What does the term "foxfire" bring to mind... an old series of books about Appalachian culture (or the movie based on them)? A real estate company? A campground? Or do you recognize it as the term for the eerie yet awesome greenish blue glow that certain fungi produce?
Wait... what?! Glow in the dark mushrooms?
Yes, really. And you can find them (and their magical "fairy fire") right here in West Virginia.
There are at least 75 known species of bioluminescent fungus.
While many of them grow only in tropical climates, a few are widely distributed throughout North America and can be found growing on dead wood (making the wood "glow in the dark") in forests across the United States.
Occasionally, this glow, or "foxfire," is even observed on mine timbers deep within the earth or on firewood right in the living room!
The glowing fungus growing on the wood emits a continuous blueish-greenish light that varies in strength from barely observable to bright enough to read by.
How else could so many of us not know about something this fascinating?!
There are several reasons for this: not all fungi glow at all seasons of the year, and even when they do, light pollution (including flashlights) makes observing the bioluminescence nearly impossible.
The Nature Preserve in West Virginia Where You’ll See Dozens of Bird Species in a Single Afternoon
Indulge in nature at Stauffer's Marsh Nature Preserve in West Virginia. Enjoy peaceful hikes through wetlands, spot diverse bird species, and experience the tranquility of this protected marshland.
Birdwatching is one of the most underrated pastimes of life. Why? Because it's like the ultimate scavenger hunt in nature that is seemingly never-ending. Beyond the simple joy of spotting various bird species out and about in the world, birdwatching also provides opportunities for learning about local ecosystems, migratory patterns, and conservation efforts. Stauffer's Marsh Nature Preserve in West Virginia is the perfect place to start a birding journey, especially when you meander through the short and sweet hiking trails. Bring your binoculars, grab your camera, and check out one of the coolest places to see birds in West Virginia.
Stauffer’s Marsh Nature Preserve in Berkeley County, West Virginia, is a special place for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts. This wetland sanctuary spans 46 acres and is managed by the Potomac Valley Audubon Society. A main draw for people to this nature preserve is the short hiking trails like the back creek, connector, marsh, and pond trail, which clocks in at just over a mile. Located just a short drive from the Potomac River, this preserve is a hidden gem for all experience levels of birdwatchers looking to immerse themselves in the quiet beauty of nature.
Stauffer’s Marsh primarily comprises wetlands, which are critical in supporting various ecosystems. The marshland habitat attracts a wide array of wildlife, including reptiles, amphibians, and, most notably, birds! The wetlands are interspersed with meadows, making it incredible for observing waterfowl and grassland birds.
Depending on the season, visitors can spot everything from migrating waterfowl to songbirds, making it a prime destination for birdwatching year-round. During the spring and fall migration, Stauffer’s Marsh becomes a rest stop for various birds, including ducks, geese, and wading birds. Species such as the Wood Duck, Great Blue Heron, and Belted Kingfisher are commonly seen around the marsh.
In addition to waterfowl, the grassland areas of the preserve are home to sparrows, warblers, and swallows, which flit through the air, feeding on insects. Birdwatchers can also look out for raptors such as the Red-tailed Hawk and the American Kestrel soaring above the marsh, scanning the wetlands for prey.
With its diverse bird population and relaxing landscape, Stauffer's Marsh Nature Preserve stands as one of West Virginia’s must-visit destinations for birdwatchers. So, grab a seat at one of the various benches around the pond, and keep still for a while to see who might fly or perch within your eye line.
Want to find the best birdwatching binoculars for your trip to this preserve? REI has some really great options for you to choose from.
We’re so lucky in West Virginia to have such wide swaths of lush forests all over the state, and when autumn arrives, seeing them burst into vivid colors is such a gorgeous sight. Fall in West Virginia brings harvest festivals, pumpkin patches, and so many fun family activities, and is such a special time of year. Here’s our ultimate guide to fall attractions and activities in West Virginia for 2024. Dive in and get ready for adventure!
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West Virginia Fall Foliage: Where To Go In West Virginia For Fall Foliage
The fall foliage in West Virginia is simply stunning. You can take a drive just about anywhere and see a lovely multicolored landscape. Whether you’re visiting or are a local, here are some of the best places to go to see those fall colors in full bloom during peak fall foliage season which is generally the second and third week of October.
Wow Factor: Much of the ground in this area is covered with a red "carpet" of foliage.
Need To Know: The roads can be rough in this area, so take extra precautions.
