Connect with us

West Virginia

2024's Towns In West Virginia That Come Alive In The Fall

Published

on

2024's Towns In  West Virginia That Come Alive In The Fall


As the days shorten and the air turns crisp, the wild and wonderful state of West Virginia transforms into a stunning mix of fiery reds, glowing golds, and vibrant oranges. From late September through October, the state fully embraces its nickname, “almost heaven,” with its stunning natural beauty on display. From the historic hilltop town of Harpers Ferry, nestled in the Appalachian Mountains painted in red and gold, to scenic Fayetteville, located along the New River, these towns offer unforgettable fall experiences.

Fall is the perfect season to explore the scenic byways in the Monongahela National Forest, take in panoramic views in Davis, and attend festive outdoor events in Elkins. Whether seeking outdoor adventure or a peaceful escape, these seven West Virginia towns come alive in fall, making them perfect destinations for leaf-peepers and nature lovers alike.

Fayetteville

The New River Gorge Bridge surrounded with fall foliage.

Fayetteville is a quintessential fall destination in West Virginia, with its peak foliage arriving in early October. Nestled in the Appalachian Mountains, this town boasts some of the most spectacular autumn scenery in the state, especially around the New River Gorge. The deep ravine and iconic New River Gorge Bridge are framed by an explosion of orange, red, and yellow leaves, offering some of the best views in the region.

For some of the best views, take a hike along Endless Wall Trail or Long Point Trail, both offering panoramic vistas in the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve. The third Saturday of October, the town hosts its famous wild and wonderful Bridge Day Festival, where thrill-seekers from around the world gather to BASE jump from the bridge. From watching the jumps to simply soaking in the autumn colors, Fayetteville offers an unforgettable outdoor experience in the heart of fall.

Advertisement

Davis

 Davis, West Virginia
Spectacular fall colors along the highway through the Blackwater Falls State Park near Davis, West Virginia.

Located along the Blackwater River in the highlands of West Virginia is Davis, where autumn’s brilliance reaches its peak in early October. Surrounded by the towering mountains of the Monongahela National Forest and located near Blackwater Falls State Park, Davis is a prime spot for fall foliage enthusiasts. The stunning views from Lindy Point Overlook showcase the region’s vibrant maples and oaks, while the gentle waterfalls reflect the colors of the season. For a leisurely drive, take the scenic Canaan Loop Road, which winds through the colorful forest and offers breathtaking vistas at nearly every turn.

The town also celebrates its vibrant natural surroundings with the Leaf Peepers Festival in late September, a lively event featuring local art, live music, and a community parade. In October, be sure to check out ARTober Fest for a look at the town’s local artworks when the foliage is on full display. Davis is a true autumn paradise, where the hills come alive in vibrant autumn hues.

Harpers Ferry

Harper's Ferry, West Virginia, in fall.
Harper’s Ferry, West Virginia, in fall.

Harpers Ferry, perched at the confluence of the Potomac River and Shenandoah River, is one of West Virginia’s most iconic fall destinations. With peak foliage arriving in mid-October, the town’s steep hills and river valleys become “almost heaven” as they burst into vibrant color. The surrounding Harpers Ferry National Historical Park offers hiking trails that wind through forests of golden oaks and crimson maples. The Appalachian Trail is a popular spot for hikers to witness stunning views of the town and rivers below, framed by the vivid hues of fall.

For those who prefer a more relaxed pace, a walk along the riverside lets you enjoy the reflection of autumn colors in the shimmering waters. Harpers Ferry also embraces the season with its Blue Ridge Arts and Crafts Festival, featuring live music, food trucks, and regional artwork, all against the backdrop of the town’s charming 19th-century streets.

Elkins

Tourist train in Elkins, West Virginia
Tourist train in Elkins, West Virginia. Editorial credit: Steve Heap / Shutterstock.com.

Elkins comes alive in fall from late September to early October, when its surrounding forests and rolling hills transform into a sea of autumnal hues. Located near the Monongahela National Forest, this town offers outdoor enthusiasts endless opportunities to experience fall’s beauty. Take a drive along the 43-mile Highland Scenic Highway, where golden leaves frame the road and sweeping mountain views await around every bend. For those who prefer to explore on foot or bike, the Allegheny Highlands Trail offers a peaceful route through the forest, with leaves crunching underfoot and wildlife often visible preparing for winter.

Elkins also hosts the annual Mountain State Forest Festival from the end of September through early October. One of the state’s largest outdoor events, the festival features parades, craft shows, and even lumberjack competitions. This vibrant celebration and the town’s natural beauty makes Elkins the perfect place to experience both the beauty and traditions of West Virginia in fall.

Marlinton

Fall scenery in Marlinton, West Virginia.
Fall scenery in Marlinton, West Virginia.

