A scenic fall drive on the Midland Trail.
ALL ABOARD!
Trains
What better way to explore our picturesque mountains in the
fall than with a scenic train ride? You can find plenty of rail op-
portunities all across the state, ranging from the New River Ex-
cursions to several lines offered by Mountain Rail Adventures,
such as the Cheat Mountain Salamander, Durbin Rocket, Cass
Scenic Railroad and New Tygart Flyer. You can expect to pay
$30-50 for one-day trains and $100-400 for overnight trains,
depending on the duration of your ride. These trains will take
you deep into the mountains where you can find colors differ-
ent from the ones you see on your everyday commute.
FOLLOW
THE TRAIL
Hiking
Hiking will always be a great way to see the leaves—and
with good reason. Hiking allows leaf peepers to immerse them-
selves in nature, giving other senses like smell, sound and touch
a chance to experience the fall season. For the die-hard hiker,
West Virginia is home to two amazing trails: the Appalachian
Trail and the Allegheny Trail. There are also plenty of shorter
distance trails like the North Bend Rail Trail and the Green-
brier River Trail. For an overnight hiking trip, Dolly Sods is
the perfect option. Hike your heart out all day and set up camp
at night for one of the best stargazing locations in the country.
GIDDY UP!
HIT THE ROAD
Horseback Riding ATVs
Hop on your trusty steed for a calming ride through nature
during the most colorful season of the year. Babcock State Park
is a hot spot for horseback riding, as are Cacapon Resort State
Park in Berkeley Springs, Dolly Sods in Dry Fork, Oglebay
Resort in Wheeling and Hidden Trails Stables in Lost River State
Park. Saddle up and let your horse be your guide on orange, red
and yellow leaf-covered trails at your own comfortable pace. The Hatfield McCoy Trail System must have been made for
the enjoyment of autumn with over 500 miles of real mountain
beauty. This trail system is the largest network of off-road trails
in the eastern U.S., welcoming all kinds of motorized recre-
ation, though it caters specially to ATVs. All riders must have
a current trail permit before hitting the trail system, which can
be purchased at www.trailsheaven.com.
Scenic Drives
Horseback riding
at Dolly Sods.
When looking for fall foliage, nothing beats a classic road
trip. The Midland Trail National Scenic Highway is a fantas-
tic way to travel 180 miles across the midsection of the state.
You’ll find great road stops along the way, such as the New
River Gorge, Hawks Nest, Cathedral Falls, Sewell Mountain
and Canaan Valley. These locations make for great photo op-
portunities and memories you’ll be sure not to forget.
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