There are some experiences you simply can’t have anywhere else. Home to rare mountain bogs, historic steam-powered trains, and some of the region’s darkest skies, Pocahontas County, West Virginia, is full of unique adventures that are perfect for fall family getaways.
Explore Mountain Bogs
Located within the Monongahela National Forest, the Cranberry Glades Botanical Area is unlike any other landscape in West Virginia. This rare, 750-acre ecosystem of cool, misty bogs resembles the wetlands of Canada’s northern tundra and supports more than 60 plant species typically found much farther north.
Explore this remarkable ecosystem in all its fall glory on the Cranberry Glades Boardwalk, a half-mile, accessible trail that’s open year-round for self-guided visits and scheduled guided tours.
Ride a Historic Steam-Powered Train
Step aboard an authentic steam-driven locomotive at Cass Scenic Railroad State Park and watch the autumn colors roll by as you experience a living piece of West Virginia history. Home to the last and largest remaining Shay locomotive ever built, Cass preserves the legacy of the logging industry that once powered this community.
Three scenic excursions depart from the Cass Depot, climbing steep grades and winding through switchbacks along the original logging railroad. Extend your time in town with an overnight stay in a restored company house.
Learn About the Universe
Experience an adventure that’s truly out of this world at the Green Bank Observatory, located within the National Radio Quiet Zone. It’s home to the Robert C. Byrd Green Bank Telescope (GBT), the world’s largest fully steerable radio telescope. Visit the Green Bank Science Center to take a guided or self-guided tour of the site, browse interactive exhibits, and learn how radio astronomy is shaping scientific discovery.
Stargaze Beneath Some of the Region’s Darkest Skies
With its high elevation and remote mountain setting, Pocahontas County offers some of the best stargazing on the East Coast. The area is home to three designated International Dark Sky Parks — Watoga State Park, Droop Mountain Battlefield State Park, and Calvin Price State Forest — where minimal light pollution creates spectacular nighttime views.
Watch the stars reflect across Watoga Lake, climb the Droop Mountain lookout tower for panoramic views above Hillsboro, or enjoy the peaceful solitude of Calvin Price State Forest beneath a sky filled with stars.
Drive the Highland Scenic Highway
Leaf peeping is even more memorable from the road. Cruise the 43-mile Highland Scenic Highway as it winds through the Allegheny Highlands, climbing from 2,325 feet to more than 4,500 feet. Scenic overlooks along the route offer wide-open views of colorful valleys and mountain peaks.
Plan Your Trip
Request a free Adventure Guide to discover more fall activities and start planning your family getaway to Pocahontas County.
Feature image courtesy Pocahontas County, WV
This is a sponsored post. If you are interested in advertising with Northern Virginia Magazine, click here.
