Top Spots for Leaf Peeping in Mountaineer Country, WV

Mountain Views, Scenic Trails, Colorful Leaves & More!

You’ve decorated with seasonal decor and you’re unpacking your sweaters from your wardrobe…fall is officially in the air! Not only is the weather getting crisp, but festivals are underway, and you can smell the pumpkin spice lattes everywhere you turn.

No matter where the country roads take you, the trees are starting to change to yellow, orange and red. Since foliage in West Virginia is so beautiful, we put together a roadmap of the best peeping destinations to visit the Wild and Wonderful color changes throughout Mountaineer Country.

Plan your next leaf-peeping adventure with the help of the Visit Mountaineer Country Trip Planner App. Search for the “Top Spots for Leaf Peeping in Mountaineer Country” itinerary under Day Trips to save all of these stops in one place. Download the app today from the Apple App or Google Play store.


Cooper’s Rock State Forest

Along the Cheat River Gorge, Cooper’s Rock offers a 360-degree, picturesque view of the state forest. With its multiple overlooks, 21 hiking trails and wildlife, Cooper’s Rock is a must-see when traveling into Morgantown, WV. Find more information by visiting the Coopers Rock State Forest Complete Visitors Guide


Dorsey’s Knob Park and Lodge


Enjoy the 71-acre view of the Monongahela River at Dorsey’s Knob Park and climb the “Sky Rock,” which stands nearly 600 feet above the tall pines–known as the highest peak in Morgantown. You can also stay the night at Dorsey’s Knob Lodge if you want to relax in a mountaintop atmosphere.


Cathedral State Park

Explore the bosky trails of the majestic forest at Cathedral State Park. As a remembrance of what once garnished the Appalachian highlands, Cathedral State Park is a hemlock forest with trees reaching up to 90-feet high!


WVU Core Arboretum

Located near the WVU Coliseum, the WVU Core Arboretum is a 91-acre trail of hillside and bottomland along the Monongahela River. The Arboretum has many trails aligned with colorful trees and shrubs, as well as bridges.


WV Botanic Garden

The WV Botanic Garden is the former reservoir which supplied water to the Morgantown area from 1912 to 1969. The old structures of the reservoir can be seen along the many trails through the floral forest that the Botanical Garden offers.


Cranesville Swamp

cranesville swamp

 

Follow the Nature Conservancy signs to enter Cranesville Swamp. An area that harbors more than 1,700 acres, Cranesville Swamp offers a great atmosphere to experience a variety of plants and birds.


Tygart Lake State Park

Tygart Lake State Park is home to numerous walking, hiking and biking trails, and plenty of opportunities to surround yourself in fall foliage. Picnic tables placed along the shoreline make for the perfect lunch venue at the lake. Find more information by visiting the Tygart Lake State Park Complete Visitors Guide.


Cheat Lake

Visitors to Cheat Lake can enjoy a fully accessible walking trail, open to walkers, joggers, cyclists and families. The trail stretches 4.5-miles along the north-eastern shoreline, following Cheat Lake all the way to the West Virginia-Pennsylvania border. Find more information by visiting the Cheat Lake Complete Visitors Guide.

 

Need a place to stay after you explore Mountaineer Country? Use our booking tool below!

Don’t forget to share your fall foliage photos with us by tagging #VisitMountaineerCountry and #MountaineerCountryYes for a chance to be featured!


Interested in attending more than one event this weekend? Stay overnight at one of the many hotels and lodgings in Morgantown. Click to reserve your stay.