12 Top Places To Visit In West Virginia This Fall

West Virginia is a paradisaic destination, and when fall peaks, it truly becomes a paradise as it is draped in the sparkling beauty of the season’s colors. As one of the top most forested states in the US, the density and degree of its foliage are naturally hard to beat. Plus, the views last longer here, courtesy of its dense forests, giving enough time to enjoy the magic to the fullest. Whether you’re seeking a ride through a road blanketed in fiery autumn colors, a fall festival, or a destination crisscrossed with trails for a more immersive experience with the scenery, West Virginia has something for you this fall. So get on the next flight or hit the road to the Mountain State for an unforgettable adventure in these top places.

Bridge Day Festival, Fayetteville

Fall festivals and events can come in unique ways. However, there is everything wondrous and spectacular about the Bridge Day Festival at the New River Gorge Bridge in Fayetteville. For starters, it is a one-day festival, which makes it more special and impossible for tourists to miss. Then, the event's highlight makes it even more spectacular as it involves base jumping 876 feet into the gorge below as thousands of festival attendees watch in awe. This event is the only time officially permitted for anyone to base jump here and is held every third Saturday in October. It is the biggest single-day event in West Virginia, drawing thousands of spectators. Meanwhile, artisans also display their wares on the bridge for those who would love to pick souvenirs.

US Route 20 Scenic Drive, Princeton to Hinton

The US Route 20 offers stunning visuals of fall foliage in the New River/Greenbrier Valley. This route is a heaven for leaf peepers and the longest in the state at 256 miles, running from north to south. Some of its iconic stops where foliage views are incredible include Bluestone State Park, Bluestone Lake, Sandstone Falls, and Pipestem Resort State Park. You can begin the route from Princeton or Bluefield and terminate at Hinton, a historic town in the region nestled along the New River. For more scenery, continue to Meadow Bridge town to enjoy more fall colors on its country roads.

Long Point Trail, Fayetteville

Long Point Trail is a charming trail that winds through a lush forest to a rocky outcrop, offering spectacular views of the New River Gorge Bridge and its overwhelming foliage reflected in the crystal clear water below. Thankfully, the trail is easy as it is just 1.6 miles long, making it ideal for families with children. On the way, hikers will be entertained by the rushing sounds of the river and enchanting sights of colorful hemlock, deciduous, and pine trees, as well as lots of other plants.

Mountain State Apple Festival, Martinsburg

The town of Martinsburg hosts one of the most iconic fall events in the state - the Mountain State Apple Festival. This festival celebrates the state’s apple industry and heritage every third weekend of October, featuring various festive activities across three days. Some of these activities include live music, apple-pie baking contests, apple-themed parades, photography contests, food fairs, and craft & art expositions. And, of course, a variety of apple-inspired foods and wines like apple ciders and apple pies will be surplus to enjoy. This festival has been running since 1979, uniting families and friends and bringing the world's attention to West Virginia's apple industry. Make it a duty to attend, even if it's just for the delicious apple foods.

New River Gorge National Park, Fayetteville

The New River Gorge National Park is America’s newest park, established in November 2020 and home to the most famous bridge in West Virginia - the New River Gorge Bridge. The surrounding landscape of the gorge is carpeted by over 150 species of deciduous trees, making it a collage of dazzling colors in fall. At over 70,000 acres, there is so much foliage to see here, but taking the views from Grand View, the park’s foremost overlook, offers nearly all the foliage from one standpoint. Hikers can explore the 1.6-mile Grandview Rim Trail to the North Overlook to take in the views from another angle. Elsewhere, the Little Laurel Trail of 2.6 miles is a bit challenging, but the views are well worth it, especially on arrival at the New River.

Coopers Rock State Forest, Near Bruceton Mills and Morgantown

Coopers Rock State Forest near Morgantown is one of the best hiking destinations in the state to witness fall foliage come alive. The park boasts more than 50 miles of hiking trails, as well as a fishing lake and impressive rock formations for rock climbing. Once here, hike the easy 1.2-mile Virgin Hemlock Trail to see a hemlock grove of over 300 years and spectacular foliage colors surrounding a small rushing stream. Next, hit the Rhododendron Trail to see the state's official flower in its autumn glory. However, if there’s just one thing to do here, then it should be hiking the 3-mile Roadside Trail. This trail starts near the forest entrance and leads to the Coopers Rock Overlook, which offers breathtaking views of Cheat River Gorge and its mesmerizing foliage.

