By Kenzie Dye
As the sweltering summer fades and the crisp autumn air settles in, West Virginia transforms into a fall foliage fantasy, drawing nature lovers and adventure seekers alike
“The natural beauty of Almost Heaven shines even brighter when covered with dazzling autumn hues,” says Chelsea Ruby, cabinet secretary for the West Virginia Department of Tourism. “Stellar views can be seen with leisurely activities like hiking and biking or alongside adrenaline-pumping adventures like whitewater rafting, zip lining and rock climbing.”
Whether you prefer leisurely strolls or heart-pounding adventures, West Virginia’s fall beauty is unparalleled. Known for its breathtaking landscapes and diverse elevations, the Mountain State offers an extended leaf-peeping season that lasts several months. Here are eight ways to experience exceptional fall colors.
Blackwater Falls State Park
Named for its amber-colored waters, Blackwater Falls State Park is home to a 57-foot cascade that owes its unique hue to the tannic acid from fallen hemlock and red spruce needles. This park is one of the most photographed spots in West Virginia—and for good reason. The park boasts 20 miles of hiking trails and numerous overlooks, offering visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the serene autumn scenery. Each trail provides a different perspective of the park’s natural beauty, ensuring that every visit offers something new to explore.
New River Gorge National Park & Preserve
Designated as the nation’s newest national park, New River Gorge National Park & Preserve is a premier destination for leaf peeping. The park is famous for its impressive bridge and the exhilarating BridgeWalk tour, where visitors can stroll the catwalk beneath the bridge to enjoy panoramic views from a bird’s eye perspective. The park is a hub for outdoor adventure, offering recreational activities such as hiking, whitewater rafting and rock climbing, all set against a stunning backdrop of fall foliage.
Seneca Rocks
For those seeking a bit of adventure, Seneca Rocks is a must see. The impressive formation ascends nearly 900 feet and is a favorite among rock climbers worldwide. The climb to the top rewards hikers with unparalleled views of the surrounding autumn landscape. For an even more unique experience, consider a guided tour of the Via Ferrata at NROCKS, which provides climbers of all skill levels with the opportunity to scale the rocks while secured to a steel cable, offering a thrilling and safe adventure.
Fire Towers and Observation Points
West Virginia’s lush forests are dotted with century-old fire towers that offer panoramic views of the fall splendor. Climb the rugged steps of Thorny Mountain Fire Tower, Bickle Knob Observation Tower, Hanging Rock Raptor Observatory or Olson Observation Tower to witness stunning sunrises and sunsets over the colorful treetops. Each tower provides a unique vantage point, making them perfect for photographers and nature lovers looking to
capture the essence of autumn.
Scenic Railroads
Experience West Virginia’s fall beauty from the comfort of a vintage locomotive. The Cass Scenic Railroad, Potomac Eagle Scenic Railroad and Durbin & Greenbrier Valley Railroad offer train rides through some of the state’s most vivid autumn landscapes. These excursions are perfect for families and provide a relaxing way to enjoy the vibrant foliage.
State Parks and Scenic Drives
“State parks are popular in all four seasons, but we’ve seen an increase in fall visitation in recent years,” Ruby says. “Hiking, horseback riding, scenic chair lifts and aerial trams within our state parks receive extra love during the leaf-peeping season.”
Pipestem Resort State Park, for instance, is reopening its newly renovated aerial tram this fall. The tram will allow guests to travel efficiently into the Bluestone Gorge and includes freight cars for transporting bicycles, kayaks and other adventure equipment to the Bluestone River and Mountain Creek Lodge.
“Traveling West Virginia’s iconic country roads during the fall is an experience you can’t find anywhere else,” Ruby says. “Mountain ridges and rolling hills dusted in reds, oranges and yellows give a heavenly feel.”
For a hassle-free adventure, follow one of the pre-routed
scenic drives created by West Virginia Tourism. These routes are designed to guide you through some of the state’s most picturesque landscapes, with optional stops at local attractions along the way.
West Virginia Waterfall Trail
Thanks to West Virginia Tourism’s waterfall trail guide, visitors can chase various waterfalls tucked within the state’s rugged landscape.
“From iconic wonders like Blackwater Falls to lesser-
known hidden gems such as Finn Falls, this trail has stops suitable for everyone,” Ruby says.
Participants are encouraged to register for a mobile passport and check in at participating locations to earn exclusive West Virginia Waterfall Trail gear along the way.
Almost Heaven Swings
One of the unique attractions gaining popularity in West Virginia is the Almost Heaven Swings. These swings are strategically placed at some of the most Instagram-worthy
locations across the state, providing stunning backdrops for photos. The swings add a playful element to your leaf-peeping adventure, offering a perfect spot to relax and take in the views. The most recent map can be found at wvtourism.com/views.
West Virginia offers something for every type of leaf-
peeping traveler. Whether you’re visiting those Instagram-worthy destinations, riding a scenic train or simply driving through the colorful countryside, the vibrant hues in the fall are sure to leave a lasting impression.
