Your Must-Visit Fall Foliage Destinations in West Virginia – Week of 10/23

This October has brought some of the best fall colors that Almost Heaven has ever seen, and there is still some time to find some vibrant reds, oranges and yellows near you.

Your fall edition #AlmostHeaven photos wouldn’t be the same without all those peak colors as your backdrop. Be in the leaf-peeping loop with the help of our Live Leaf Map!

Whether you are looking for charming waterfalls, serene hiking trails or scenic spots, you will find plenty of peak fall foliage at these West Virginia destinations.

Northern Panhandle

With various charming towns within an hour’s drive from Pittsburgh, the Northern Panhandle is a great destination to see peak fall foliage. Oglebay Park has both arboretum walking paths and unpaved hiking trails, so there is a scenic stroll for everybody. One of the most scenic trails is the Falls Vista Trail in Wheeling Park, which is just 0.8 miles out and back and leads to Oglebay Falls. There are plenty of turning sugar maples, birch and American Beech surrounding the trail’s waterfalls. Mark your visit to the cascades on the West Virginia Waterfall Trail for a chance to win exclusive West Virginia prizes.

The rolling terrain at Grand Vue Park makes for a perfect spot to hike or ride your mountain bike through some rich reds, burnt oranges and bright yellows. You can also swing through the treetops on a zipline tour and take in the fall foliage from a bird’s-eye view. If you want to unleash your competitive side while the surrounding trees show their best colors, throw a few discs at the 18-hole disc golf course in Tomlinson Run State Park.

North Bend State Park

North Bend State Park offers many outdoor recreational activities perfectly suited for fall weather. At less than a 10-minute drive from the town of Cairo, North Bend is also easy to find. The 72-mile North Bend Rail Trail will certainly not disappoint if you enjoy relaxing walks and bicycle rides.

This destination is also known for its abundant wildlife, fishing streams and overnight accommodations if you wish to extend your fall stay. North Bend State Park is heavily forested – offering a remarkable array of autumn shades to brighten outdoor adventures.

Summersville

The best part about visiting Summersville Lake this week is seeing the heavenly hues come alive – with plenty of sugar maple and other deciduous trees showing off their best colors. Part of Summersville Lake State Park in Summersville, West Virginia’s newest state park, this destination is nicknamed “The Little Bahamas of the East” due to its crystal-clear water. Summersville Lake is unique because of its 2,800 acres of gravity-defying rock formations – with a maximum depth exceeding 300 feet.

Enjoy a perfect setting for trail hiking and other fall adventure activities like rock climbing, kayaking and rafting. Long Point Trail is an easy 3.9-mile out-and-back trail near the lake, which is also popular for bird watching, and of course, leaf-peeping. More than 60 miles of shoreline boast views that you’ve never seen before, and chances are, you fall in love with every single one.

While you’re here, relax on the new #AlmostHeaven swing and post a selfie on social media!

Stonewall Resort State Park

With more than 2,000 acres of autumn landscape, Stonewall Resort State Park is a leaf peeper’s paradise. More than 16 miles of trails are available for hiking and mountain biking. This vast and beautiful park is home to a luxurious lakeside resort and cozy chalet stays. While checking out some of the fall foliage, beginner and avid golfers alike can hit the green on the 18-hole Palmer Golf Course.

Babcock State Park

Babcock State Park is just over a 20-minute drive away from downtown Fayetteville. This is one of the most photographed locations in Almost Heaven, and you’ll see why once you take a look at Glade Creek Grist Mill Falls.

The surrounding woods at Babcock are always filled with crimsons and burnt oranges this time of the year. A short stone pathway leads you closer to the beautiful cascades, but no camera could ever do this spot justice. You can easily extend your stay here thanks to the state park’s 52-unit campground with 28 sites equipped with electricity.

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This post was last updated on October 25, 2023