The Colors of West Virginia
Fall is the season of change. As the sun moves farther south, the hours of daylight decrease and temperatures decrease. This causes the leaves of certain trees to stop producing chlorophyll, a green pigment responsible for the absorption of light to provide energy for photosynthesis. The result is a stunning display of warm reds, oranges and yellows that peaks late October in McDowell County.
Peak Foliage Colors
- Late September
- Early October
- Mid October
- Late October
Popular Spots
- Anawalt Lake WMA
- Berwind Lake
- Panther WMA
Yellow
Fall Foliage Trees
Ash, White – Yellow
Basswood – Yellow
Beech – Yellow
Birch, River – Dull Yellow
Birch, Sweet – Yellow
Buckeye, Ohio – Yellow
Coffeetree, Kentucky – Yellow
Cottonwood, Eastern – Yellow
Elder, Box – Yellow
Elm, American – Yellow
Hazel Nut – Brownish Yellow
Hickory, Mockernut – Dull Yellow
Hickory, Pignut – Dull Yellow
Hickory, Shagbark – Dull Yellow
Hickory, Shellbark – Dull Yellow
Hophornbeam, Eastern – Yellow
Locust, Black – Yellow
Locust, Honey – Yellow
Maple, Silver – Pale Yellow
Oak, Chestnut – Yellow
Pecan – Dull Yellow
Redbud, Eastern – Yellow
Shad Bush – Bright Clear Yellow
Tuliptree – Yellow
Walnut, Black – Yellow
Walnut, White – Bright Yellow
Willow, Black – Pale Yellow
Browns
Fall Foliage Trees
Oak, Bur – Pale Brown
Oak, Post – Pale Brown
Oak, Shingle – Brown
Oak, Swamp White – Pale Brown
Multi-Colors
Fall Foliage Trees
Hawthorn – Brilliant Varying Colors
Hazel Nut – Brownish Yellow
Hornbeam – Orange, Scarlet
Maple, Red – Red, Orange
Maple, Sugar – Yellow, Orange, Red
Oak, Black – Dull Red to Orange Brown
Oak, Blackjack – Dull Yellow or Brown
Oak, White – Pink or Red
Persimmon – Glossy Green with Yellow
Sassafras – Red, Orange, Yellow
Sweetgum – Yellow, Orange, Brown
Sycamore, American – Yellow, Brown
Witch Hazel – Bright Yellow-Orange
Reds
Fall Foliage Trees
Dogwood – Crimson
Gum, Black – Deep Red
Oak, Northern Red – Rusty Red
Oak, Pin – Crimson
Oak, Scarlet – Scarlet
Oak, Southern Red – Rusty Red
Oak, Swamp Chestnut – Dark Crimson
Sourwood – Deep Red
Sumac – Brilliant Red
No Change
Fall Foliage Trees
Magnolia, Umbrella – No Change
Holly, American – No Change
