid-Atlantic.
