Fall into Adventure

Fall is all about the color, but add a little adventure and you have a trip you won't soon forget. From mountain trails and river views to scenic rides and small town festivals, fall in Summers County, West Virginia, puts you in the heart of the Southern Gateway to New River Gorge National Park & Preserve.

Pipestem Resort State Park Arial Tram

See fall from a whole new perspective aboard the aerial tram at Pipestem Resort State Park. The tram carries visitors down into the Bluestone River Gorge, with sweeping mountain views giving way to layers of Appalachian forest along the descent. In fall, that means a front-row seat to the changing colors, and a pretty spectacular way to experience the mountains without having to lace up your hiking boots. Tram days and hours may be limited or subject to change, so check the current schedule before your visit.

Heritage Point - Pipestem Resort State Park

Prefer to explore fall with your feet on the ground? Summers County trails lead to some pretty GORGEous views. At Pipestem Resort State Park, follow Canyon Rim Trail to Heritage Point for a sweeping look across the Bluestone River Gorge, especially impressive when the mountains begin showing their fall colors. Over at Bluestone State Park, trails pair mountain scenery with views of Bluestone Lake.

Or trade two feet for four. Horseback riding

Horseback Riding - Pipestem Resort State Park

at Pipestem Resort State Park offers another way to slow down, hit the trail and enjoy the season from a different perspective.

Water, water everywhere! Three rivers meet in Summers County, giving fall color a beautiful backdrop of blue. Explore the New River, Bluestone National Scenic River and Greenbrier River, or head to Bluestone Lake for a day on the water. Paddle your own kayak, rent one locally, take a guided trip or simply find a quiet spot along the riverbank and watch the season change around you.

Fishing on the New River

Keep an eye on the sky while you're there. Bald eagles and osprey are regularly spotted along Summers County's waterways, giving you one more reason to slow down and look around.

And then there's Sandstone Falls. Stretching across the New River, Sandstone Falls is one of those places that doesn't

Sandstone Falls

need much help from fall color to make an impression. The river drops 15 to 25 feet across a series of falls and islands, creating one of the most recognizable landscapes in Summers County. Add autumn color and golden-hour light, and it's easy to understand why this is a favorite stop in the Southern Gateway to New River Gorge National Park & Preserve.

Amtrak Passenger Station in Downtown Hinton

All aboard for a different kind of fall adventure. Arrive in Hinton by Amtrak and watch the scenery of the New River Gorge unfold from the train. Once downtown, explore Hinton's railroad history, architecture and locally owned shops with a self-guided walking tour.

Time your visit with Hinton Railroad Days in October and downtown comes alive with railroad heritage, live music, vendors and special activities. Check our Events Calendar before your trip for Railroad Days details and even more reasons to make a fall weekend of it.

Ready to fall into adventure?

Whether your perfect fall day means hiking to a GORGEous overlook, riding through the mountains, paddling the river or exploring downtown Hinton, you'll find plenty of ways to make the season your own in Summers County.

Start planning your fall getaway: Explore Things to Do, find a Place to Stay, or see What's Happening on our Events Calendar.