Fall Foliage Road Trip: Best Places to go Leaf Peeping in WV

While the majority of the state has hit peak color already, beautiful fall foliage can still be found. There’s never been a better time to jump in the car and experience the slow change in seasons across the state.

These are some of the top places to take in the sights in Almost Heaven.

Eastern Panhandle

• Explore all 6,000 acres of Cacapon Resort State Park, which conveniently has cozy cabins and a renovated lodge on the way that is ideal for taking in the scenery and sipping your hot drink of choice.
• Harpers Ferry National Historic Park is the perfect backdrop for an autumn adventure with its picturesque streets, exhibits, museums and hiking trails. Praised by WorldAtlas, Harpers Ferry is worth a look during peak fall foliage.

Hatfield-McCoy Mountains

• With beautiful craggy mountains gorgeous leaves are everywhere in this region, especially at Chief Logan State Park.
• Have a unique leaf peeping experience by hitting the Hatfield-McCoy Trail Systems by ATV, UTV, or dirt bike and riding through the gorgeous leaves that surround you.

• You can also hike, bike or horseback ride the North Bend Rail Trail, which stretches 72-miles through 13 tunnels, rural countryside and several historic sites – the perfect fall experience. 
• Take a tour and tasting at Chestnut Ridge Winery in Spencer, then sit out on their deck and take in fall views to your heart’s content.

Mountain Lakes

• If history hunting and leaf peeping are both your thing, Carnifex Ferry Battlefield State Park is the perfect place for you to visit this fall.
• Stonewall Resort State Park is surrounded by rolling mountains and tranquil lake waters. Stroll the lakes shoreline or lounge on the lakeside patio and take in the beauty of the fall foliage around you.

Mountaineer Country

• Dorsey’s Knob, one of the highest points in Monongalia County, offers panoramic views of Morgantown. From it’s “Sky Rock” peak, you can see for miles.
• Valley Falls State Park has 1,145 acres to explore. Take in the beauty of the four picturesque falls, then cast a line, go for a hike, take an invigorating bike ride or do all three.

New River-Greenbrier Valley

• Ride the aerial tramway at Hawks Nest State Park for a close up of the leaves, then stop by the park’s scenic overlook for a bird’s eye view of the New River Gorge National River.
• Plum Orchard Lake is another beautiful spot to see fall foliage, and it was even ranked by Travel + Leisure as one of the best spots to go leaf peeping in the United States!
• Historic downtown Lewisburg is one of the state’s most walkable cities, with dozens of boutique shops, antique stores and art galleries lining its picturesque main street, it’s a great location for an autumn weekend getaway.

Northern Panhandle

• West Virginia’s northernmost state park, Tomlinson Run State Park, is split into two sections: a wilderness area with heavily forested hills, overhanging cliffs of sandstone and shale, and many wildflowers and fauna, and a developed area with traditional park offerings.
• You can experience panoramic views of Moundsville while soaring through the vibrant treelines on one of Grand Vue Park’s many ziplines.

Potomac Highlands

• Visit Lost River State Park in Mathias for miles of trails, which can be explored by foot or by horseback. The state park also has 26 furnished cabins and come equipped with a cozy fireplace– perfect for fall getaways.
• Blackwater Falls is best known for the magnificent 62-foot waterfall that forms the centerpiece of the park, but you’ll also find some equally beautiful views at Lindy Point Overlook. The 0.4-mile Lindy Point Trail is a fairly flat hike that leads to a wooden observation platform with an unspoiled view of the Blackwater River Canyon.

More Road Trip Inspiration