The Dolly Sods Wilderness is one of the most beautiful areas of the state and has several climatic zones, each with its own unique landscape. Heath barrens, bogs, and red spruce forests combine to form a wide and varied landscape that may feel like being on another planet. This is one of the most intriguing and beautiful areas in West Virginia. West Virginia in the fall doesn’t get much better than this.
Wow Factor: This is the oldest and largest state forest in West Virginia.
Need To Know: This is within the National Radio Quiet Zone so you may have limited radio reception.
Drive along the Highland Scenic Highway or take a hiking trail and walk among the tall trees in the Seneca State Forest to take in some of the brightest and best fall foliage in the state. There are 12,884 acres of forest to explore and you’ll surely want your camera on hand to catch some amazing shots. Make a weekend of it and, if you’re lucky, stay at the Thorny Mountain Fire Tower to really take in the scenery.
Wow Factor: This is the largest state forest in the state and is used as a living classroom for forestry and ecology by West Virginia University.
Need To Know: Repairs and construction are underway including around the scenic overlook. Take caution and expect traffic delays.
Cooper’s Rock has one of the most stunning scenic overlooks in West Virginia and the whole area becomes a stunning tapestry of fall colors interspersed with evergreens which creates some eye-catching contrasts. Due to repairs, if the overlook isn’t accessible, experience a wonderful short hike through the fall colors on the Rock City Trail
Wow Factor: Not only will you see amazing fall colors, but one of the tallest waterfalls in the state.
Need To Know: You can also play disc golf and get information, restrooms, and food at Blackwater Trading Co.
Blackwater Falls is one of the tallest waterfalls in West Virginia, dropping 57 feet in an idyllic landscape that truly comes alive during the fall. The wide falls, the pool below, and the surrounding lush forest are such an amazing sight. You can access several viewpoints from the boardwalk leading from the Blackwater Trading Co. and the Gentle Trail on the other side of the river is an easy path.
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Best Pumpkin Patches In West Virginia
One of the most fun fall activities in West Virginia is to visit various pumpkin patches and enjoy the massive pumpkins, winding corn mazes, and sample so many treats like pumpkin pie and donuts. Some warm apple cider and some family time together at these places make every fall in West Virginia a comforting and fun treat. Let’s explore some of the best pumpkin patches in West Virginia.
Wow Factor: In addition to the pumpkin patch, there's a massive field of sunflowers that you can frolic in and pick a few.
Need To Know: Fall events run from September 14 to November 3, 2024.
Gritt’s Farm brings people from all over West Virginia to its annual Fun Farm in the fall. It’s been running since 1927 and it’s still going strong. You’ll see huge pumpkins, enjoy rides, play games, wander the corn maze, languish on hay rides, and so much more. You’re sure to have a blast! Don’t forget to pick up some of the fresh produce to take home.
Wow Factor:Good Housekeeping called this the best pumpkin patch in West Virginia.
Need To Know: Old McDonald's is open seasonally and will post its event dates as the fall season nears.
Old McDonald’s has been family-run for seven generations! This 175-acre farm has been used as an orchard, a dairy and beef farm, and is now exclusively used for hay, corn, and pumpkins. The five-acre corn maze is a huge attraction and there’s cornhole, giant slides, and an antique tractor display. You can pet farm animals and enjoy so many activities. Don’t miss it this year.
Best Fall Festivals In West Virginia
Nothing brings people together like fall festivals and harvest festivals. They’re among the best West Virginia fall activities. Music, food, laughter, and local traditions combine to build a sense of community and bring people together from all over the state. If you’re thinking, “Where are all the best fall activities near me?” then take a look at some of the best fall festivals in West Virginia:
Wow Factor: Some of the best folk and bluegrass bands in the state will be performing.
Need To Know: Harvest in the Wood will take place September 26-29, 2024.
How would you like four days of live folk and bluegrass music, scrumptious food, carnival rides, and more? The Harvest in the Wood Festival has all that and more. You can enjoy face painting, a bounce house, interactive games, and train rides, as well as treats and crafts from a ton of local vendors. Country music star Cooper Alan will be performing this year! Come have a ton of fun!
Wow Factor: This is one of the state's largest festivals and has been running since 1986.
Need To Know: The West Virginia Pumpkin Festival will take place from October 3 to October 6, 2024.
This four-day festival packs in so much entertainment and so many activities that you won’t know where to start. Every year at the West Virginia Pumpkin Festival, several live bands hit the stage, comedians and entertainers roam the crowds, and there are several stages that will bring magic, laughter, and wonder to you. There’s delicious food everywhere and you’ll see the most gigantic pumpkins ever at the pumpkin contest. Come take part in this festival’s 38th year.
