As temperatures cool, and the leaves start to change colors, it’s a great time to enjoy a fun fall getaway weekend in Fayetteville. To enjoy autumn to the fullest extent, we’ve put together Fayetteville’s Fun Guide. Fall is the perfect time to experience all that Fayetteville has to offer with gorgeous temperatures, changing leaves, and loads of fall fun.
A couple of things to keep in mind when exploring Fayetteville this fall. Remember your mask. Maintain social distance. And plan ahead, advance tickets are required for many activities. Best bet: look online or call ahead before visiting to get a better sense of what to expect.
When Is Peak Fall Color?
That’s the question many visitors ask us each year. This varies from year to year, but we usually peak around late October. The development of color is largely dependent on elevation and tree species.
Color Report
As we gear up for the 2021 fall color season we are counting on you to help us share and stay up to date on the current colors. Tag us at #visittheville for a chance to be featured with our weekly color updates.
Birds Eye View
Nothing beats a bird’s eye view for taking in spectacular fall colors! You can take a tram ride into the gorge or take in the views from 870ft above the New River with the Bridge Walk. Glide through the forest canopy or do loops above it in a Biplane ride.
Bridge Walk
Experience a one-of-a-kind bridge walk in the mountains of West Virginia, as you cross the catwalk under the New River Gorge Bridge on a panoramic adventure.
Zipline Tours
See a burst of color flying through the forest canopy on a scenic fall zipline tour.
Gorge Ziplinle Tours & Night Ziplinging
Race off the side of a mountain taking in incredible views. on 3,000ft zipline.
Wild Blue Adventure Company Biplane
Wild Blue Adventures will take you out over the gorge in a Stearman biplane.
Fall Activities
Take in fall’s splendor on horseback. Tis the season for whitewater rafting with a few more weeks of Gauley season. It is not too late to get on the water with Mountain Surf Paddle Sports. You can also book an ATV trip with New River ATV. Did you know Fayetteville is home to the only bike farm in West Virginia? Arrowhead Bike Farm has a system of rolling loop trails including a green trail rated for easy riding geared towards beginners with bike rentals onsite.
Activities
Scenic Drives
Rt 60 Midland Trail and the New River Gorge
Named WV Tourism’s Best 4 Scenic Mountain Road Trips. The 180-mile Midland Trail traverses the state on historic 2-lane Route 60. The Trail is full of great places to stop and enjoy the scenery, pioneer history, outdoor adventure, local arts and crafts as well as great West Virginia food. Plus, it’s lined with flowing waterfalls.
Fayette Station Road
Winding roads and mountain views make for great scenic drives. One of our favorite scenic drives is the Fayette Station Road Tour. This one-hundred-year-old road used to be the only route across the New River Gorge before the New River Gorge Bridge was built. There are wide pull-offs where you can stop and take in the beauty of this massive structure. Enjoy the history of the New River Gorge Bridge with this ride along the audio tour.
To access Fayette Station Road, turn right onto Lansing-Edmond Road from US-19 North This 7.5-mile loop begins at the Canyon Rim Visitor Center. At ¼ mile turn right onto Fayette Station Road. Turn left at the fork. Follow the signs to Fayette Station.
Thurmond Historic District
Fall is the perfect time to explore this coal country ghost town steeped in rich history.
To access Thurmond travel south on Rt. 19 from Fayetteville to the Glenn Jean exit. Follow the signs to Thurmond along Dunloup creek for seven miles along narrow Route 25 leading to the restored Thurmond Depot.
Abandoned coal towns will give you the haunting vibes your craving. Explore the rich history of others like Thurmond, Nuttalburg, and the Kaymor Mine.
Babcock State Park
One of West Virginia’s most iconic locations, with 4,117 acres of beautiful scenery. The park is known for the iconic Glade Creek Grist Mill, one of the most photographed landmarks in the state.
To access Babcock travel 6 miles north of Fayetteville on Rt. 19 and take the Route 60 Midland Trail Exit. Take a left off the exit and follow the signs to Babcock. You will turn on Rt. 41 following the signs to Babcock.
Hiking
Go for a walk and take in the clean, crisp autumn air. Enjoy the sound of leaves crinkling and crackling underneath your shoes. Longpoint Trail is hard to beat for amazing fall views. We also love the Island In The Sky Trail at Babcock State Park for its scenic vistas.
Guided Mountain Biking Tour
Arrowhead Bike Farm
Experience fall in the New River Gorge like never before on a guided mountain biking tour with Arrowhead Bike Farm. Tours are focused on riding trails and seeing the area. Book your trip now to explore America’s newest national park this autumn: After your bike ride grab a bite at the Handle Bar Restaurant and hang out with the farm’s resident goats.
New River Jet Boats
Stop by Hawks Nest State Park and enjoy the views above the canopy at the Hawks Nest overlooks. Then head on down to the River with Miss M. Rocks and Captain Rick to experience a New River Jet Boat excursion. Take in all the views as you travel from the Hawks Nest Lake upstream toward the New River Gorge Bridge. Trips are running Thursday – Monday through October.
Markets & Farmstands
Fall Eats
Fayetteville is the unofficial food capital of West Virginia. Fall is the perfect time to gorge on seasonal specials to prepare for winter hibernation. We have switched into soup mode and you can enjoy seasonal favorites at restaurants throughout town. You will also see lots of pumpkin treats popping up through town.
Fall Brews
As the leaves begin to change, so do the flavors on tap. Savor the suds of the season at The Freefolk Brewery and Bridge Brew Works. Both have outdoor covered seating for increased social distancing. For more fall favorites stop by the Southside Junction Taphouse. You can stock up on your favorites at Studio B Art Boutique and Wine Gallery. Stop by Maggie’s Pub to hang with Mayor Norman the cat and enjoy a seasonal drink.
Outdoor Dining & Patio Options
Pies & Pints
The 304
Cathedral Cafe
The Freefolk Brewery
Bridge Brew Works
Southside Junction Tap House
The Station
Picnic
Grab a treat from the grab and go cooler at The Station and head to the park for a picnic or bring a blanket and stock up on gourmet cheeses and meats from Studio B Art Boutique and Wine Gallery and relax by the river.
Update Your Wardrobe
With summer coming to an end, it’s time to revamp your fall wardrobe! Check out Thread or Out of The Ashes for fall styling to pair up with your favorite boots or snag a new sweater. Our outdoor gear shops can outfit you for the cooler temps at Waterstone Outdoors and Ace Adventure Gear Shop. We are excited to welcome our newest addition to the town, check out the Lost Appalachian Trading Co.
Stay with us
Lodging
Events
October at The Park Festival
Saturday, October 23
The Fayette County Park is hosting the ultimate Fall festival with fall fun for the whole family. Artisan vendors will be set up along with food vendors. They will have trick-or-treating and a pumpkin patch!! Come out in the evening hours to experience the haunted barn.
Wolk Creek Park’s Pumpkin Pedal 5 K Fun Run
Saturday, October 30
Lace up your trail running shoes and join us for a fun trail run to kick off our Pumpkin Pedal event!-The course will be the 3.3 mile beginner-friendly Marauder Trail. This event is a fundraiser for the Fayette Trail Associaton
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