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West Virginia's third most-forested county delivers stunning fall color in Randolph County — hike the Mower Basin Trails, ride rail trails, or take the scenic excursion train.
Fall Colors and Fresh Flavors
West Virginia is the third most-forested state in the country, so it’s 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.
The Mower Basin Trails are perhaps the most underrated in the region. This trail system covers 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 at 4,400 feet in elevation and shady paths through red spruce forests. There are over a dozen miles of other trails 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, which 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 backcountry backpacking along forested mountain streams.
Sitting at 3,855 feet, Buck Knob in Kumbrabow State Forest gives sweeping views of the forests below and is accessible by several trails. The Meatbox Run and Potato Hole trails offer short but steep climbs to the top. 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 or historic cabins. No fall adventure would be complete without a trip to a pumpkin patch or corn maze, both of which you can enjoy along with a tractor ride at the nearby Snyder Farms.
Rest and refuel at our local cafes and restaurants that come alive with fall flavors, where you can taste hot drinks and local spirits to warm up in our cool mountain air. Find pumpkin flavored drinks at The Crossing Coffee Bar or TipTop Coffee. Try specially flavored moonshines at Boars Nest Distillery, and even pumpkin-spiced beer at Big Timber Brewing. Taste fall produce on seasonal menus at eateries like Oxley House Cocktail Bar & Restaurant, or dine closer to the trailheads at Smoke on the Water or The Forks.
You can also unwind after an outdoor adventure with a night of entertainment. The Railyard Event & Conference Center is Randolph County's newest destination for entertainment. In addition to their own music and dance shows, their theater hosts a variety of touring acts in music, comedy, and other live performances.
We often see the best color in late September and early October which coincides with our festival season. We celebrate all things fall during the first weekend in October at Mountain State Forest Festival, one of the largest and oldest festivals in West Virginia, which features daily live entertainment. There you can find all kinds of food trucks with everything from Filipino eggrolls and Venezuelan cachapas to burgers and barbecue. One of the festival's newest features is Woodly's Great Gravel Adventure. This bike race travels along the beautiful Shavers Fork River in the Monongahela National Forest. At the Autumn on the Dry Fork festival in early October you can taste fresh apple cider and apple butter made the old-fashioned way.
Whether you feast your eyes on our foliage or feast on our fresh flavors, you’re sure to find your perfect fall getaway in Randolph County.
