4 unique ways to experience fall foliage in Almost Heaven

There are not many things in this world as magical as fall in West Virginia. The changing hue of the leaves and shrubbery across the state make for the most picturesque settings no matter what part of the state you’re visiting. A trip down one of West Virginia’s many scenic country roads can provide visitors with incredible views, but there are ways to get even closer to West Virginia’s scenic landscapes and immerse yourself in its fall foliage!

New River Gorge Bridge Walk

The New River Gorge is one of the most recognizable landmarks on the East Coast and for good reason! The iconic bridge spans over 3,000 feet across the gorge and sits 876 feet above the New River – making it the fourth longest single-span arch bridge in the world! The bridge typically sees over 16,000 travelers a day, but what many of them don’t realize is what lies just below the roadway – a steel catwalk! The catwalk was originally designed to help with bridge inspections, but it is now open to the public for guided tours! The quarter-mile tour offers visitors a unique view of the New River Gorge and is even handicap accessible.

Zipline Tours

The New River Gorge is also home to fantastic outfitters like Adventures on the Gorge, ACE Adventure Resort, and River Expeditions! Not only do these outfitters offer whitewater rafting on both the New and Gauley rivers, they also offer exciting zipline tours through the trees of the New River Gorge. In the Northern Panhandle, you can experience panoramic views of Moundsville while soaring through the treelines on one of Grand Vue Park‘s many ziplines!

Hiking Trails and Overlooks

There is no shortage of exciting and engaging trails in Almost Heaven. Trails in every region of the state offer fun for the whole family, and many of them come with a reward – a beautiful scenic overlook. One of the wonderful things about trails in West Virginia is the amount of wonder you can find throughout the duration of your hike. In West Virginia, we don’t focus on getting from point A to point B, we focus on the beauty between them. You can find the perfect trail for you right here.

Trains

One of the most popular way to experience fall foliage in Almost Heaven is by train! Many trains in the state can take you where you wouldn’t be able to go otherwise, leaving you with unbelievably breathtaking views! The Cass Scenic Railroad and Potomac Eagle Scenic Railroad are two favorites in the Mountain State. You only have a few weeks of fall foliage, so make sure you plan your trip accordingly.

While these are all unique ways to see fall foliage, you are not limited to them. You have a seemingly endless amount of possibilities in West Virginia. Discover your version of Almost Heaven this fall in your own creative fashion!

How will you experience fall foliage this year?

This post was last updated on July 13, 2023