August 13, 2025

Your Fall Guide To Pocahontas County, West Virginia 

Crisp mountain air, the crunch of leaves on the trail and a slower pace that lets you simply be — fall in Pocahontas County, West Virginia, is something you just have to experience for yourself. Reconnect with the outdoors and take in the season’s best views in Nature’s Mountain Playground. Use this guide to discover the top fall activities across the county.

Plan Your Fall Getaway Now

Request a free Adventure Guide to get started planning your fall trip to Nature’s Mountain Playground.

Get Your Guide

Chase The Color

Leaf peeping belongs at the top of every fall itinerary! With an average altitude of 3,219 feet, Pocahontas County offers sweeping views of the vibrant seasonal hues. On clear, sunny days during peak foliage, spots like Snowshoe Mountain Resort and the Highland Scenic Highway reveal miles of red, orange and gold leaves set against rugged mountains and deep valleys. For a different perspective, climb to the top of Droop Mountain Lookout Tower for a panoramic look at the Greenbrier River Valley in full autumn color.

Hit The Trails

A hiker with a backpack stands on a forest trail covered in fallen autumn leaves, surrounded by dense trees with sunlight filtering through the canopy above.

For an up-close look at the foliage, set out on Pocahontas County’s forested trails. Explore the expansive Monongahela National Forest, including the cascading Falls of Hills Creek and the unique virgin forest in the Gaudineer Scenic Area. Walk the boardwalk at Beartown State Park, where golden leaves line the path and moss-covered rock formations create a landscape unlike anywhere else. Wander part of the 78-mile Greenbrier River Trail for riverside views framed in autumn color, or stroll the half-mile boardwalk at the Cranberry Glades Botanical Area to see this high-altitude bog in all its fall glory. Serious hikers can tackle a section of West Virginia’s longest hiking trail, the 311-mile Allegheny Trail, for mountain views that go on for miles.

Take A Drive 

Leaf-peeping is even better from the driver’s seat on our scenic roadways. Take a drive along the Highland Scenic Highway, a 43-mile stretch from Richwood to U.S. Route 219, just north of Marlinton. This route crosses the Allegheny Highlands, climbing from 2,325 feet to over 4,500 feet. Roadside overlooks provide wide-open views of deep valleys and surrounding peaks.

Cruise along U.S. Route 219, which runs north–south through much of the county and links Snowshoe Mountain Resort, Beartown State Park and Droop Mountain Battlefield State Park. The route travels through tree-lined fields, mountain passes and rolling pastureland.

For a quieter ride, take West Virginia State Route 92 from Minnehaha Springs to Dunmore, where rolling farmland, old barns and open views make for a peaceful autumn drive.

Ride The Rails

Board a train and watch the autumn colors roll by. Mountain Rail Adventures offers three excursions that showcase the area’s beauty and railroad heritage. The 1.5-hour Whittaker Station route delivers a shorter ride through the mountains, while the four-hour Bald Knob trip climbs to one of West Virginia’s highest peaks. For a full-day outing, the six-hour Greenbrier Express follows the Greenbrier River from Cass to Durbin and back.

Start With A Sunrise 

Wake up for a sunrise that’s worth an early start. Along the Highland Scenic Highway, Little Laurel and Big Spruce overlooks shine in the first light of day. For those who love hiking at dawn, the High Rocks Trail along the highway leads to an incredible sunrise view of Hillsboro and the Little Levels District.

At Watoga State Park, the TM Cheek Memorial Overlook looks out over the Greenbrier River Valley and Kennison Mountain. Nearby, the Droop Mountain Lookout Tower gives a 360-degree view of the Allegheny Mountains as the sun comes up.

For a one-of-a-kind start to the day, spend the night at Thorny Mountain Fire Tower in Seneca State Forest and watch the sunrise from 65 feet above the forest canopy. Overnight stays are available from May through October.

Spot The Stars 

When night falls, Pocahontas County’s skies come alive. Home to West Virginia’s first International Dark Sky Park locations, the county offers some of the clearest night views on the East Coast. Watoga State Park, Droop Mountain Battlefield State Park and Calvin Price State Forest are all designated Dark Sky areas, perfect for stargazing.

For a deeper look at the universe, visit the Green Bank Observatory, home to the Robert C. Byrd Green Bank Telescope — the world’s largest fully steerable radio telescope. Join a guided tour, take a self-guided walk and explore hands-on exhibits at the Catching the Wave Exhibit Hall.

Cast A Line 

Two people fly fishing in a calm river, standing in waders with fishing rods extended, surrounded by trees displaying fall foliage along the rocky shoreline.

From lakes and rivers to remote streams, Pocahontas County has countless fishing spots. Cast a line at Watoga State Park, Seneca State Forest or Handley Wildlife Management Area. Or try one of the county’s eight rivers — all with headwaters here — including the Cherry, Cranberry, Elk, Gauley, Greenbrier, Tygart Valley, Williams and Shavers Fork of the Cheat. Knapp Creek and dozens of backcountry streams provide peaceful, off-the-grid fishing spots.

Roam Public Lands 

Hunting offers the chance to unplug, explore wild places and experience the quiet thrill of the outdoors. Pocahontas County’s public lands — including Handley Wildlife Management Area, Cranberry Wildlife Management Area, Calvin Price State Forest, Seneca State Forest, Rimel Wildlife Management Area and Tea Creek Wildlife Management Area — provide thousands of acres of habitat for deer, bear, turkey and more. 

Whether it’s a mountaintop view, a walk through autumn leaves or a favorite fall pastime, Pocahontas County has it all. With peak color lasting for only a few short weeks, now is the time to plan your trip. Request your free Adventure Guide today!