Leaf-peeping season is almost here in West Virginia. While you can certainly admire the vibrant colors from your own backyard, if you want the full effect you may need to take a little road trip. Our state parks are always beautiful places to visit but throw in the added bonus of fall foliage and they will simply take your breath away. Here are seven of our favorites that boast incredible scenery during autumn.
- Blackwater Falls State Park, Davis
Google Images/Mohamed Kh Mohamed With captivating overlooks and cascading waterfalls, Blackwater Falls State Park is a must-visit destination in the fall. The high elevation means the leaves start to change early, so you’ll want to plan your visit during the last week of September or the first week of October to get the full effect.
- Pipestem Resort State Park, Pipestem
Flickr/Dizzy Girl Plan your visit to Pipestem Resort State Park during early October. The leaves begin changing subtly then burst into bold hues. Try their new zipline to zoom through the colorful canopy or reserve an overnight stay at the lodge.
- Cass Scenic Railroad Historical State Park, Cass
Mountain Rail West Virginia For a unique fall foliage excursion take one of the trains on the Cass Scenic Railroad. The autumn scenery is quite a sight to see from one of the open-air train cars.
- Pinnacle Rock State Park, Bramwell
Google Images/Christopher Kahle The overlook from atop Pinnacle Rock will let you take in the expansive carpet of fall foliage from higher ground. Hike the trails or pack a picnic and enjoy lunch by the lake.
- Babcock State Park, Clifftop
Google Images/mars centurion The grist mill at Babcock State Park is easily one of the most photographed locales in the state and it’s no wonder why. This gorgeous park with its picture-perfect setting is usually in full color by the second week of October.
- Hawk’s Nest State Park, Ansted
TripAdvisor/144blaked Whether you hike to the overlook or take an aerial tram ride, the colors at Hawk’s Nest State Park promise to be beautiful. Make your way to this Mountain State park in mid-October to be wowed by the golds and reds of autumn.
- Tomlinson Run State Park, New Cumberland
Google Images/Roy Gryskevich The pool may be closed at this state park in the northern panhandle but the foliage is getting ready to turn. Take a hike along the river and then spend the night in one of the campground’s yurts to take full advantage of leaf-peeping season.
Check out more of West Virginia’s state parks on their website. If you aren’t afraid of heights, you might also want to check out the autumn colors from a perch on the New River Gorge Bridge.
Google Images/Mohamed Kh Mohamed
With captivating overlooks and cascading waterfalls, Blackwater Falls State Park is a must-visit destination in the fall. The high elevation means the leaves start to change early, so you’ll want to plan your visit during the last week of September or the first week of October to get the full effect.
Flickr/Dizzy Girl
Plan your visit to Pipestem Resort State Park during early October. The leaves begin changing subtly then burst into bold hues. Try their new zipline to zoom through the colorful canopy or reserve an overnight stay at the lodge.
Mountain Rail West Virginia
For a unique fall foliage excursion take one of the trains on the Cass Scenic Railroad. The autumn scenery is quite a sight to see from one of the open-air train cars.
Google Images/Christopher Kahle
The overlook from atop Pinnacle Rock will let you take in the expansive carpet of fall foliage from higher ground. Hike the trails or pack a picnic and enjoy lunch by the lake.
Google Images/mars centurion
The grist mill at Babcock State Park is easily one of the most photographed locales in the state and it’s no wonder why. This gorgeous park with its picture-perfect setting is usually in full color by the second week of October.
TripAdvisor/144blaked
Whether you hike to the overlook or take an aerial tram ride, the colors at Hawk’s Nest State Park promise to be beautiful. Make your way to this Mountain State park in mid-October to be wowed by the golds and reds of autumn.
Google Images/Roy Gryskevich
The pool may be closed at this state park in the northern panhandle but the foliage is getting ready to turn. Take a hike along the river and then spend the night in one of the campground’s yurts to take full advantage of leaf-peeping season.
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Address: 1584 Blackwater Lodge Rd, Davis, WV 26260, USAAddress: 242 Main St, Cass, WV 24927, USAAddress: 49 Hawks Nest Rd, Ansted, WV 25812, USAAddress: 3405 Pipestem Dr, Pipestem, WV 25979, USAAddress: 6470 Coal Heritage Rd, Bramwell, WV 24715, USAAddress: 3391 Veterans Blvd, New Cumberland, WV 26047, USA