Marlinton, a picturesque town along the Greenbrier River, becomes a haven for fall lovers when its foliage peaks in early October. The surrounding countryside is dotted with vibrant maples, oaks, and poplars, creating a dazzling display of color. Outdoor enthusiasts will love the 78-mile Greenbrier River Trail, a long stretch perfect for biking, hiking, or simply strolling beneath a canopy of orange and yellow leaves. For a more remote experience, head to Watoga State Park, the largest state park in West Virginia. Hike the Honey Bee Trail for a quiet forest walk illuminated by the warm autumn light.

The town’s Autumn Harvest Festival is a highlight of the season, featuring outdoor markets, live music, and hands-on activities for visitors of all ages. Marlinton’s mix of natural beauty and festive spirit makes it an ideal spot to enjoy the best of West Virginia’s fall season.

Berkeley Springs

Downtown Berkeley Springs, West Virginia.
Downtown Berkeley Springs, West Virginia. Editorial credit: Alejandro Guzmani / Shutterstock.com.

The scenic town of Berkeley Springs reaches its fall foliage peak in mid-October. Located near Cacapon State Park, this area is known for its rolling hills, making it an excellent spot for leaf-peeping. The park’s Ziler Trail offers a moderate hike through a vibrant forest, while the climb to Prospect Peak rewards visitors with sweeping views of the valley below, where the fall foliage stretches aside the Potomac River.

For those seeking a cultural Appalachian experience, the Apple Butter Festival is a fall tradition, held every October in Berkeley Springs. Visitors can sample freshly made apple butter, explore outdoor markets, and enjoy live music, all while surrounded by the golden hues of fall. Whether hiking, sampling local treats, or simply taking in the views, Berkeley Springs offers a perfect autumn escape.

Advertisement

Lewisburg

Historic Lewisburg, WV along US Route 60
Historic Lewisburg, West Virginia, along US Route 60.

Lewisburg is a beautiful town in West Virginia’s Greenbrier Valley that truly comes alive in autumn. Peak fall colors arrive from late September to early October, the town’s beauty is “almost heaven” with the surrounding hills bursting into shades of orange and yellow. The Midland Trail offers a scenic drive through the countryside, where mountain views and colorful forests create a picturesque backdrop. For outdoor enthusiasts, the nearby Greenbrier River Trail offers a tranquil setting for hiking or biking alongside the river’s sparkling waters, framed by fall foliage.

Lewisburg also celebrates the season with its annual Harvest Festival at Hawk Knob, where visitors can enjoy outdoor concerts and BBQ in the fresh autumn air. With its blend of small-town charm and stunning natural beauty, Lewisburg is one of the best towns to experience the magic of fall in West Virginia.

Discover West Virginia’s Fall Colors

With its fiery reds and amber hues along the Appalachian Mountains, these small towns in West Virginia truly become “almost heaven” in the fall. Whether hiking beneath a canopy of colorful leaves in Davis, exploring scenic drives in Lewisburg, or joining a lively harvest festival in Marlinton, each town brings the season to life in its own unique way. Autumn in West Virginia is a time of celebration, natural beauty, and crisp outdoor adventures. Lace up those hiking boots and capture the breathtaking fall foliage in these wild and wonderful small towns.



Source link

Advertisement

West Virginia

Logan, Catholic, Huntington and GW win team titles at State Tennis

Published

on

Logan, Catholic, Huntington and GW win team titles at State Tennis


-We are the champions.

Laying claim to titles at the annual West Virginia High School Tennis State Tournament on Friday were Charleston Catholic’s boys and Logan’s girls in Division II while GW’s boys and Huntington’s girls finished at the top in Division II.

For the Catholic boys, who defeated Williamstown, it was the 14th under the guidance of David Sadd.

Logan’s girls made history with their first-ever state team championship in tennis.

Advertisement

-Meanwhile, the Marshall women’s softball team fell to Arizona, 7-5, in its opening round game of the NCAA Tournament. Morgan Zerkle’s Herd hit four home runs in the game.

-The University of Charleston women’s softball team was within a win of claiming the NCAA Division II Atlantic Regional I Tournament in Shippensburg.

Comment with Bubbles

BE THE FIRST TO COMMENT

-In college baseball, both WVU and Marshall lost the second game of their three-game series with TCU and Texas State, respectively.

Advertisement



Source link

Continue Reading

West Virginia

WVWC hosts 50th West Virginia State Mathematics Field Day

Published

on

WVWC hosts 50th West Virginia State Mathematics Field Day


BUCKHANNON, W.Va. — The 50th Annual West Virginia State Mathematics Field Day was held on April 17-18, 2026, hosted by West Virginia Wesleyan College in Buckhannon, West Virginia. Operated and organized by the West Virginia State Math Field Day Organization (WVSMFDO), the event was sponsored in part by the West Virginia Council of Teachers of Mathematics, the NASA West Virginia Space Grant Consortium and Hope Gas Community Grant.

