Fall Foliage Road Trips Across West Virginia
Nestled in the rugged Appalachian Mountains, Blackwater Falls State Park sits about 15 miles east of Elkins, offering one of West Virginia’s most iconic autumn spectacles. The park’s namesake, Blackwater Falls, plunges 62 feet over a sandstone ledge, framed by a kaleidoscope of fiery red, orange, and gold foliage each fall. Visitors can stroll the boardwalk that leads to the overlook or embark on the Lindy Point Trail, a moderate 1.5-mile round-trip hike that rewards with panoramic views of the Blackwater Canyon painted in autumn hues. The combination of the cascading falls and the vibrant canopy of mixed hardwoods—primarily maples and oaks—makes this spot uniquely photogenic, especially in late October when the colors peak.
Heading northeast near Morgantown, the Cheat Canyon Scenic Overlook along the North Fork Mountain Trail offers a breathtaking vantage point roughly 40 minutes from the city center. This rugged, less-visited area features old-growth forests and steep cliffs that plunge dramatically into Cheat Canyon below. The overlook provides a sweeping vista of endless ridges cloaked in fall colors, with the Cheat River snaking through the valley. Hiking the North Fork Mountain Trail is a moderately challenging adventure with sections that showcase the region’s distinctive shale and sandstone geology. Early to mid-October is ideal here, as the higher elevation causes the leaves to change sooner, bathing the canyon in vivid hues.
In the southern part of the state, the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, about 45 minutes south of Beckley, transforms into a fiery mosaic each autumn. The park’s 53-mile rim trail offers several exceptional opportunities to witness the foliage, but the Long Point Trail stands out for its accessibility and stunning payoff. This easy 1.4-mile loop culminates at a promontory overlooking the famous New River Gorge Bridge, framed by a forest ablaze with yellows and reds. The gorge’s steep walls catch the sunlight in a manner that makes the colors glow as the afternoon wanes. The dramatic contrast between the steel bridge, the emerald river below, and the autumn leaves creates a postcard-perfect scene that’s unlike any other in the state.
Traveling westward to the eastern edge of the Monongahela National Forest, Canaan Valley, roughly 30 miles from Davis, offers a unique high-elevation landscape where the fall colors linger later into the season. Known for its expansive wetlands and cooler climate, Canaan Valley features the Blackwater Canyon Trail, an easy, flat stretch along the old railroad bed that gently winds through dense stands of aspens and birches. The white bark of these trees stands out against the warm autumn colors, adding an unusual texture to the scenery. The valley’s open meadows and distant mountain views make it a perfect place for photographers seeking a quieter, more contemplative foliage experience in early November.
Just a short drive south of Charleston, the Hawks Nest State Park overlooks the Kanawha River Valley, about 50 miles southeast of Huntington. The park’s signature Hawks Nest Scenic Overlook trail is a short but steep hike that rewards with expansive views of the river canyon below, where the fall colors splash across the hillsides. The park is also known for its historic aerial tramway, which gently descends into the gorge, providing a unique perspective on the vivid autumn landscape from above the river. Late October is the best time to visit, when the mix of hickory, oak, and maple trees reaches peak coloration, and the cool air enhances the crispness of the view.
About 25 miles northwest of Lewisburg, the Greenbrier River Trail offers a slower-paced way to soak in West Virginia’s fall colors along a flat, 78-mile rail-trail corridor. The section near the town of Ronceverte is particularly scenic in the fall months. This gentle trail meanders through forests marked by towering sycamores and red maples, crossing multiple wooden trestles and passing historic railroad depots. The trail’s accessibility makes it a favorite for families and casual walkers who want to experience the changing leaves without strenuous hiking. Mid-October through early November is the peak period when the riverbanks glow with reflected color, creating a perfect mirror image of the autumn canopy.
Finally, the Cranberry Glades Botanical Area, located about 30 miles northeast of Marlinton in the Monongahela National Forest, offers a rare glimpse into a unique ecosystem against the backdrop of fall foliage. This high-altitude peat bog is surrounded by dense spruce and fir forests that shimmer with golden and rusty hues in late September and early October. The boardwalk trails here wind through the glades themselves, where carnivorous plants and rare orchids thrive amid the autumn colors. The combination of botanical rarity and striking seasonal change makes Cranberry Glades a one-of-a-kind destination for leaf peepers interested in more than just the usual hardwood forests. Early fall is the prime window to catch this unique blend of flora and fall colors before the first snows arrive.