Southern West Virginia’s Most Colorful Month

While higher elevation or more northern areas are already approaching peak seasonal color, Southern West Virginia is just beginning to turn. The area is expected to reach peak color in late October to early November, letting you enjoy fall just a bit longer. Now is the perfect time to plan a trip to see the leaves change. Here’s our list of must-see spots to take in all the color:

Grandview at New River Gorge National Park and Preserve

Get off I-64 at the Grandview Road exit, follow the road north all the way to its end. There, you will park and walk down the stone path to the Main Overlook. The sweeping view runs from the small rail town of Quinnimont up the New River to Meadow Creek. Watch the river flow north as it wraps around Backus Mountain. See different angles and frames of this view by hiking the Grandview Ridge Trail. Stop at the North Overlook or continue on to the tower at Turkey Spur. 

Fayette State Road in the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve

Fayette Station Road is the scenic driving tour road in the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve. When you start the ride, you’ll see why. The road winds up and down to the base of the New River Gorge. Flowing through the forest and down the mountainside, it surrounds you at every turn before opening up to views of the New River Gorge Bridge.  

Bolar Tower at Pipestem Resort State Park

Twenty minutes south of Hinton is an over 4,000-acre mountaintop oasis that is Pipestem Resort State Park, and scaling above it is the Bolar Observation Tower. Stroll the paved Pipestem Knob Trail and ascend three flights of stairs to the top, where 360-degree views of the surrounding mountains and valleys await. 

Pioneer Farm at Twin Falls Resort State Park

This rustic working farm in the heart of Twin Falls Resort State Park feels extra homey in autumn. Golden and orange hues surround the gravel path to the farmhouse and a large maple accents the building that is one of the most photographed places in Southern West Virginia. 

Hanging Rock Raptor Observatory

On the West Virginia and Virginia border, the Appalachian Trail and Allegheny Trail meet and lead to an open ridgeline that is the Hanging Rock Raptor Observatory. While the tower is not currently open, the spot is still a prime hawk-watching observatory. You can see and count migrating falcons, hawks, and eagles, and gaze upon rolling farms and mountain ranges of Southern West Virginia and Virginia. 

Long Point Overlook at Summersville Lake

While the water drains out of Summersville Lake through the dam during this time of year, fall still offers spectacular views of the cliffsides and remaining lake. One such spot to see a picturesque scene is off of Summersville Lake Road at the Long Point Overlook. No hiking is required to see this view. 

Pinnacle Rock State Park

A scenic drive outside Bluewell leads to Pinnacle Rock State Park. Tucked into a mountainside in Mercer County, the park offers six miles of trails and fishing. Hike up the Falling Rock Trail to the top of the rock face for sweeping views across the rolling hills of Appalachia.

Blue Sulphur Springs

Nestled in the backroads and mountains of Greenbrier County is a lone pavilion—all that remains of the Blue Sulphur Springs Resort. The three-story, 200-room hotel operated from 1834 to 1858 and hosted U.S. presidents such as Andrew Jackson and Martin Van Buren. In 1860, the property became Allegheny College, but that chapter was short-lived as the Civil War transformed the region. It housed Confederate troops, of whom nearly 100 men died and are buried on the hillsides. In 1864, Union troops burned the property down. The Greenbrier Historical Society now cares for the historic pavilion, where guests can walk through its history and take in the tales that swirl through its hillsides.

No matter where these country roads take you this fall, you’re guaranteed some stunning sights. Remember to share your views with us by tagging @visitwv.