Best Fall Hikes in West Virginia
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West Virginia is full of fall hiking trails for leaf peeping and fall colors! In this post, we’re going over the best fall hikes in West Virginia that you should consider this season!
Learn about more places to see fall colors in West Virginia
Lindy Point Overlook- Blackwater Falls State Park
The Lindy Point Overlook is one of the most popular fall hikes in West Virginia because it offers a gorgeous panoramic view of the West Virginia mountains. In the fall, mountains burst with shades of red, orange, and yellow. The Lindy Point Overlook is located in Blackwater Falls State Park, near Davis, West Virginia. The trail is only 0.8 miles long and is family-friendly.
Lindy Point overlook Trail Information
Length: 0.8 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Type: Out-and-back
Parking: Small parking area is available along the road
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Blackwater Falls Boardwalk- Blackwater Falls State Park
During visit to Blackwater Falls, you can’t miss visiting Blackwater Falls itself. This scenic waterfall is one of West Virginia’s most popular waterfalls. The falls are easily accessible via the Blackwater Falls Boardwalk near the visitors center and gift shop.
Blackwater Falls Boardwalk Trail Information
Length: 0.5 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Type: Out-and-back
Parking: Large parking area is available at the General Store
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Cooper’s Rock Overlook- Cooper’s Rock State Forest
If you’re looking for a fall hike in West Virginia, which isn’t far from Mountaineer Country, consider visiting Cooper’s Rock State Forest. Stop by the Cooper’s Rock Overlook to get a view of the fall colors in Cheat Canyon. This hike is short but rewarding and is great for all skill levels, including handicapped individuals.
Cooper’s Rock State Forest is located just 20 minutes from Morgantown.
Cooper’s Rock Overlook Trail Information
Length: 0.5 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Type: Out-and-back
Parking: Large parking area is available
Raven Rock- Cooper’s Rock State Forest
After exploring the Cooper’s Rock Overlook, consider getting more fall views by hiking the Raven Rock Trail. This popular 2.5-mile trail will take you to another awesome overlook!
Learn more about visiting Cooper’s Rock State Forest
Raven Rock Overlook Trail Information
Length: 2.5 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Type: Out-and-back
Parking: Parking area is available
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Long Point Trail- New River Gorge National Park
Long Point Trail is one of the great fall hikes in New River Gorge National Park. This 3-mile trail will take you through the fall colors in the forest and lead you to one of the best scenic overlooks in the park! You’ll see the New River and the New River Gorge bridge at this overlook. This view is incredibly picturesque in the fall with all the fall foliage.
Longpoint Trail Information
Length: 3.0 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Type: Out-and-back
Parking: Parking area is available
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Endless Wall Trail- New River Gorge National Park
The Endless Wall Trail is another of our favorite fall hikes in New River Gorge National Park because you can get awesome gorge views!
The Endless Wall Trail can either be a loop or an out-and-back trail. As a loop, park in either the Fern Creek or Nuttal parking areas and hike to the end of the trail. From there, you will have to hike the road to get to your car. Or you can park and hike to Diamond Point Overlook and then hike the same way back to your car. Either way, you will make it to Diamond Point Overlook. The shorter hike is hopping on the trail at the Fern Creek Parking Area.
Endless Wall Trail Information
Length: 2.3 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Type: Out-and-back or Loop
Parking: Parking is available at the Fern Creek and Nuttal Parking Areas
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Learn more about New River Gorge National Park
Seneca Rocks Trail- Monongahela National Forest
Seneca Rocks is one West Virginia’s most photographed scenic areas, and it’s no wonder it’s one of the best places to visit in the fall! The Seneca Rocks Trail climbs over 800 feet in elevation to give you amazing fall color views at the top!
Seneca rocks Trail Information
Length: 3.6 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Type: Out-and-back
Parking: Parking is available at the Visitors Center
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Chimney Top- Monongahela National Forest
Chimney Top is another scenic rock structure in Monongahela National Forest that offers an amazing scenic view during the fall. Chimney Top can be accessed by two trail routes. Both are over 5 miles and are considered difficult due to the elevation gain, but the views at the top are worth it in the fall!
Chimney Top via Landis and North Fork Mountain Trails Information
Length: 5.8 miles
Difficulty: Hard
Type: Out-and-back
Parking: Small parking area is available at the trailhead
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North Fork Mountain Trail to Chimney Top Information
Length: 5.3 miles
Difficulty: Hard
Type: Out-and-back
Parking: Small parking area is available at the trailhead
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Spruce Knob via Huckleberry Trail – Monongahela National Forest
Spruce Knob is West Virginia’s tallest mountain, so it makes for a great hiking destination in the fall! If you’re feeling up for a long day hike, consider hiking the Huckleberry Trail up to the top of Spruce Knob. Or, if you’d rather drive to the top and hike around the summit, you’ll still experience the fall colors!
Spruce Knob via Huckleberry Trail Information
Length: 10.8 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Type: Out-and-back
Parking: Small parking area is available at the trailhead, Cell service is limited
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Bear Rocks Overlook – Dolly Sods Wilderness
Dolly Sods Wilderness is one of West Virginia’s most unique landscapes. This high-altitude plateau is reminiscent of what someone would see in Northern Canada! During the fall, the low-growing bushes and shrubs turn fiery red. From the Bear Rocks Overlook, you can see the fall foliage in West Virginia for miles!
Bear Rocks Trail Information
Length: 0.5 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Type: Out-and-back
Parking: Small parking area is available
Maryland Heights Loop- Harper’s Ferry National Historical Park
Harper’s Ferry, a historic town in West Virginia, is a great destination to visit during the fall! If you want to get an overlooking view of the town, consider hiking the Maryland Heights Loop! During the fall, the surrounding fall foliage makes the hike so much more rewarding!
Maryland Heights Loop Trail Information
Length: 6.6 miles
Difficulty: Hard
Type: Loop
Parking: Parking area is available
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