7 Least-Crowded Towns In West Virginia To Catch Fall Foliage
If you are looking for a calm fall retreat on the East Coast, you should check out these towns in West Virginia! These towns are low in population, meaning they are ideal if you are looking for quiet places without crowds to visit. To fully enjoy the foliage, make sure you visit during October and November to enjoy peak color, breezy weather, and the spooky season!
Berkeley Springs
Established in 1776, the small, proud town of Berkeley Springs is an ideal destination for quiet and scenic fall foliage. Conveniently, the town is almost 100 miles from Baltimore, making it a good escape from the bustling city. For fall foliage activities in the town, make sure you catch the Healing Springs Stroll, a tour that passes through the downtown and incorporates solving murder mysteries, supernatural encounters, and spooky adventures! This activity is perfect for kids and teenagers since it passes through historic areas in the town and is educationally enriching as well. To get more active, you can always hike through the 20-mile trails in the Cacapon State Park or the mountainous trails of the Sleepy Creek Public Wildlife Management Area.
Harpers Ferry
Located in the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia, Harpers Ferry has less than 300 residents. The town's establishment of a ferry in the Potomac River during the 1800s earned it its name. The town owes its greenery and beautiful forests to the intersection of the Potomac River and Shenandoah River. You can stroll by the riverbank at the Harpers Ferry National Historical Park and hike on the Appalachian National Scenic Trail. Also, the bookshop on Shenandoah Street in Lower Town can stamp your passports, so you can always carry this special town with you!
Romney
Romney is the second oldest town in West Virginia and was established in 1762, soon after Shepherdstown. It also sits in the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia, west of Harpers Ferry, and its population is around 2,000 people. The town is perfect for a small fall retreat due to its proximity to cities like Morgantown and the lack of crowds during festivities such as the annual camping events at the Potomac Hills. The best place to catch the fall breeze and colors is Romney's scenic downtown, as well as the nearby Nathaniel Mountain Wildlife Management Area. The town also hosts popular events, such as the Romney Peach Festival in August.
Wardensville
The Highland Potomac town has a population of less than 500 people. The best spot to catch the fall colors is by the riverbank of the Cacapon River, whose name originates from Native American and translates to "healing water." Its biodiversity and clear waters have made it perfect for canoeing, swimming, and fishing. You can do these activities at the Wardensville Wildlife and Recreation Area and the Short Mountain Wildlife Area. The small town has plenty of fall festivities to complete the foliage experience, with the annual Wardensville Fall Festival.
Summersville
Summersville is in the south-central part of West Virginia and is about 60 miles away from Charleston. The pristine waters of the nearby rivers pour into the town's parks: the Summersville State Park and Summersville Lake Shelters, a popular destination in the summer. The rich biodiversity has contributed to the town's green views, which transform into an array of colors during peak color in late October. If you are looking for a more laid-back vacation, you can rent a boat at the Summersville Lake Marina, where you can rent a boat and cruise in the secluded and scenic waters. The town’s lowkey vibes and scenic rivers have made it an ideal place for one last outing before winter.
Bluefield
Sitting near the riverbanks of the Bluestone River, Bluefield is a town in Mercer County in southern West Virginia. The town has a population of almost 10,000 people and is perfect if you are looking for a calm and secluded getaway during the fall. The most scenic destination is Pinnacle Rock State Park, which has earned its name from the odd sandstone formation which stands 3,100 feet tall! Make sure you stop by the scenic Jimmy Lewis Lake in Pinnacle Rock State Park. The 15-acre serpent-shaped lake and pristine waters have contributed to the area's greenery. The mountainous terrain and thick forests have made it a great destination for hikers.
Webster Springs
Webster Springs is a small town located in central West Virginia. It is home to around 700 people and is almost a 2-hour drive from Morgantown. The town is also known as Addison and is a picturesque retreat that is most beautiful in the fall. The best place to visit is Christine's Cottage, nestled in the mountains and a great spot to relax when the weather is chilly. You can also visit Baker’s Island to enjoy picnic areas, river bank strolls, and sports facilities. The best time for a fall retreat in the town is around late October and mid-November, during which temperatures range from 32 to 68 degrees Fahrenheit, facilitating peak color in elevated dense forests.
These towns have lowkey vibes and fall festivities. From chill marinas to oddly shaped sandstones, you can never run out of things to do or sights to explore in these towns. Their vibrant colors and picturesque landscapes are ideal for a road trip, adventure, or short break before winter! Make sure you add these towns to your list to get the best out of your fall foliage experience.
