Scenic Autumn Destinations in West Virginia

“Almost Heaven” West Virginia is known country-wide as one of the most beautiful states to experience the autumn season. While the weather is seasonable, consider taking a trip to one of these incredibly scenic destinations to experience some of the best of West Virginia. 

    Cass Scenic Railroad State Park, nestled in the heavenly mountains and in the town of Cass, West Virginia, can transport you through the Blue Ridge mountains while taking a huge step back into a historical era powered by steam-driven locomotives. The  untouched nature of this town adds an irresistable charm to the atmosphere and the beautiful landscape punctuated by restored company houses that can be rented as vacation cottages. 

    Harpers Ferry National Park is another West Virginia favorite in all seasons, but most especially in the fall. This town has a strong reputation for paranormal activity due to its proximity to Civil War battlefields. Besides hiking its steep inclines and beautiful stone streets where the old steeple of Saint Peter’s Catholic Church towers over the dwarfed local businesses, the mountainside town can offer breathtaking hiking trails on overlooks, historic exhibits, or even living history workshop. The town essentially hangs over the Shenandoah river and so the view of the leaves is breathtaking. 

    To experience a more upbeat day of West Virginia celebration, Morgantown’s Milan Puskar Stadium at West Virginia University will welcome your cheers for the Mountaineers. Morgan Bibbee, a former student at WVU, says, “It’s days like these that show me the pride the people have for this state. My favorite part is watching everyone come in with their blue and gold as they fill the stands.” WVU has everything any college football fan craves, from the historic mascot to the well-known anthem to the limitless mountaineer pride. Morgantown also happens to be the most populated town in the state on game day. 

    The season of autumn would not be complete without lively festivals. Some of West Virginia’s favorites include TOOT (Taste of our Town) located in the historic Lewisburg, which has been named “Coolest Small Town in America.” TOOT has  been a state favorite for years. Locals have supported and even created  local businesses through this festival. 

    For this town, coming together at the end of the day as a community with great live music this festival gives visitors an exceptionally delightful taste of what the town has to offer. Shops and restaurants such as The Wild Bean, Del Sol, The Tavern, Hill and Holar, Stella’s and Cakes and Cones traditionally exhibit some of their favorite dishes that you can get with silver and gold tokens in exchange. Former shop owner and manager of Cakes and Cones, Tracy Monti, says, “TOOT allowed my shop to bring in locals and tourists and let them experience some of our common dishes and desserts. It also allowed me to get to know locals within my community and get my name out there. I cannot begin to explain how amazing it is to see this spirit within my community.”

    One of West Virginia’s most remarkable qualities is its magnificent, radiant autumns which can leave you breathless. Before graduations and before true winter sets in, take advantage of the plethora of gorgeous destinations in West Virginia.