8 West Virginia Mountain Towns That Shine Brightest In Fall
West Virginia’s mountain towns transform into magical wonderlands when autumn arrives. Vibrant foliage paints the landscapes with fiery reds, golden yellows, and deep oranges.
If you’re looking for a perfect fall getaway, these eight charming mountain towns offer breathtaking scenery, outdoor adventures, and small-town hospitality during the most colorful season of the year.
1. Lewisburg
Wandering through historic Lewisburg feels like stepping into a painting during autumn. Red brick buildings contrast beautifully with golden leaves falling along Washington Street.
Local cafés serve apple cider while visitors explore antique shops under a canopy of colorful trees. October brings the annual Taste of Our Towns festival, celebrating local flavors amid the fall splendor.
2. Fayetteville
Adventure seekers flock to Fayetteville as autumn transforms the New River Gorge into a kaleidoscope of colors. Morning fog lifts to reveal breathtaking vistas from the iconic bridge.
Rock climbing and whitewater rafting gain a magical quality with the backdrop of flaming maples and golden oaks. Small bakeries offer pumpkin treats to energize hikers before they hit the countless trails winding through the colorful wilderness.
3. Berkeley Springs
Luxurious relaxation awaits in America’s first spa town when autumn paints Berkeley Springs in brilliant hues. Visitors soak in warm mineral waters while gazing at mountainsides ablaze with color.
Artisan galleries showcase fall-inspired crafts along streets lined with trees dropping golden leaves. Apple Butter Festival in October brings the community together to celebrate harvest traditions amid the spectacular mountain backdrop.
4. Thomas & Davis
Sister mountain towns Thomas and Davis offer a perfect artistic retreat as autumn transforms Canaan Valley. Galleries showcase local artists inspired by the surrounding wilderness draped in fall colors.
Mountain bikers navigate trails through tunnels of golden birches and flaming maples. Purple Mountain Lavender Farm hosts fall harvests while Blackwater Falls State Park nearby showcases amber waters against a backdrop of fiery foliage.
5. Harpers Ferry
History comes alive amid autumn splendor where the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers meet. Stone buildings from the 1800s stand against a backdrop of mountains draped in crimson, gold, and orange.
Hiking Maryland Heights rewards with panoramic views of the historic town surrounded by fall’s palette. Ghost tours gain extra atmosphere as evening mists rise through colorful leaves, enhancing the town’s mysterious past.
6. Elkins
Mountain music fills the air as Elkins welcomes autumn with open arms. Surrounded by Monongahela National Forest, the town serves as a gateway to some of West Virginia’s most spectacular fall vistas.
Vintage train excursions through the mountains offer unparalleled views of autumn’s canvas. Augusta Heritage Center celebrates Appalachian traditions with music workshops and craft demonstrations amid the backdrop of nature’s most vibrant season.
7. Hinton
Railroad heritage meets natural beauty when fall transforms this New River town. Victorian architecture stands proudly against hillsides ablaze with autumn colors.
Bluestone Lake reflects the fiery mountainsides while anglers cast lines into waters teeming with fish. Railroad Days Festival coincides perfectly with peak foliage, celebrating the town’s history with the backdrop of nature’s most spectacular show.
8. Shepherdstown
Literary charm permeates West Virginia’s oldest town when autumn leaves dance along cobblestone streets. College students mingle with visitors in cozy bookshops and cafés beneath a canopy of golden elms.
Nearby Potomac River offers kayaking adventures with unparalleled views of shorelines draped in fall colors. Contemporary American Theater Festival venues transform into magical spaces as autumn light filters through stained-glass windows of historic buildings.
