Top Places To Visit In West Virginia In The Fall
Due to the wide variety of elevations in West Virginia, aptly named the "Mountain State," peak fall foliage times vary from region to region. No matter what you're visiting in this beautiful state, from late September until early November, you're likely to find vibrant colors dotting the rolling hills, valleys, and mountainsides. West Virginia is home to the Appalachian Mountain system, which features four provinces - the Blue Ridge, the Cumberland Mountains, the Alleghany Plateau, and the Ridge and Valley Appalachians. The mountains are the perfect backdrop for experiencing all that autumn offers in this great state, from vibrant foliage to apple orchards.
Coopers Rock State Forest
If you're looking for one destination in West Virginia to take in all the best of the fall season, you can't go wrong with Cooper Rock State Forest. Located in Bruceton Mills, this park features 50 miles of hiking and biking trails, scenic canyon overlooks, a lake for recreational activities, picnic areas for alfresco dining, and historical sites. Visitors can climb to the top of the park's sandstone cliffs to view vibrant fall foliage as well as gorge, lake, and river views. If you want to spend a night or two around a campfire, the campgrounds are open through December.
Plum Orchard Lake Wildlife Management Area
Plum Orchard Lake Wildlife Management Area is an ideal place for those looking for a serene autumn escape far away from traffic and crowds. The wildlife management area retains its rugged appearance, allowing you to view native animals and birds in their natural surroundings. The forest, which is dominated by old hickory trees, comes to life with brilliant shades of crimson, gold, and orange each autumn, and you can enjoy the colors from a hiking trail or boat. The 3,253-acre lake is surrounded by woods and is perfect for fishing, kayaking, canoeing, or just a relaxing boat ride.
Pipestem Resort State Park
If you're traveling with your family this fall, Pipestem Resort State Park has everything to keep kids and adults of all ages entertained. The park, which is situated on the east rim of the Bluestone River Gorge, features over 4,000 acres of land where you can enjoy hiking, mountain biking, birding, wildlife viewing, and picnicking on a cool autumn day. For the more adventurous, soaring zipline tours are available. Anglers won't want to miss a guided trout fishing trip, and an aerial tramway gives visitors a sweeping view of the Bluestone River gorge below. The park is scenic all year long but is especially breathtaking during fall's peak foliage time.
Dolly Sods Wilderness
During the autumn months, there is no better place to catch the stunning leaf color show than from the Dolly Sods Wilderness, which is located in the Monongahela National Forest. You can view the vibrant fall foliage from 47 miles of trails, most of which follow old logging roads and railroad grades, adding to the unique scenery. The 17,371-acre wilderness area features high elevations of 2,500 to 4,700 feet, ideal for leaf-peeping and taking in the gorgeous vistas below.
Blackwater Falls State Park
Blackwater Falls State Park got its name from the amber waters of the 57-foot cascade, which gets its unique color from the tannic acid of fallen trees. In addition to Blackwater Falls, the park is also home to Elakala Falls, Lindy Point, and Pendleton Point Overlook, all of which are surrounded by trees ablaze in shades of red, orange, and gold each autumn. Visitors can access the falls via stairs and also climb up to scenic viewing platforms to overlook the park from above. The park also has 20 miles of hiking trails, as well as a cozy lodge.
Babcock State Park
Encompassing 4,127 acres of scenic natural beauty, Babcock State Park is the perfect place for outdoor lovers to immerse themselves in all things autumn. Vibrantly colored leaves provide a cinematic view during the peak foliage time, and you can view several species of birds and other wildlife in their natural habitats. The park also features plenty of opportunities for fishing, hiking, and biking from scenic trails. Visitors won't want to miss a trip to the park's Glade Creek Grist Mill, a fully functional replica of the original Cooper's Mill.
Cass Scenic Railroad State Park
Cass Scenic Railroad State Park combines rich local history, stunning wilderness views, and a unique shopping and dining establishment all into one exciting destination. Although the park is a must-see attraction year round, it really comes to life each fall when it's surrounded by vibrantly hued foliage. The park features an 11-mile-long heritage railroad and an authentic lumbering company town, which is home to a gift shop, restaurant, soda fountain, and a historical theater and museum. You can take in the fall foliage during a train ride around the park, which includes a stop at Bald Knob, the third-highest point in West Virginia.
If you're looking for a scenic place to spend a few autumn days or even weeks in West Virginia, you'll have no shortage of options. From one-of-a-kind historic sites to sweeping mountain views, the state doesn't disappoint. Whether you're taking a fall family adventure, a romantic autumn getaway, or a solo leaf-peeping weekend trip, the perfect park, wilderness area, or state forest awaits you here.
