Fall Adventures in Southern West Virginia
August 30, 2022
Stunning views of the New River Gorge Bridge make the Endless Wall Trail the perfect pitstop in the fall.
Southern West Virginia has stunning landscapes all year round, but the fall beauty is unparalleled. When the temperature begins to drop, red, orange and yellow hues appear throughout the mountains, leading to phenomenal sights across the region. There are many unique ways to catch a glimpse of the fall foliage in Southern West Virginia. Request our travel guide to help start planning your fall trip now. Here are a few of our favorite autumn adventures to add to your itinerary.
Hiking
Traverse the trails of the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve for magnificent autumn views.
Perched above the New River Gorge National River, Grandview offers second-to-none views in the fall.
With six miles of hiking trails, including some of the best scenes in the state, Grandview is an ideal spot to start your leaf-peeping journey. A popular trail at this park is the 3.5-mile Grandview Rim Trail, which begins at the Main Overlook and follows the rim of the gorge through the forest.
A perfect backdrop for fall photography is Sandstone Falls — the largest waterfall on the New River. Walk along the boardwalk and bridges to get an up-close look at the cascades and surrounding mountainsides. This quintessential destination located right outside of Hinton on the New River is incomparable in the cooler months.
Other area hiking trails with prime foliage in Southern West Virginia are the popular Endless Wall and Long Point (Summersville Lake) trails.
Known as “The Beast of the East,” the Gauley River is considered to be one of the world’s top 10 whitewater rivers!
Rafting
Paddlers from all over the country come to Southern West Virginia to raft the Gauley River every fall. Known as the “Beast of the East,” the Gauley offers some of the best whitewater rafting in the world! The chance to paddle a river that descends nearly 700 feet over 25 miles is thrilling, but not available to us every day. Special Gauley release dates are scheduled on weekends in September and October. The later dates are perfect for spotting fall colors!
Not ready for the Gauley River? You can still book a trip down the New River for picturesque autumn landscapes.
Since 1942, Lost World Caverns has entranced folks for generations with its odd formations and airy chambers.
Other Adventures
Mountain biking is a riveting way to experience the beautiful fall scenery. Hundreds of trails run through the New River Gorge, but the versatility of Arrowhead Trails make it a favorite among beginners and expert riders alike. With over 12 miles of trails to trek, have fun on this stacked loop system while taking in the autumn hues that line the forest.
If you are looking for a more extensive, remote biking opportunity, spend a weekend on the Greenbrier River Trail. Located in Greenbrier County, this 78-mile former railroad track is the only rail-trail of its kind in West Virginia. With several small towns to explore, 35 bridges to cross, two tunnels to pass through and several campsites along the way, this trail is perfect for a fall excursion.
Fall colors on Summersville Lake is one of the most picturesque places in Southern West Virginia.
While you are in the area, stop by Lost World Caverns in Lewisburg! Discovered in 1942, this Historic Natural Landmark features some of the most spectacular formations in the eastern United States. Descend 120 feet below the Earth’s surface into a wonderland of stalactites and stalagmites on a self-guided tour.
Every season is beautiful here in Southern West Virginia, but you can’t beat when the leaves begin to change. Request a travel guide to help start planning your autumn adventure now!
