Hurricane, WV — The West Virginia State Parks Foundation is pleased to announce the launch of its Fall Colors Are Always Free Photo Contest. Running from September 8 through November 6, 2026, the contest invites photographers to capture and celebrate the beauty of West Virginia’s state parks, forests, and rail trails during autumn.
“We recently wrapped up our summer photo contest,” said Foundation Executive Director Brad Reed. “We received hundreds of incredible submissions that showcased our state park areas as true four-season destinations.”
Reed added, “As our fall weather approaches and the leaves begin to turn, visitation from both residents and tourists increases significantly. We encourage park guests to enjoy everything these special places have to offer—and to capture those unforgettable moments through photography to share with others.”
The contest is open to both amateur and professional photographers. Winners will receive prizes provided by the West Virginia State Parks system and the Foundation. Awards will be presented in just one category, fall color. Pictures must be taken on a WV State Park, State Forest, or Rail Trail.
“We are looking for images of anything and everything on our state park areas that showcase the beauty of our incredible parks in their full patchwork quilt of autumn,” said Reed. “It might be a picture of your family enjoying the outdoors, a handsome pet, a beautiful landscape, or an amazing recreational feature; just make sure it has that wonderful tapestry of fall colors in the background.”
For more information and official contest rules, visit: https://www.lovewvstateparks.com/events/
About the WV State Parks Foundation:
The West Virginia State Parks Foundation is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with a mission to “preserve, protect, and enhance West Virginia State Parks by providing leadership in communication, funding, and advocacy in partnership with individual Park Foundations.” Find them at www.lovewvstateparks.com.