As the crisp, cool air sweeps through the rolling hills and majestic mountains, West Virginia comes alive with exciting autumn activities. Whether you’re seeking spine-tingling encounters in haunted houses, the thrill of wandering through pumpkin patches, or the mesmerizing charm of scenic train rides, this guide is your key to unlocking a world of fun this fall in the Mountain State!
Frightful Haunted Houses and Attractions
Kick off the spooky season at Miller’s Nightmare Haunted Farm in Lewisburg. Here, you’ll find a variety of demented and immersive experiences designed to make you jump and scream at every turn! Brave the terrifying Miller Manor, home to deadly experiments ready to send you to an early grave. Tread lightly in the infected crop maze, where clowns with chainsaws and deadly occultists await your demise. At the Hag’s Hut, avoid the curse of Baba Yaga as you carefully cross a rope bridge over her mist-covered bog. And be sure to stop by the Dark Midway for bonfires, mind-bending escape rooms and monster encounters!
Experience hell on Earth at the Infernum in Terra Haunted Attraction in Wheeling. Considered one of the scariest haunts in West Virginia, your descent into terror begins at an unassuming brick building where bloodthirsty creatures await inside. Danger lurks around every corner as you make your way through the house and try to survive the ghoulish scenarios designed to have you sleeping with the lights on for months to come. For children, the attraction offers the Little Ghouls Family Friendly Haunt, replacing the scary characters and scenes with kid-friendly and whimsical Halloween fun.
The nightmare continues at the Old Hospital on College Hill. Opened in 1928, this now abandoned hospital overlooking the town of Williamson is considered a top paranormal hotspot in Appalachia. Tales of floating nurses, shadowy figures in the windows and terrifying apparitions continue to plague this ivy-covered building, which hosts an immersive Halloween experience every October. Join other guests as “patients” in this decrepit asylum and solve puzzles to escape its dim halls. Stay alert—you don’t know what lurks in the shadows.
Fall Fun on the Farm
For a fun-filled, family friendly day on the farm, check out Sunset View Farms in Ballard. Located on 70 acres surrounded by the West Virginia foothills, this farm offers a wealth of autumn activities. Explore the twists and turns of the four-acre corn maze. Pick out the perfect pumpkin at the pumpkin patch. Enjoy a hayride in the cool fall air, or rent a fire pit and take in the gorgeous scenery. On Saturdays, sample the freshly baked goods and ice cream made by the nearby Amish community – they’re absolutely heavenly.
In Buffalo, Gritt’s Fun Farm knows how to do Halloween right. Here, 300 acres of farmland is transformed into a fall lover’s paradise with over 30 attractions to experience and, of course, delicious autumn treats! Aim for a strike with a game of pumpkin bowling. Find your way out of the hay maze or experience the thrill of whizzing down the iconic Slide Mountain. There’s also wagon rides, rubber duck racing and feeding the resident goats! Feeling hungry? Chow down on fresh lemonade, kettle corn, fresh-baked apple cider donuts, and pumpkin rolls.
Cozy Festivals and Events
Celebrating the autumn harvest, Milton’s West Virginia Pumpkin Festival takes place every year in early October. Located in Pumpkin Park, this festival attracts over 48,000 visitors annually with its exciting activities, delicious local grub and contests. Watch decorative floats roll through town during the Pumpkin Parade. Check out the Giant Pumpkin Contest and the crowning of the Pumpkin Festival Queen. Other activities include pottery making, glass-blowing demonstrations and feeding the farm animals at the petting zoo. Don’t miss out on the delicious treats made by local vendors. The pumpkin fudge is decadent, and the candy apples are the perfect blend of sweet and tart!
If you love handmade crafts, delicious food and live entertainment, check out the Hurricane Harvest Festival in Hurricane City. Every October, dozens of vendors gather to sell a wide selection of handcrafted goods, from jewelry to wood sculptures, paintings and artisan soaps. Kick back and relax to local bands, chow down on seasonal goodies like pumpkin bread, or try your luck at fun carnival games!
Scenic Fall Foliage Train Rides
All aboard! If you want to take in the gorgeous sights of West Virginia by train, the Potomac Eagle Scenic Railroad is the ticket! You’ll board at the Romney Station and experience a three-hour excursion to a gorgeous and remote West Virginia canyon known as the Trough. From views of towering mountains to a rambling river, this train ride is only enhanced by the beauty of the autumn leaves. Watch for Bald Eagles soaring in the sky – many take up residence in the gorge. You’ll also enjoy a decadent first-class meal with dishes such as garlic shrimp and stuffed mushrooms.
Take a trip through time at the Cass Scenic Railroad State Park in Cass, a former logging town that’s maintained its early 20th-century aesthetic thanks to the train depot and restored cottages. Hop on one of the old-time locomotives for a 4.5-hour journey from historic downtown to the Bald Knob overlook, the third-highest point in the state. Along the way, you’ll wind through valleys, circle mountains and experience incredible panoramic views of Appalachia.
