A couple of years back, I had the opportunity to take in the autumn leaves of New England. Loving fall as much as I do, I was excited to finally see what all the hype was about. I took a week and traveled up the coast from Baltimore to Maine, and yes, it was beautiful. There were charming small towns, quaint markets and lots of trees! But I’ve got to say, pound for pound, West Virginia has it beat.
There’s a wildness in West Virginia, an atmosphere of the ancient and unknown, that is unlike anywhere I’ve been. It is not as buttoned up as its northern cousin, where every road has been well traveled. In West Virgina, you get the feeling sometimes that you are seeing something few have seen, experiencing something holy and rare. There are just as many charming towns, scenic roads, wineries, and grand mountains, but there’s more. Something undefinable and incredibly intoxicating. And the leaves are unbeatable!
WHEN TO GO
The leaves are at their height from end of September til end of October.
There’s a wildness in West Virginia, an atmosphere of the ancient and unknown, that is unlike anywhere I’ve been.
WHERE TO SEE THE BEST LEAVES
Literally anywhere. West Virginia is the the only state located entirely within the Appalachian Mountains, which due to its high elevation, inspires the most vibrant fall leaves throughout the entire state. However, I have narrowed down my top 3 destinations for the ultimate fall escape.
Eastern Panhandle
If you are in the DC/Baltimore metro area, this is your destination. In about an hour you can be swallowed up in honey colored mountains and raging rivers. This part of the world offers culture, cuisine and true appalachian charm. Travel scenic roads through historic towns like Harpers Ferry, Sherpherdstown, Berkley Springs and Martinsburg. Enjoy world class cuisine, local artisans, and accommodations ranging from the luxurious to the rugged. Check out our Guide to The Perfect Fall Getaway from DC and Baltimore.
Potomac Highlands
Home of Seneca Rocks and Blackwater Falls which are among the state’s top tourist destinations the Potomac Highlands is packed with jaw dropping majesty. Take a thrilling ride to the top of Bald Knob on the scenic Cass railroad and watch as the atmosphere changes and the whole wide world unfolds before you.
New River-Greenbrier Valley
Home of America’s newest national park, Gorge National Park & Preserve is a must see and there’s no better time than fall. The New River, a rugged, whitewater river, flows northward through deep canyons and is among the oldest rivers on the continent. The park encompasses over 70,000 acres of land along the New River, is rich in cultural and natural history.
Enjoy over 78 miles of hiking, biking and horse trails, the longest of its kind, along the Greenbrier Trail. Explore Fayetteville, home of the famed Gorge Bridge. On the third Saturday of October the famous New River Gorge Bridge is open to pedestrians. A wide variety of activities draw thousands of people. Visitors experience great views, vendors, BASE jumping, rappelling, music, and more. Bridge Day is not only West Virginia’s largest one-day festival but also the largest extreme sports event in the world.
West Virginia will captivate you if you give it a chance. Leave your preconceptions at the door and step into the wild, wonderful land they call God’s country.
