West Virginia is the third most-forested state in the country, so it should be no surprise that it has some of the best fall foliage. Here in Randolph County, the largest county in the state, you can see amazing autumn colors in a variety of ways including a scenic drive, excursion train, bike ride on our rail trails, or a hike on our multitude of trails. Here’s a few of our most scenic hiking trails that are perfect for picturesque fall views.
The Mower Basin Trails are perhaps the most underrated trails in the region. This trail system covers the site of restored mine lands in a section of the Monongahela National Forest known as the Mower Tract. The Hawks Ridge Trail is a must try, offering panoramic views of Cheat Mountain at 4,400 feet in elevation and shady paths through red spruce forests. There are over a dozen miles of other trails to try which are also optimized for mountain biking, and several dispersed campsites perfect for a secluded stay.
Locals and visitors alike agree that the best mountain scenery can be found at Bickle Knob Observation Tower. This former fire tower offers truly 360-degree views of the landscape and is just a short walk from the parking lot. But it’s near over 40 miles of hiking trails in the rugged Otter Creek Wilderness. Mix and match for an easy day hike or rugged backcountry backpacking along Otter Creek and other forested mountain streams. Try the Hedrick Camp Trail for an easy walk through the woods, or the Shavers Mountain Trail for a longer and steeper ascent to the ridgeline, both with trailheads just off of US-33. Or take the namesake Otter Creek trail for access to the other dozen trails.
Sitting at 3,855 feet, the observation platform on Buck Knob in Kumbrabow State Forest gives sweeping views of the forests below and is accessible by several trails. Meatbox Run, Potato Hole, and Raven Rocks trails all offer short but steep climbs to the top in under 2 miles. Or you can try the Rich Mountain Fire Trail for a longer but more gradual ascent. Come for a day hike or stay overnight in Kumbrabow’s campsites suitable for tents or RVs, or sleep in one of their historic cabins. While you’re there, be sure to check out Mill Creek Falls which is highlighted on the West Virginia Waterfall Trail.
The best times to see peak fall foliage can be hard to predict, but we usually see the best color in early to mid October. But don’t worry, if you miss the peak color you can still find brilliant evergreens even when most other trees are bare. Gaudineer Scenic Area is home to one of the last remaining old growth forests in West Virginia, but also has dense ferns, red spruce, and lush moss that create a magical forest backdrop at any time of the year. The trail at the picnic area does have an overlook with a view of nearby mountains if you’re lucky enough to get there when the leaves are ablaze with color.
