October in Upshur County isn’t just beautiful — it’s unforgettable. In the heart of West Virginia, this vibrant mountain community transforms into a fall playground filled with scenic views, quirky events, and adrenaline‑pumping attractions. Whether you’re chasing foliage, festivals, or spooky‑season energy, Upshur County delivers a fall experience that’s anything but ordinary.
Start your adventure with a scenic drive through French Creek to the West Virginia Wildlife Center, where native species roam across expansive habitats surrounded by autumn color. It’s one of the state’s most unique wildlife experiences — and the perfect way to kick off a fall weekend.
Continue your outdoor exploration at Audra State Park, home to the iconic boardwalk trail that winds along the Middle Fork River. With golden leaves overhead and rushing water below, Audra offers one of the most photogenic fall moments in West Virginia.
Back in Buckhannon, Main Street transforms into a postcard of small‑town autumn charm. Local shops decorate their windows, restaurants serve seasonal favorites, and the community gathers for a lineup of fall events — including MoonFlower’s Annual Harvest Block Party, a celebration featuring food trucks, local vendors, live music, a chili cook‑off, store‑wide specials, and activities throughout the day. It’s warm, welcoming, and wonderfully local — the perfect contrast to the thrilling chaos that comes next.
Just outside town, Maniac Mountain unleashes two of the region’s biggest fall attractions: North Central West Virginia’s largest corn maze. It’s open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. for a family‑friendly stroll before transforming after dark into one of the site’s three haunted experiences. Across acres of twisting paths and towering stalks, the maze delivers daytime fun and nighttime frights as part of Maniac Mountain’s trio of attractions — the Haunted Corn Maze, the high‑intensity Death Metal junkyard‑style haunt, and the full‑scale Haunted House. Together, these three experiences draw thrill seekers from across the state and create one of West Virginia’s most electrifying spooky‑season destinations.
Then there’s BOOOOCKHANNON, one of the most unique fall celebrations in West Virginia. Start with the community‑built Zombie Walk, then head to the Colonial Arts Center for a Halloween exhibit and a special screening of Night of the Living Dead. After the film, the celebration continues with an after‑party at Jimbo’s Place, keeping the spooky spirit alive well into the night. Throughout October, the Colonial also hosts a performance of Murder on the Orient Express, adding even more theatrical flair to the season’s festivities.
After a full day of fall color and chaos, Upshur County offers comfortable, convenient lodging options to help you unwind. Stay close to the action at the Bicentennial Inn, a locally owned favorite known for its welcoming atmosphere, spacious rooms, and true small‑town hospitality. With its central location and easy access to Buckhannon’s fall events, the Bicentennial Inn provides the perfect home base for your getaway and a cozy place to relax before another day of adventure.
For a completely different kind of evening, head underground — literally — to the Lascaux Micro Theatre, an intimate venue showcasing international and independent cinema. Its cozy, atmospheric setting makes it one of the region’s most unexpected cultural gems and the perfect way to round out a weekend of fall color and chaos.
Feature image courtesy Upshur County Convention & Visitors Bureau
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