As the sweltering summer fades and the crisp autumn air settles in, West Virginia transforms into a fall foliage fantasy, drawing nature lovers and adventure seekers alike
“The natural beauty of Almost Heaven shines even brighter when covered with dazzling autumn hues,” says Chelsea Ruby, cabinet secretary for the West Virginia Department of Tourism. “Stellar views can be seen with leisurely activities like hiking and biking or alongside adrenaline-pumping adventures like whitewater rafting, zip lining and rock climbing.”
Whether you prefer leisurely strolls or heart-pounding adventures, West Virginia’s fall beauty is unparalleled. Known for its breathtaking landscapes and diverse elevations, the Mountain State offers an extended leaf-peeping season that lasts several months. Here are eight ways to experience exceptional fall colors.
Blackwater Falls State Park
Named for its amber-colored waters, Blackwater Falls State Park is home to a 57-foot cascade that owes its unique hue to the tannic acid from fallen hemlock and red spruce needles. This park is one of the most photographed spots in West Virginia—and for good reason. The park boasts 20 miles of hiking trails and numerous overlooks, offering visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the serene autumn scenery. Each trail provides a different perspective of the park’s natural beauty, ensuring that every visit offers something new to explore.
New River Gorge National Park & Preserve
Designated as the nation’s newest national park, New River Gorge National Park & Preserve is a premier destination for leaf peeping. The park is famous for its impressive bridge and the exhilarating BridgeWalk tour, where visitors can stroll the catwalk beneath the bridge to enjoy panoramic views from a bird’s eye perspective. The park is a hub for outdoor adventure, offering recreational activities such as hiking, whitewater rafting and rock climbing, all set against a stunning backdrop of fall foliage.
Seneca Rocks
For those seeking a bit of adventure, Seneca Rocks is a must see. The impressive formation ascends nearly 900 feet and is a favorite among rock climbers worldwide. The climb to the top rewards hikers with unparalleled views of the surrounding autumn landscape. For an even more unique experience, consider a guided tour of the Via Ferrata at NROCKS, which provides climbers of all skill levels with the opportunity to scale the rocks while secured to a steel cable, offering a thrilling and safe adventure.
Fire Towers and Observation Points
West Virginia’s lush forests are dotted with century-old fire towers that offer panoramic views of the fall splendor. Climb the rugged steps of Thorny Mountain Fire Tower, Bickle Knob Observation Tower, Hanging Rock Raptor Observatory or Olson Observation Tower to witness stunning sunrises and sunsets over the colorful treetops. Each tower provides a unique vantage point, making them perfect for photographers and nature lovers looking to
capture the essence of autumn.
Scenic Railroads
Experience West Virginia’s fall beauty from the comfort of a vintage locomotive. The Cass Scenic Railroad, Potomac Eagle Scenic Railroad and Durbin & Greenbrier Valley Railroad offer train rides through some of the state’s most vivid autumn landscapes. These excursions are perfect for families and provide a relaxing way to enjoy the vibrant foliage.
State Parks and Scenic Drives
“State parks are popular in all four seasons, but we’ve seen an increase in fall visitation in recent years,” Ruby says. “Hiking, horseback riding, scenic chair lifts and aerial trams within our state parks receive extra love during the leaf-peeping season.”
Pipestem Resort State Park, for instance, is reopening its newly renovated aerial tram this fall. The tram will allow guests to travel efficiently into the Bluestone Gorge and includes freight cars for transporting bicycles, kayaks and other adventure equipment to the Bluestone River and Mountain Creek Lodge.
“Traveling West Virginia’s iconic country roads during the fall is an experience you can’t find anywhere else,” Ruby says. “Mountain ridges and rolling hills dusted in reds, oranges and yellows give a heavenly feel.”
For a hassle-free adventure, follow one of the pre-routed scenic drives created by West Virginia Tourism. These routes are designed to guide you through some of the state’s most picturesque landscapes, with optional stops at local attractions along the way.
West Virginia Waterfall Trail
Thanks to West Virginia Tourism’s waterfall trail guide, visitors can chase various waterfalls tucked within the state’s rugged landscape.
“From iconic wonders like Blackwater Falls to lesser-known hidden gems such as Finn Falls, this trail has stops suitable for everyone,” Ruby says.
Participants are encouraged to register for a mobile passport and check in at participating locations to earn exclusive West Virginia Waterfall Trail gear along the way.
Almost Heaven Swings
One of the unique attractions gaining popularity in West Virginia is the Almost Heaven Swings. These swings are strategically placed at some of the most Instagram-worthy locations across the state, providing stunning backdrops for photos. The swings add a playful element to your leaf-peeping adventure, offering a perfect spot to relax and take in the views. The most recent map can be found at wvtourism.com/views.
West Virginia offers something for every type of leaf-peeping traveler. Whether you’re visiting those Instagram-worthy destinations, riding a scenic train or simply driving through the colorful countryside, the vibrant hues in the fall are sure to leave a lasting impression.
Photos by the West Virginia Department of Tourism
