DAVIS, W.Va. (Sept. 8, 2016) – Autumn brings fairs and festivals to the top of the Mountain State. Enjoy scenic chair lifts, Leaf Peepers Festival, ghost tours, and much more in Tucker County, W.Va. The mountains (and valley) are beginning to take on hues of reds, golds, oranges, and browns.
Here are our top 12 reasons why autumn is better in Tucker County, W.Va.:
1. Leaf Peeper’s Festival – This is the ultimate festival of autumn colors. The event takes place Sept. 23-25 in Davis, W.Va. and celebrates autumn in the Appalachian Mountains with outdoor events such as a golf tournament, inflatable amusement rides, 5K race/walk, bike tours, live music, talent show, and the Appalachian Craft & Food Fair, not to mention a car show, Oktoberfest and Live Music! www.canaanvalley.org/leaf-peepers-festival.html
2. Scenic Chair Lifts – Ride the ski lift at Canaan Valley Resort during the fall months for a breathtaking scenic view of the valley and surrounding Allegheny Mountains from 4,280′. You can ride the lift back down or hike the two miles to base camp. Either way, it’s an unforgettable experience. Open Daily: 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Last ride ticket sold at 3:45 p.m. www.canaanresort.com
Or take a ride to the top of Herz Mountain with an elevation of 4268 feet at Timberline Four Seasons Resort. The views of the valley are incredible and make a perfect backdrop for your family photo. The Chair Lift operates Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. and is open thru Nov. 1, weather permitting.
Cost: $10 adults, $7 youth, children under 5 ride free. www.timberlineresort.com
3. Fields of Fire Tour – On Sept. 24 Canaan Valley Resort State Park will offer a tour of the Dolly Sods Wilderness Area during the peak of fall foliage. The event has been planned so that families, groups, and individuals may enjoy outdoor, nature-oriented activities. This will be a leisurely, casual tour. Cost is $25 for adults; $15 for children (ages 6-12). www.canaanresort.com
4. Dark Sky Treasurers – Take advantage of the dark skies shortly after a new moon and experience the 27th Annual Astronomy Weekend on September 22-25! The dark skies of Blackwater Falls State Park amaze visitors with the striking beauty of the night sky, often displaying the milky way from horizon to horizon. The weekend is free and open to everyone, from novice to the advanced amateurs. The weekend includes: daytime workshops, nighttime star parties, guest speakers and more. Bring the family or come alone to enjoy a treasured resource—dark skies! Blackwater Falls State Park offers overnight lodging accommodations. Reservations may be made by calling: 304-259-5216 or visiting www.blackwaterfalls.com.
5. Wild Walks Weekend – Join Canaan Valley Resort State Park’s naturalist on Oct. 1 for an eight mile guided hike between the parks, Blackwater Falls State Park and Canaan Valley Resort State Park. See the vivid colors of the autumn season as the mountains are ablaze. Cost is $25 for adults; $15 for children (ages 6-12).The registration fee includes shuttle service; and a cook-out lunch midway. For further assistance, call 304-866-4121 ext. 2678 or ext. 2788. www.canaanresort.com
6. Mystery, Mayhem and Murder in West Virginia – Ghost Stories
An evening of “ghost stories” on Oct. 21 at Blackwater Falls State Park will reveal the darker side of Appalachian folklore. Presented by special guest Jo Ann Dadisman, you’ll enjoy the ghost stories, the mysteries, and the “un” normal events that shaped an emerging state and its people. (Not recommended for the very young or faint-hearted.) Join us at Blackwater Falls Lodge at 7:30 p.m. Open to the public. Contact: 304-259-5216 or visit www.blackwaterfalls.com.
7. Rail Trails – Once veins feeding the heart of American industry, Tucker County’s dormant rails have been converted into managed trails. The Allegheny Highlands Rail Trail, between Parsons and Elkins, is perfect for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. Blackwater Canyon Rail Trail starts in Thomas and proceeds through the majestic Blackwater Canyon, ending in the community of Hendricks. Visit the depot in Parsons, W.Va. for more information for both trails. www.canaanvalley.org
8. Mountain Music Trail – Stretching across five eastern counties, near the Highway 219 corridor, the Mountain Music Trail is the ultimate road trip adventure for music enthusiasts. The entire region has contributed to the formation and longevity of the Appalachian music, dance, and folkways of the Allegheny Mountain region. A great place to take in live music is at the Purple Fiddle in Thomas. This family-friendly café and music venue with weekly live music performances. www.canaanvalley.org
9. Artisan Ales & Foodie Finds – One of the oldest and largest microbreweries in the state, Mountain State Brewing Company, is perched on top of a mountain in Thomas. The brewery is known for its uniquely named artisan ales, such as Dolly Suds Cranberry Wheat, Miner’s Daughter Stout, Almost Heaven Amber Ale, and others. See the inner-workings of the brewery’s seven-barrel brew house and tap room – for free. Just schedule a tour. For foodies, Sirianni’s Café is a must stop. This casual, eclectic restaurant in Davis is known for its to-die-for pizza and pasta. USA TODAY recently rated in the best in West Virginia. www.canaanvalley.org
10. Mountain Biking – Tucker County is home to one of the East’s most existence mountain bike trail networks. The area’s federal and state protected lands are celebrated for not only their abundant natural wonders and awe-inspiring vistas, but the ability to maintain them, providing access to visitors for generations to come. www.canaanvalley.org
11. Otter Creek Wilderness Area – Lying in a bowl formed by Shavers Mountain and McGowan Mountain in Tucker and surrounding counties, this 20,000-acre wilderness is now managed with 420-miles of primitive trails, many which follow old railroad grades or logging roads. Wildlife in the wilderness area include back bear, white-tailed deer, turkey, grouse, and many species of birds. This hardwood-rich area is ideal for hiking, backpacking and primitive camping. www.canaanvalley.org
12. Black Water Falls State Park – Few experiences are as memorable and inspiring as witnessing the Blackwater River crashing nearly six stories into the stunning Blackwater Canyon. Blackwater Falls State park is a perennial favorite among nature lovers who can take in the views of the falls from an easy-access overlook or a trail hike to the falls’ base. This is one of the most photographed places in W.Va. www.blackwaterfalls.com/
To learn more about the Tucker County CVB, visit www.canaanvalley.org.
