5 Things To Do Before Fall Fades In Pocahontas County
Before the last leaves fall, get outside and explore Pocahontas County, West Virginia. From classic autumn fun to hiking, biking and scenic drives, there are endless ways to enjoy the season in Nature’s Mountain Playground. Here are the five activities to try this fall.
Find Your Way Through A Corn Maze
Fall isn’t complete without a trip to a corn maze, and CW’s Corn Maze delivers the best autumn activity. Located just minutes from Cass Scenic Railroad State Park, this 10-acre maze is a seasonal favorite for both locals and visitors. Beyond the maze, families can enjoy games, a petting zoo and fall-themed photo ops. The farm also features a one-acre pumpkin patch where you can pick your perfect pumpkin.
CW’s Corn Maze is open Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sundays from noon to 6 p.m. through November 2.
Explore The Beauty Of Our State Parks
With five state parks, Pocahontas County offers plenty of opportunities to soak in the season.
Start with a walk along the boardwalk at Beartown State Park, passing by massive boulders, overhanging cliffs and fascinating rock formations. Nearby, Droop Mountain Battlefield State Park combines history and scenery. Make sure to climb to the top of the park’s lookout tower to take in the panoramic sights!
Hop aboard a historic train at Cass Scenic Railroad State Park for a front-row seat to the changing leaves. Walk or bike the Greenbrier River Trail for quiet views of foliage along the river. Or spend a full weekend at Watoga State Park, with miles of hiking and biking trails to tackle.
Chase Fall Colors On The Open Road
The scenic roads that wind through Pocahontas County showcase the region’s colorful forests, highland vistas and charming small towns.
Highland Scenic Highway (Route 150):
Cruise along the 43-mile Highland Scenic Highway, stretching from Richwood to U.S. Route 219, just north of Marlinton. Traversing the Allegheny Highlands, the route climbs from 2,325 to over 4,500 feet in elevation, making it one of the highest average elevation highways east of the Mississippi. Along the way, stop at four different overlooks (Litle Laurel, Big Spruce, Red Lick and Williams Rivers) for wide-open views, and explore popular sites, including Cranberry Mountain Nature Center, Cranberry Glades Botanical Area, Falls of Hills Creek, Honeycomb Rocks Trail, High Rocks Trail and Black Mountain Fire Interpretive Trail.
Route 39:
Tracing its way from Marlinton into Virginia, Route 39 passes through some of West Virginia’s most picturesque farmlands, wetlands and valleys. Stop by the Devil’s Backbone in Huntersville, then continue through Frost and Dunmore. Wrap up your drive at the Green Bank Observatory, a fascinating place to stretch your legs and explore the universe.
U.S. Route 219:
Running north to south through the heart of the county, Route 219 connects top destinations like Snowshoe Mountain Resort, Beartown State Park and Droop Mountain Battlefield State Park. The route meanders through fields framed by mountains and quiet valleys dotted with farms. Stretch your legs at Beartown, take in the sweeping views at Droop Mountain and stop in Hillsboro to tour the Pearl S. Buck Birthplace. Once in Marlinton, browse local shops and grab a bite to eat. End your journey high above it all at Snowshoe Mountain Resort, sitting at 4,848 feet in elevation.
Squeeze In One More Ride Before Winter
Even though the Snowshoe Bike Park has closed for the season, there are still miles of trails in the Monongahela National Forest for one last ride before winter.
Test your skills on the Gauley Headwaters Trail, an IMBA-designated Epic Trail within the Tea Creek Trail System. Navigate technical singletrack, conquer rocky sections and master switchbacks as you explore the diverse landscape. Kennison Mountain provides a rugged backcountry route with rock gardens, roots and steady climbs through dense pine forest.
The Mower Basin Trail System is another great choice, especially for families or riders looking for gentler terrain. Reclaimed from a former strip mine, these trails weave through spruce forest and open meadows, with far-reaching views of the Allegheny Mountains.
If a slower pace sounds better, head to the Green Bank Observatory, where beginner-friendly trails loop around the world’s largest steerable radio telescope. Follow a model solar system and learn about space exploration along the way.
Note: During the government shutdown, the Monongahela National Forest remains open, but visitor services and emergency resources are limited. Please plan ahead and follow the Leave No Trace Seven Principles while exploring the forest. For more information, click here.
Plan A Cozy Stay
There’s nothing better than a cozy mountain stay during fall. Find rustic charm and modern comfort at one of our cabins, or if the weather stays warm, take advantage of it with a night under the stars at a scenic campground.
Request a free Adventure Guide to start planning your getaway to Pocahontas County now!