Fall Foliage
If you’ve ever traveled through the Mountain State during the fall, you know that West Virginia State Parks and Forests offer some of the most beautiful autumn views in the country. Here are some of our favorite fall photo hot spots to help you appreciate the beauty of our parks and forests and plan a fall trip.
Scenic Overlooks
Hawks Nest State Park
The main overlook at Hawks Nest State Park offers a magnificent view of the New River Gorge. The aerial tram is closed for renovations, but you can still hike down to the bottom of the gorge or, better yet, book a jet boat ride and take the shuttle where you’ll board a New River Jet Boat that whisks passengers to views of the Hawks Nest Dam and the New River Gorge Bridge. Visit New River Jet Boat for operating dates.
Coopers Rock State Forest
Take in the beauty of the Cheat River Canyon at Coopers Rock State Forest. The main overlook is just a short walk from the parking lot and offers fall color as far as the eye can see. Or hike the 1.5 mile Raven’s Rock Trail to another overlook with amazing views where you can snap some vibrant panoramic photos.
Lost River State Park
Cranny Crow at Lost River State Park is one of the most iconic overlooks in the state, offering a sweeping view of five counties. To get there, you’ll need to hike and pace your cardio energy on the 3.5 mile Millers Rock Trail.
Instagram-Worthy
Babcock State Park
Discover one of West Virginia’s most memorable scenes at Babcock State Park. The Glade Creek Grist Mill at Babcock is a popular spot for photographers and artists who want to capture a stunning backdrop of fall colors in Almost Heaven. Check out the webcam on the parks’ website
Blackwater Falls State Park
Take in the fall colors surrounding the spectacular falls at Blackwater Falls State Park. You can get to several viewing platforms via a series of steps. Another option is the Gentle Trail, an accessible 0.2 mile out-and-back trail that leads to a viewing platform high above the falls. Other photo-worthy spots in this park include Elakala Falls, Lindy Point and Pendleton Point.
Valley Falls State Park
Everybody loves a good waterfall photo. At Valley Falls State Park, the dark, rushing waters of the Tygart Valley River form a series of four waterfalls that present a stunning image when juxtaposed against the vibrant fall foliage. Valley Falls is a day-use park but you can find lodging (as well as scenic lake views) at Tygart Lake State Park about a 30-minute drive away.
