2025's Towns In West Virginia That Come Alive In The Fall
Starting late September to late October, the Mountain State bursts into a rich tapestry of colors, as shades of crimson, amber, and mustard blanket its rolling countryside landscapes. The season breathes life into its small towns, with locals ushering it in with harvest festivals, hayrides, pumpkin patches, and other family-centric activities meant to spread the autumn cheer. This is an excellent time to visit, with leaf-peepers getting front-row views to nature’s most dazzling display.
Several communities across West Virginia stand out for how they embrace the magic of the season, each offering a unique blend of scenic beauty, local charm, and festive spirit. Whether chasing fall colors in Davis or drawn to enduring Appalachian traditions in Martinsburg, here are towns in West Virginia that come alive in the fall.
Davis
Dazzling fall foliage takes over Davis between late September and mid-October, transforming its undulating landscapes into a sea of reds, oranges, and yellows. The clean air from the mountain beckons tourists to step outside and discover a vibrant wonderland at Blackwater Falls State Park. Almost 20 miles of hiking trails criss-cross the reserve, allowing adventurers to view the changing leaves up close and witness them fall off the trees. However, the highlight is watching the colors dramatically reflecting off the glassy 57-foot Blackwater Falls. The Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge also presents a breathtaking display of color while opening doors for adventures, like hunting, fishing, and wildlife viewing, against the backdrop of the Allegheny Mountains.
The community celebrates the fall foliage by hosting the Leaf Peepers Festival, which unites the young and the old through an exhilarating parade, a car show, craft exhibitions, a quirky duck race, and live entertainment.
Hinton
The second half of October presents the perfect time to watch the transitioning leaves in Hinton, with plenty of stunning locations awaiting tourists lured by the visual spectacle. Many people love to converge at Bluestone State Park, where the lush woodland canopy is dramatically coated in fiery reds, oranges, and yellows. The 2,100-acre park offers winding trails that you can walk to discover a thriving wildlife population, including white-tailed deer. Meanwhile, the Gauley River, which cuts through Hinton, offers spectacular rapids that draw whitewater rafters and kayakers for an adrenaline-filled adventure, courtesy of Cantrell Ultimate Rafting.
There is no better way to enjoy the crisp autumn air than finding an isolated spot at Brooks Falls Roadside Park and watching the distant falls and rapids on the river. Also, the town marks the season with the Hinton Railroad Days, where the Autumn Colors Express takes locals on a sightseeing fall foliage excursion through the New River Gorge.
Elkins
Fall colors in Elkins begin showing mid-September, reaching their peak in the second week of October, which provides the sweet spot for leaf-peepers yearning to feast their eyes on the foliage. The Fox Forest Wildlife Management Area is the perfect escape to admire the changing tree leaves from spectacular vantage points and along 4 miles of scenic trails coated in fallen foliage. Alternatively, you can hop aboard the New Tygart Flyer for a stupendous wilderness excursion exploring the autumn wonderland along the Tygart Valley River.
However, those who wish to sit back and simply breathe in the refreshing fall air can find a quiet picnic site at Elkins City Park to relax and delight in the serene atmosphere. Autumn in Elkins brings along the annual Mountain State Forest Festival, which is one of the state's oldest events, and incorporates a huge parade, pet show, photography contest, and other fun activities.
Wheeling
Wheeling's location in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains and along the Ohio River banks makes for an ideal setting to experience the magic of fall, which comes to a climax between mid- and late October. Vacationers can head to Heritage Port and watch the scenic reflections of autumn colors on the gently flowing waters of the Ohio River. The conditions are perfect for a tour of the Oglebay Good Zoo, which excites guests with rare wildlife interactions against the backdrop of transitioning leaves. The sanctuary provides a home for over 68 animal species, with more than a dozen being endangered.
Families also gather at Lincoln Meadow Farm for an array of fall-themed activities, featuring a petting zoo, hayrides, and children's games. However, the highlight of the season comes during the Oglebay Fest at the zoo, which includes a fun lineup of events, ranging from a parade to artisan markets and fun contests.
Charleston
The West Virginia capital boasts a rich backcountry scene that explodes into a kaleidoscope when the fall foliage reaches its peak in mid-October. This is a cue for leaf-peepers to venture into the untamed wilderness of Kanawha State Forest and witness the old-growth oaks and poplars adopt brilliant hues of burgundy, mustard, and crimson. At least 60 miles of trails run through the 9,300-acre reserve, cultivating isolated hiking, picnicking, and camping activities amidst a delightful natural setting. The scenes are just as impressive at Daniel Boone Park, where a cool breeze flows from the Kanawha River, inviting tourists to relax and watch ducks swimming or embark on a fishing session.
The annual FestivFall headlines the array of autumn events in Charleston, treating townsfolk and visitors alike to multiple days of visual art, dance, music, theater, and endless family fun to spread the fall cheer.
Martinsburg
Between numerous fall foliage hotspots and fun autumn-themed festivals, Martinsburg makes for one of the towns in West Virginia that come alive in the fall. This Eastern Panhandle community hosts the Mountain State Apple Harvest Festival in October, which pays homage to its apple-growing heritage with several days of marching bands, colorful floats, car shows, delicious pies, and family fun. The townspeople bring their kids to Orr's Farm Market for hayrides, baked goods, a pumpkin patch, and more.
Martinsburg presents several natural areas for fans of the autumn colors. This includes War Memorial Park, whose tranquil setting is perfect for nonchalant walks on the crunchy fallen leaves, while paying homage to fallen soldiers. The same applies to Poor House Farm Park, where you can sit by the lake and enjoy the clean autumn air.
Milton
Early to late October offers the best time to visit Milton for your fall adventure, as it achieves its richest fall foliage, and themed events dominate the town. The West Virginia Pumpkin Festival is by far the highlight of the season, celebrating autumn's splendor with pumpkin displays, craft demonstrations, live music, horse shows, and other activities to entertain all ages. The Cooper Family Farm also invites residents to make the most of entertaining pursuits, such as exploring a corn maze, hayrides, wagon rides, haunted adventures, and concessions. Also, tourists can revel in the open spaces by heading to April Dawn Park, where the mild conditions are ideal for picnicking, grilling, and relaxing while watching beautiful water fountains.
Romney
This historic railway town in Hampshire County enchants leaf-peepers with one of the most exciting sightseeing adventures. Between October and November, the Potomac Eagle Scenic Railroad takes passengers on the magical Fall Foliage Train Ride excursion. This 3-hour trip cuts through the canyon's exquisite landscapes, spoiling rides with dazzling fall colors and rare bald eagle sightings. Meanwhile, Barefoot Farm offers freshly picked harvests and baked goods, inviting everybody to a delightful shopping experience.
Those who wish to watch the colorful foliage can escape to the Fort Mill Ridge Wildlife Management Area and explore a 217-acre wonderland blanketed in shades of crimson, rust, and wine. Also, families can find various recreational opportunities at Hampshire Park to keep active and enjoy some fresh air.
Final Thought
From getting lost in the corn mazes of Milton to paddling down the Gauley River in Hinton, these are just some of the towns in West Virginia that come alive in the fall. Together, they showcase the rich diversity of adventures and traditions that make the Mountain State such a captivating autumn destination in the United States. Whether seeking outdoor thrills, small-town charm away from the noise, or festive celebrations, West Virginia delivers it all with authenticity and heart.
