Discover These Must-Visit Leaf-Peeping Lodging Options

Almost Heaven is slowly transforming into a fall wonderland. The elation of the season is calling you to take a break, slow down the pace and venture to the Mountain State for a change of scenery. Not only is West Virginia home to an abundance of unique lodging options, but many can be found in secluded locations, perfect for seeing astounding autumn color.

Watoga State Park

There’s no shortage of leaf-peeping views at West Virginia’s largest state park, Watoga State Park. Over 10,000 acres of land give way to a magical reset amongst the changing trees. Have your pick between a night’s sleep at two campgrounds or in various log cabins. Take a leisurely stroll around the peaceful Watoga Lake or cast a line in hopes of a catch.

Even more magical, this park has been designated as an International Dark Sky Destination and observes some of the darkest skies on the East Coast. The wide open spaces welcome an array of glistening stars, giving them a place to thrive in natural simplicity with a lack of cities and streets nearby.

Lost River Vacations

Enjoy a luxury stay surrounded by gorgeous autumn hues in one of Lost River Vacation’s tiny house rentals. Tucked within the state’s eastern panhandle and just a 2-hour drive from the D.C. area, this stay provides the perfect weekend escape. With a modern edge that sets them apart, these rentals sit on 22 serene acres in which guests can roam freely on, a 9-hole disc golf course and many hiking trails. Guests will also find recyclable bags packed with coffee, tea, pancake mix, syrup, s’mores and homemade granola awaiting them.

While in the area, be sure to check out Lost River State Park, just a few miles away. Don’t miss taking a sunset hike to Cranny Crow Overlook. Home to a new Almost Heaven swing, this spot overlooks three West Virginia counties and two Virginia counties at nearly 3,000 feet below.

Ashland Resort

Escape to Ashland Resort for the fall getaway your soul needs. Reconnect with nature, family and friends at one of these cozy cabins or cottages. Equipped with a kitchen, living room, bedrooms, patio, grill, porch swing and fire pit, it’s effortless to marvel at the beauty of Almost Heaven around you. RV and traditional campsites are also available.

Change the pace and get out for the adventure of a lifetime, kicking up dust on the Hatfield-McCoy Trails. Traverse some of the Mountain State’s most beautiful backcountry, shining in autumn splendor while exploring nearly 1,000 miles of off-road trails. For extra ease, the Ashland Company Store has both two and four-seat machines available for rent.

Camp Potomac Peak

Camp Potomac Peak in Berkeley Springs offers one-of-a-kind lodging options ideal for a retreat to see the leaves. Choose between a personal cabin, spacious lodge or the moonlit camping dome. Enjoy time at the community spaces tossing some beanbags, swinging in a hammock chair or sparking up a fire. Find t-shirts, snacks, postcards, books, essentials and more swag awaiting you at the Trading Post located on-site.

Gaze upon a jaw-dropping sunset at nearby Cacapon Resort State Park. One of West Virginia’s most Instagrammable views, Cacapon Mountain Overlook, boasts views of four states on a clear day. An oasis of outdoor adventure, park activities include horseback riding, hiking, golfing and stellar dining.

Canaan Valley Resort State Park

Nestled in the state’s highest elevations, the magnificent fall color creeps into the area of Canaan Valley Resort State Park first. Stay overnight in a traditional lodge room, deluxe suite or rustic cabin. Visit the Recreation Center for games and fun, rent a bike to cycle trails or set out on a geocaching exploration. For an extra special leaf-peeping experience, take the scenic chairlift ride to the top of the mountain and back before it’s covered in snow.

Discover another autumn paradise at neighboring Blackwater Falls State Park. Witness the park’s namesake falls, a 57-foot cascade tinted by the tannic acid of fallen hemlock and red spruce needles. Catch the warm sun falling behind Blackwater Canyon at Lindy Point Overlook. One of the state’s most photographed spots, this overlook can be reached by a short and enjoyable hike.

Thorny Mountain Fire Tower

Situated in the heart of Seneca State Forest, Thorny Mountain Fire Tower promises excellent views year-round. This historic lookout tower is perched atop one of the area’s various mountains, offering 360° views of the state’s warm autumn tones. You can spend the night among the stars in this magical 65-foot tower, but make sure to get your reservation several months in advance – this spot is very popular! Reservations are available between May and October and can accommodate up to four guests.

Venture 45 minutes away to the quaint, historic town of Cass, which has become one of the most iconic locations in the state. Head over to Cass Scenic Railroad State Park and take a scenic 4.5-hour long train ride through the beautiful fall foliage of the Potomac Highlands region – this is an experience you will never forget!

Country Road Cabins

A stay in one of these cabins is straight out of a fairytale! Located just a few minutes north of Fayetteville, Country Road Cabins offers a variety of unique overnights for groups of all sizes. Hang out in an autumnal wonderland by staying at the Holly Rock Treehouse, get cozy for an evening of stargazing at the Moonshiner Glamping Dome, or spend some time with family in the Tropical Sun Luxury Tent. Any of these cabins will give you the perfect glimpse of paradise in the Mountain State.

During your stay, journey over to the nearby New River Gorge National Park and Preserve to enjoy a fall canopy zipline tour, brave Bridge Walk, or get an adrenaline rush from rafting the rapids of Gauley Season. If you have the opportunity, stop by Bridge Day in October. It is West Virginia’s largest single-day festival and features BASE jumpers leaping off of the New River Gorge Bridge – this event is one of a kind!

Harman’s Luxury Log Cabins

With over 20 rental properties near the Seneca Rocks-Spruce Knob National Recreation Area, Harman’s Luxury Log Cabins offer everything you need to have a relaxing fall retreat. Enjoy the resort’s private trout fishing stream, cabins with private decks and hot tubs, and dreamy views of the surrounding West Virginia scenery. This perfect fall escape will always leave you wanting to come back for more!

For picturesque views of West Virginia’s mountains dotted with fall hues, check out Dolly Sods Wilderness, a jaw-dropping section of the Monongahela National Forest. This area features a unique landscape and ecosystem that is more common in southern Canada, and boasts several hiking trails with a variety of difficulty levels.

Stay up to date with all the fall happenings in Almost Heaven, including festivals and events, fall foliage updates, ideal road trips and more!

This post was last updated on August 16, 2024