The West Virginia Roadkill Cook-off and Autumn Harvest Festival
Wow Factor: This festival draws about 10,000 visitors every year.
Need To Know: You can attend The West Virginia Roadkill Cook-off and Autumn Harvest Festival on September 28, 2024.
If you want some rip-roarin’ fun and a lot of strangeness, make sure to attend The West Virginia Roadkill Cook-off and Autumn Harvest Festival. Don’t worry, no actual roadkill is used, but the cooks who apply to the festival must use as a main ingredient an animal that is commonly found dead on the side of the road. Opossums, squirrels, deer, groundhogs, crows, turkeys, snakes, bears, etc. There’s an irreverent vibe and it’s about as hillbilly as it gets. It’s a culinary adventure and there’s live music, games, and tons of activities to enjoy.
Wow Factor: The live music lineup features some of the best up-and-coming country music stars like Alana Springsteen and Tyler Braden.
Need To Know: The Preston County Buckwheat Festival will run from September 26 to September 29, 2024.
Preston County is known for growing buckwheat and one of the best uses of it is to make buckwheat pancakes. You can get your fill of these scrumptious treats at the Preston County Buckwheat Festival. It has one of the most stupendous music lineups including Tyler Braden. There’s an entire carnival full of rides and food booths. It’s a complete blowout that started from humble beginnings in 1938.
Free & Cheap West Virginia Fall Activities
We’ve wandered through fall foliage, frolicked in pumpkin patches, and had a total blast at magnificent fall festivals. Now, let’s explore some of the other West Virginia fall activities where you’ll spend little to no money and still have a wonderful time. These include some of the best places to visit in West Virginia in the fall. Let’s go exploring!
Wow Factor: Some corn mazes are as huge as 10 acres.
Need To Know: Always keep a close eye on the little ones to ensure they don't run off and get lost in the maze.
Corn mazes have become a long-time fall tradition in West Virginia. With all our farmland, it’s no surprise that vast fields of corn which are already quite a task to navigate would be turned into crafty labyrinths. Several farms host these every year and they often carve out an image that can be seen from the air. Admission to these are either free or quite inexpensive. These mazes are a great way to enjoy an affordable day of fun with the kids.
Wow Factor: The Kenova Pumpkin House displays over 3,000 pumpkins.
Need To Know: If you come during the evening you can see all the pumpkins come alight as jack-o-lanterns.
Take a drive to Kenova to see the astounding Kenova Pumpkin House. Since 1978, the Griffith family has set up this breathtaking display of 3,000 carved pumpkins and it’s absolutely free to come to view them. While they’re quite a sight during the day, at night seeing them all lit up is awe-inspiring. West Virginians travel from all over the state to see this.
Wow Factor: This is one of the most photographed locations in the world.
Need To Know: Thankfully, access to this place is quite easy and you won't need to hike a trail.
You’ve likely seen the Glade Creek Grist Mill on calendars, posters, postcards, and many other things. While the pictures are gorgeous, there’s nothing like seeing this mill right in front of you, especially in the fall. It’s free to visit and it’s in Babcock State Park which has no fee to enter. Come see one of the most stunning sights on earth and only pay for the gas to get there!
Wow Factor: Harper's Ferry is the most historically important location in West Virginia.
Need To Know: The entrance pass is $20 for an entire car full of people.
You’ve certainly heard of Harper’s Ferry during history classes in school. It was an essential location during the Civil War and the War of 1812. It’s also one of the most breathtaking places to visit during the fall. The historic buildings surrounded by some of the most vivid fall foliage around is a sight you won’t forget. It evokes a sense of wonder as you think about how much intense history happened in such a beautiful place.
Wow Factor: This is West Virginia's biggest event with over 100,000 people in attendance each year.
Need To Know: You may not drive on the bridge during this event. Shuttles from nearby parking locations are $5. It takes place on October 19, 2024.
Bridge Day is absolutely massive in West Virginia. It’s the one day of the year when people can BASE jump, zipline, and rappel off of this 876-foot-tall bridge. There’s no admission to watch, however, participants must apply beforehand and pay a fee. Hundreds of vendors will be on hand so you won’t go hungry. Come attend the 45th anniversary of this amazing event.
After reading this ultimate guide to fall attractions and activities in West Virginia, are you primed and ready to get out there and explore and have tons of fun? Let us know about your favorite events in the comments and tell us about any we’ve missed. If you’d like to take a road trip to see some of the most beautiful fall foliage, we’ve got one all prepared for you:
