Our Southern West Virginia Fall Bucket List

Published: September 8, 2026 | Updated:: September 9, 2026

The wind doesn’t have the same thick heat it once had, and leaves at the edge of trees are starting to turn. As we say goodbye to summer, we are starting to plan for fall. This is our must-do for this upcoming season.

Group of rafters in blue inflatable raft navigating turbulent whitewater rapids surrounded by rocky riverbanks and autumn trees.
Whitewater rafters on the Gauley River

Raft the Gauley

Gauley season only lasts six weekends! This world-class rafting features numerous class V rapids caused by the release of water from the Summersville Dam. Whitewater adventurers wait all year for this. The last day to raft is October 18. 

A BASE jumper with a red parachute descends beneath a large steel arch bridge against a clear blue sky.
BASE jumpers and rappellers at Bridge Day

Watch BASE Jumpers on Bridge Day

There’s something to be said for that West Virginia’s biggest one-day festival, where people gather on a closed-off highway and watch people jump off a bridge. Though we don’t know what that thing is. All we know is that Bridge Day is a good time. On the third Saturday in October, starting at 9 AM and ending at 3 PM, experienced parachutists BASE jump off the New River Gorge Bridge, and rappelers climb up and down ropes below it. It’s the only day of the year that BASE jumping is allowed in the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve.  

Aerial view of a misty river gorge surrounded by autumn-colored forested mountains under a bright blue sky.
Grandview at New River Gorge National Park and Preserve

Bask in the Changing Colors

Imagine standing at a mountain overlook, intersected by a river, and seeing endless hilltops full of reds, oranges and yellows. Though the colors start changing in September, peak color isn’t until October or early November around these parts. While the summer season winds down, crowds thin on the trails, creating quiet walks through bright forests. It’s scenery that invites viewers to take it all in. Make a hike or day out in the colors a little more special by bringing a set of paints or pencils to try to capture the landscapes on paper.

"Fright Nights" Halloween event entrance sign with glowing jack-o'-lanterns, string lights, and crowds at night.
Fright Nights WV gate

Get Spooky at Fright Nights

It wouldn’t be West Virginia in the fall without an experience that goes bump in the night. Fright Nights at The Resort at Glade Springs is one of the state’s top haunted attractions—hosting a variety of scary scenarios to experience. Open weekends in October.

Two amber drinks — a pint glass and wine glass — rest on a white pumpkin with ferns and fall leaves nearby.
Drinks from Old World Libations’ Fall Fest. Credit: Old World Libations Facebook

Taste the flavors of Old World Libation’s Fall Cider Fest

Old World Libations is a working farm that uses the produce it grows or can source nearby to make wine and mead. On October 25 and October 26, they are hosting their annual Fall Fest and Cider Pressing. Learn how cider is made, jam to live music, and enjoy crafts, games, and vendors.

Exterior shot of the Twin Falls Resort building on a sunny day with trees in the background
Twin Falls Resort State Park Lodge

Eat a Farm Fresh Dinner

West Virginia State Parks host a “Farm to Table” dinner series throughout the year, but the fall harvest season adds an extra sense of warmth. Dig into comfort food that has been freshly picked and made for the special evening. Check out the list of dinners and dates to add to your West Virginia fall getaway.

Whether you’re just taking in the vivid displays of fall or leaning into your wild side by going whitewater rafting or enjoying the harvest season, Southern West Virginia’s fall scene is one that can’t be beat.

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