Must-Try Adventures for the Whole Family this Fall in West Virginia
With the summer heat subsiding and the crisp air settling in, Almost Heaven will soon be ready for you and the whole family to make memories this fall. West Virginia’s sloping landscape and serene wilderness set the stage for autumn hues to paint picturesque backdrops.
This fall, treat everybody to an unforgettable getaway in the Mountain State and consider these must-try activities.
Wholesome Hikes
No activity sounds more like fall than the crunching of fall leaves beneath your feet. Dolly Sods Wilderness boasts more than 17,000 acres across the Monongahela National Forest, which is part of the National Wilderness Preservation System. This stunning area is spread across Grant, Randolph and Tucker counties, with terrain that appeals to beginner and experienced hikers alike. Elevations range from 2,500 to over 4,700 feet. At Holly River State Park, enjoy the 2.6-mile loop, Potato Knob Trail. Reach new heights in Mountaineer Country at Coopers Rock State Forest, which has over 50 miles of trails. Try any of the 21 trails to explore the 12,747 acres that make up this beautiful state forest.
Zoomy Zip Lines
Want to soar the skies with scenic views below? There are plenty of destinations to glide over. Head to Adventures on the Gorge in Fayette County and give TreeTops Zipline Canopy Tour a try. This tour offers ten zip lines and five swinging bridges over the span of 2-3 hours. You can also explore Gravity Ziplines, which boasts six zip lines, two 500-foot warm-ups and then progressively longer and faster lines at 1,300 feet, 1,600 feet and 1,800 feet. River Riders in Harpers Ferry, a town that Southern Living dubbed for its picturesque all foliage, packs a punch with the Mega Zip Line, which is 2,100 feet long and makes way for speeds up to 50 miles per hour!
Foliage-Filled Overlooks
West Virginia’s rolling hills set the stage for some beautiful fall colors. Coopers Rock State Forest, just 13 miles outside of Morgantown, has a scenic overlook that boasts a stunning view of the Cheat River below. This is just steps away from the visitor parking area and can be accessed via a short, stone path. You will pass an #AlmostHeaven swing on your way there!
For an unmatched view of the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, bring the whole family to Grandview. Nestled into the rocky cliffs, the main overlook and Turkey Spur Overlook, which are located along the Grandview Rim Trail, are the perfect locations to see the New River Gorge. To add some splash to your fall foliage viewing, take a road trip to Davis and explore the ADA-accessible overlook at Blackwater Falls State Park. Here, you will enjoy a beautiful view of the 57-foot-tall Blackwater Falls and the surrounding fall hues. Don’t forget to get your photo taken on the nearby #AlmostHeaven swing!
ATV Escapades
With more than a thousand miles of off-roading trails throughout the Hatfield-McCoy Mountains and beyond, Hatfield-McCoy Trail Systems has a path waiting for you. Take your own ATV or side-by-side or rent one from local outfitters. Take on trails like Devil Anse, Rockhouse, Buffalo Mountain and so many more. You and your family can easily extend your trip by staying at Appalachian Outpost, Buffalo Trail, and nearby West Virginia State Parks like Twin Falls Resort State Park and Chief Logan State Park. Keep an eye out for new trail systems as this off-roading paradise continues to add new paths!
Cozy Cabins
There is no shortage of cozy cabins and vacation rentals in Almost Heaven. Lost River Vacations in Mathias has cabins nestled within the forested landscapes of Hardy County – providing the perfect retreat from the daily hustle and bustle. North Bend State Park also has plenty of cabin rentals that vary in size, features and location to meet your family preferences. If you’re near the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, ACE Adventure Resort’s Aspen Log Home provides the perfect mix of luxury and seclusion – featuring a hot tub on the patio. You’ll find your perfect cabin on your fall getaway no matter where you are in West Virginia.
Enjoy #AlmostHeaven This Fall
Are you sticking around Almost Heaven for a little longer? You can find more fall adventures across the state with ideas from our free West Virginia Vacation Guide to extend your getaway.
Send Me my Vacation GuideThis post was last updated on October 22, 2024