If you ask West Virginians, many will agree that the best time to be outdoors is in the fall. There is so much to see and do this season that you don’t want to let it pass by you.
1. Camping
With 45 state parks, there are plenty of options of where you can pitch a tent for a night or two. If you’re not a big fan of “roughing it,” many parks have other lodging options. It has never been easier to camp at a West Virginia State Park than it is now. Book your campground reservations through wvstateparks.com and plan the perfect fall getaway.
In case you’re having difficulty choosing where to go, here’s a little inspiration:
2. Fishing
Muskie, large and small mouth bass, bluegill and walleye. Catch them all and more in Almost Heaven. With over 20,000 miles of streams and more than 100 fishing lakes, you can do everything from fly fishing to a full-day guided fishing trip, all year long.
3. Hiking
Intense climbs, moderate inclines or leisurely walks through the woods: West Virginia has got you covered with all types of hikes. Going for a hike is one of the best ways to take in the changing fall foliage around you. The following trails are some of our favorites in the state.
- In Charleston, the Sunrise Carriage Trail is a 1.4-mile uphill (or downhill, depending on which end you start) walk completely shaded by a canopy of trees. The time to see the leaves in their most fiery fall colors is in late October.
- The Cliffside Trail at Hawks Nest State Park is a moderate to difficult 1.7-mile trail. This is an excellent trail for viewing the geology of the New River Gorge area, high Nutall sandstone cliffs and the waterfall of Turkey Creek.
- The Lakeside Nature Trail begins at the lodge in Stonewall Resort State Park and meanders along the lake. The tranquil trail is a 3.2-mile loop and offers scenic views of the lake.
4. Biking
Whether you’re a hard-core mountain biker or prefer flat ground, there are endless trails to explore in Almost Heaven. For mountain bikers, there are thrilling single-track and downhill options:
- Arrowhead Trails at the New River Gorge
- Mountwood Park in Wood County
- Snowshoe Mountain’s bike park
West Virginia has more than 350 miles of rail trails across the state. Some are suitable for multi-day trips, with camping spots along the way. While others are just a few miles in length. All trails will give you impressive views of the Mountain State.
5. Ziplining
Immerse yourself in a kaleidoscope of fall colors while whirring through the trees on a zipline. With multiple outfitters in the state, you can see peak leaf seasons in more than one region of Almost Heaven. Get a bird’s-eye view at these locations:
- ACE Adventures in Fayetteville
- Adventures on the Gorge in Fayetteville
- Pipestem Resort State Park
- Grand Vue Park in Moundsville
- Adventure Park at Harpers Ferry
How will you enjoy the outdoors this fall?
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