With over 150 species of deciduous trees, the landscape of the New River Gorge becomes a tapestry of color every autumn. Here are our top tips for enjoying the show.

Tip #1 – When to Leaf Peep in New River Gorge National Park

The most often-asked question about fall colors is also the most difficult to answer: When will colors be at their peak in the New River Gorge? Weather conditions through the spring and summer can impact when leaves begin to change and how long they will remain vibrant.

Here’s this year’s forecast. The bottom line, though, is that most years the New River Gorge hits peak colors between mid-October and very early November. It’s always best to plan your trip mid-week, if possible. Some of the best spots for leaf peeping can get a crowded on the weekends but are blissfully serene on weekdays.

Tip #2 – Where in the Gorge to Go Leaf Peeping

Even though we can’t predict exactly when the leaves will be at peak color, we can safely say that because of the geography and topography of the Gorge, the window of time to see good color is expanded. Since 1,000 feet of elevation is equivalent to about 300 miles in latitude, trees on top the plateau begin to show color far ahead of those down at river level. Sometimes this effect is dramatic. Standing at the rim of the Gorge in Grandview, you can look down and see green foliage along the river and an amazing gradient effect as your eyes move up to the rim where the leaves become a collage of fall colors.

These dramatic elevation changes also mean that if you aren’t seeing great color yet while hiking in the lower elevations, you can visit the higher elevations. Of course, the opposite is also true – if leaves are past peak on the trails of the higher elevations, head down closer to the river.

Tip #3 – Exploring the Northern Section Near Fayetteville

One of the great things about the Fayetteville area is that you can move from the top of the plateau to the bottom of the Gorge in about 25 minutes. And since there is a 900 ft elevation change between the two, you can find a colorful trail to hike throughout the leaf peeping season.

On the plateau, we recommend hiking the Burnwood Trail. This area was recently inducted into the Old Growth Forest Network and contains trees that date to the 1600s. Down by the river, we recommend visiting Fayette Station by way of driving scenic Fayette Station Road. This narrow road with tight switchbacks takes you on the old route locals traveled to cross the river before the New River Gorge Bridge was finished in 1977.

Tip #4 – Exploring the Central Section Near Grandview

Situated at the highest point in the park, the Grandview area usually sees the first color of the season. Whether hiking on the Grandview Rim Trail for magnificent sweeping vistas of the gorge and mountains or moving through the dense forest on the Big Buck Trail, you will be surrounded by forests of beech, oak, hickory, maple, linden, and many other hardwood trees, each one with its own color scheme.

As the colors move past their peak on the Grandview plateau, the secluded area where Glade Creek meets the New River will come alive. Over its five miles, Glade Creek Trail passes through a deep and narrow canyon that in addition to evergreen hemlock and rhododendron, is heavily populated by birch, oak, and poplar trees. The effect is made more heady by the beautiful creek reflecting the autumn colors.

Tip #5 – Exploring the Southern Section Near Hinton

In contrast to the deep narrow gorge near Fayetteville, the river valley near Hinton is wide and open. This allows for beautiful expansive views of the old Appalachian Mountains. Make sure to visit the widest waterfall on the New River, Sandstone Falls. Viewing its many beautiful faces against a backdrop of fall foliage on mountains beyond is breathtaking.

If you prefer a challenging fall hike, the nearby Big Branch Trail provides it with a steep 2-mile loop past waterfalls and old farmstead ruins. Not up to a hiking challenge? Make the winding, challenging drive up to Trump-Lilly Farm, the former subsistence farm now preserved by the National Park Service. The combination of open fields, edge forest, and nut and fruit trees makes for stunning contrasts of fall colors.

Tip #6 – Don’t Overlook Our Beautiful and Nearby State Parks

Glade Creek Gristmill at Babcock State Park (about a 25-minute drive from Fayetteville) is one of West Virginia’s most scenic spots. Photographers come from all over the world each fall to get a shot. We, too, love the gristmill, but we love Babcock’s mature forest even more. Try the Island in the Sky Trail for a magnificent vista. After your Babcock visit, drive east on US Route 60 to the main overlook at Hawks Nest State Park, another of West Virginia’s great vistas easily accessed from the road.

Tip #7 – Get Out Early for the Best Leaf Peeping

Go as early as you can, because crowds are less likely and the sight of the morning mist rising from the Gorge is not to be missed! This is especially true if you are planning to visit the Endless Wall Trail or Long Point Trail. Our fully equipped kitchens at Lafayette Flats Boutique Vacation Rentals make hitting the road early, easy. You can have breakfast and a few cups of our locally roasted coffee as early as you wish.

Tip #8 – Pack a Lunch

Many of the best leaf peeping sites are perfect for a picnic lunch but some are not convenient to towns where you can procure lunch, so consider using one of our local restaurant’s grab-and-go selections. Swiftwater General Store in Lansing (near Fayetteville) has a lot of great options and is open early so you can grab your provisions and get on the road. Stop by Sandstone General Store & Eatery if you are near Hinton, and Grandview Country Store & Market if you’re visiting Grandview.

Tip #9– Bridge Day is on Saturday, Oct. 19

On Bridge Day, Fayetteville becomes the most populous town in West Virginia as hordes of people flock to the New River Gorge Bridge to watch BASE jumpers plummet 900 feet into the gorge. Depending on whether you love crowds or shy away from them, don’t forget to take this day into consideration when you plan your trip. The bridge is closed to vehicular traffic all day, so even if you are not interested in attending the party, it can still restrict your movements.

Who are we? Amy & Shawn, New River Gorge hikers, WV Master Naturalists, and owners of Lafayette Flats Boutique Vacation Rentals in downtown Fayetteville, WV.

If you enjoyed this post you might also like Enjoying Nature in the New River Gorge and 10 New River Gorge Curiosities and Hiking Through History in the New River Gorge.