Eleven Fall Must Do’s for Getting Tuckered in Tucker County, WV.

Fall is a special season in Tucker County that is not to be missed. Home to one of the most diverse populations of flora found in the US, Tucker County and West Virginia are blessed with unmatched vibrant fall color. The leaves are beautiful and the air is crisp, our favorite time of the year to take a bit out of Tucker County. Here are 11 fall must do’s while visiting Tucker County, West Virginia.

1. Blueberry Bushes Turn Scarlet Red: It is no secret that wild blueberries are abundant throughout the higher elevations of Tucker County. In particular, Dolly Sods Wilderness Area and Bear Rocks Nature Preserve contain vast undisturbed tracts of blueberry bushes. The scarlet red scene among the spruce trees is amazing!

2. Leaf Peepers Festival: Our annual fall festival in the town of Davis, West Virginia has been a staple the last 30 years. Leaf Peepers is the largest fall festival in our county. Expect live music, firemen’s parade, Run for It 5k marathon/walk, food and craft vendors, inflatable rides, and much more.

3. Scenic Chair Lift and Bald Knob hike: What is the easiest wat to 4,000 feet and 360 degree views seven days a week through fall? Canaan Valley State Park Ski Area runs their four person chairlift providing simple mountain top access for valley views and Bald Knob trail head. Bald Knob is approximately a one mile hike out to the viewing area.

4. Hike the Beall Lane Trail System: Smack dab in the middle of Canaan Valley is the Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge. The wildlife refuges most extensive trail system is located here, at the end of Beall Lane. There is a kiosk full of relative trail information at the parking lot. Take in an hour walk or an all-day affair. Outside of endless natural beauty, wildlife and bird watching are fantastic.

5. Table Rock Overlook: Outside of our classic overlooks such as Bear Rocks and Lindy Point, there is another gem called Table Rock. Look out over the uninterrupted deciduous forest of the Red Creek River drainage. The overlook is located at the far end of Canaan Loop Road. Signage and parking are found at the Table Rock Trail Head.

6. Gravel Bike Rides: Pedal power your way through the Monongahela National Forest to enjoy the sights and smells of fall. Forest service roads such as FR 244 open an array of travel not possible by car. By linking forest roads with paved roads many possibilities become available. Add in the bike packing experience for the ultimate Tucker County adventure.

7. Wild Walks Weekend: Take advantage of guided hikes through the fall with Canaan Valley Resort. Fields of Fire hike in Dolly Sods and Wild Walks Weekend are in September and October. Also included in the day are shuttle service from the resort and lunch.

8. Fall Train Excursions: Head to the city of Elkins, WV for several different train departures with the Durbin and Greenbrier Valley Railroad. Cass Scenic Railroad in Cass, WV is a coal fired stream engine pulling open cars up to the top of Cheat Mountain for endless views. Head to Romney, WV for the Potomac Eagle as a third option.

9. Cove Run Corn Maze: Pick your own pumpkins, corn maze, and all around fun on the farm can be had at Cove Run Farms.

10. Horseback Rides: Viewing fall color by horseback with Mountain Trail Rides or Double S Stables is as cowboy as it gets in Tucker County. Each stable is located within Canaan Valley and central to vacation rentals offered in Tucker County. Not only do you have incredible views, but wildlife is not as threatened while riding horseback, so bring a camera!

11. Fall Photography: Photographers flock to Tucker County for the uninterrupted mountainside mosaics of fall foliage. For around 30 days we enjoy the daily change of leaf color as we transition into winter. When is peak color? Personally, I go with the first ten days of October to catch peak colors. There are no guarantees when it comes to Mother Nature. For up to date information, go to our Facebook page or Instagram feed.