Old McDonald’s Pumpkin Patch and Corn Maze, Inwood

Some fall traditions never get old, and visiting the Old McDonald's Pumpkin Patch and Corn Maze in Inwood is one of them. This quintessential West Virginia fall attraction boasts a ton of activities that will keep family, friends, and solo visitors busy at all times. The pumpkin patches here are some of the best in the state and are up for exploration from Friday to Sunday throughout the fall season. Visitors here will enjoy picking pumpkins or exploring a five-acre corn maze, intricate to the core. The farm also has a night maze for a little spooky experience, while other activities and features include hayrides, a playground, nature trails, and picnic tables.

Dolly Sods, Monongahela National Forest

West Virginia has some pretty cool viewpoints from where to take in exceptional views, especially at the peak of autumn. Dolly Sods is a destination with such viewpoints located in Monongahela National Forest. This wilderness area is a plateau with elevations ranging between 2,500 to 4,700 feet, offering panoramic views of fall foliage colors in autumn, with the red leaves of blueberries dominating the scene. Other foliage species that blossom here include red spruce, azaleas, rhododendrons, and laurels. The overlook at Bear Rocks is perhaps the best place to drink in this color fiesta, while Lion’s Head Rock is another incredible spot with breathtaking views. Meanwhile, the wilderness area has dozens of other trails, many of which lead to streams flanked by foliage and beaver ponds. The 6.4-mile Red Creek Trail is one of its finest trails along the shores of Red Creek, which leads to a variety of falls, such as Diamond, Stairstep, and Curtain Falls, all surrounded by foliage.

Cass Scenic Railroad State Park, Cass

One of the best and most relaxing ways to enjoy foliage across the US is by taking scenic drives. Naturally, West Virginia hosts some of the country’s top scenic drives, one of which is offered in the Cass Scenic Railroad State Park. The trip is aboard a classic Shay locomotive train on the 11-mile Cass Scenic Heritage Railroad and is a 4.5-hour round trip to the overlook at Bald Knob, West Virginia's third-highest peak. From the overlook, the views of foliage below are truly charming, with spruce trees glowing in their blazing red hues. Alternatively, opt for a shorter 2-hour round trip to Whittaker Station for more scenic foliage views of West Virginia’s countryside.

Spruce Knob, Monongahela National Forest

Spruce Knob, the highest peak in West Virginia at 4,863 feet above sea level, is also the highest scenic point in the state to capture views of fall foliage. The Knob is located near the town of Seneca Rocks within the Monongahela National Forest and is a must-visit. This alpine peak and its surrounding areas feature an army of spruce trees, blueberry bushes, and huckleberry plants that burst into foliage colors from late September, creating a post-card-perfect scene that will leave you mesmerized. Thankfully, there’s an observation tower on the Knob to soak in the festival of colors. Tourists can drive to the observation tower or take a 1.6-mile hike on a smooth, gravel path. Additionally, there are campgrounds nearby for extended stays.

Babcock State Park, Clifftop

Babcock State Park is one of Almost Heaven's most photographed fall destinations, thanks to its showpiece attraction - the Glade Creek Grist Mill. This grist mill is also one of the most photographed attractions in the world, featured in many travel magazines. Its scenic location against the backdrop of boulders with rushing mountain streams makes it all the more spectacular. In fall, the foliage around it sparkles in brilliant colors, and the mountain behind the mill becomes invisible after being submerged in the colorful foliage. In fact, the scenery is almost indescribable. Visit this extraordinary spot and capture the views with a camera, or hike some of the park’s 20 miles of trails, like the Skyline Trail or the one-mile Lake View Trail around Boley Lake.

Blackwater Falls State Park, Davis

Blackwater Falls State Park is a gorgeous natural destination located in Davis, Tucker County, with so much to love. However, the 59-foot Black Water Falls is the park's central attraction, owing to its amber colors, tanned by hemlock and spruce leaves. In fall, the beauty of foliage around this fall is majestic and just looks surreal. The glistening colors of foliage flanking the cascade on both sides complement its existing amber colors, making the views more than Instagram-worthy. Tourists can enjoy picnics while soaking in the views or hike the Lindy Point Trail of 0.3 miles to add a bit of exercise to the experience. Also, don’t miss the views of the Blackwater Canyon at Pendleton Point Overlook, which is one of the most photographed destinations in the state.

As the leaves put up a color carnival and the crisp autumn air billows from the mountains in fall, the outdoors in West Virginia becomes incredibly appealing to explore. Imagine an entire route adorned with colorful leafage glowing in shades of yellow, orange, and gold or the views of these same colors on the banks of rivers and lakes. These and more are what to expect in the Mountain State in autumn. Waste no more time and head to this naturally endowed state this fall to witness one of the most memorable transformations of nature.