West Virginia Wesleyan College mathematics faculty prepared all Grades 10-12 activities and scored two events. They also hosted an optional Friday evening activity for participants and families.

The event was for West Virginia students in 4th through 12th grades. Each of eight regions may send three students to represent their region in 4th through 9th grade levels and ten students to represent their region in the 10th through 12th grade competition. One hundred forty-two students from grades 4-9 and 79 students from grades 10-12 participated in the event.

The annual awards ceremony took place April 18 in the Wesley Chapel with more than 500 in attendance, including students, family members, West Virginia math teachers and Wesleyan math faculty and students.

Advertisement

From its origin in Braxton County in 1972, this West Virginia home-grown, all-volunteer competition has evolved and strives to afford students from public, private, parochial and charter schools in West Virginia an opportunity to participate in some manner. If counties choose to participate, their students engage at the school, county and regional levels, prior to the state level. Winners at each level progress to the next higher level. Winners at each level are chosen using activities which best serve that county or regional level of competition. A guidebook is provided for activities which are used at the state level.

West Virginia State Mathematics Field Day was established to promote increased student participation in classroom and extracurricular mathematics. These events stimulate greater interest for mathematics, recognize students who excel in mathematics and provide the opportunity for interaction between peers with common interests and abilities.

The inspiration for the development of the West Virginia State Mathematics Field Day is credited to a presentation, “The Laboratory Approach to Mathematics,” given by Dr. Kenneth P. Kidd from the University of Florida at the 1971 Annual Meeting of the West Virginia Council of Teachers of Mathematics. Jerry L. Jackson, Mathematics Director for Braxton County Schools, acting on Kidd’s comments that mathematics is truly an exciting and fun subject to study, organized a mathematics field day for the students of Braxton County in the spring of 1972.

After many visits with superintendents and other curriculum representatives in several central West Virginia counties, the first regional mathematics field day was held on May 25, 1973, in a National Guard armory. Students from Braxton County, Gilmer County, Harrison County Catholic Schools, Mineral County, Nicholas County, Raleigh County, Tucker County and Webster County participated.

The first West Virginia State Math Field Day for grades 4-9 was held on May 16, 1975, in conjunction with the West Virginia Council of Teachers of Mathematics Annual Meeting at Potomac State College. Events have been held each year since 1975 with the exception of 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID pandemic.

Advertisement

The past competitions rotated between various West Virginia Institutions of Higher Education. On the 50th anniversary, these institutions are to be recognized for their support, use of facilities, hospitality and donation of time spent creating tests for the Grade 10-12 competition. They are listed in order from highest frequency, as follows: West Virginia University, Concord University, West Virginia State University, Marshall University, West Virginia Wesleyan College, Shepherd University, Fairmont State University, West Liberty University, Bethany College, Davis & Elkins College, Glenville State University and Potomac State College.

Several of the current WVSMFDO members/organizers were participants in Math Field Day events at either the school, county, regional or state levels when they were in grades 4-12.

Counties are organized into regions for the competition as shown below.

  • Region 1: Raleigh, Summers, Monroe, Mercer, McDowell, Wyoming.
  • Region 2: Mason, Cabell, Wayne, Lincoln, Logan, Mingo.
  • Region 3: Putnam, Kanawha, Clay, Boone.
  • Region 4: Braxton, Webster, Pocahontas, Nicholas, Fayette, Greenbrier.
  • Region 5: Tyler, Pleasants, Wood, Ritchie, Wirt, Calhoun, Jackson, Roane.
  • Region 6: Hancock, Brooke, Ohio, Marshall, Wetzel.
  • Region 7: Monongalia, Marion, Preston, Harrison, Taylor, Tucker, Barbour, Doddridge, Lewis, Gilmer, Upshur, Randolph.
  • Region 8: Pendleton, Grant, Hardy, Mineral, Hampshire, Morgan, Berkeley, Jefferson.

“All the activities have been selected according to the basic philosophy that mathematics is truly an exciting and challenging field of study,” according to Rowanne Shockey, WVSMFDO president. The State Mathematics Field Day event includes activities and games for grades 4-9 which are challenging and fun. The events in grades 4-9 include a written test, mental math activities, relays and estimation activities, which are both computational and physical in nature.

The activities for the students in grades 10-12 are patterned after those used in The American Regions Mathematics League (ARML) which is a follow-up competition for grades 10-12. The individual events are an exam and short answer questions. In addition, each regional team competes in relays, a team power question and team questions to choose an overall region winner.

The West Virginia State Math Field Day competition is the official method to select the WV team competing in ARML. The WV team will attend ARML at Penn State University in May. The WV team will be comprised of the top 18 Grades 10-12 winners and the top two Grade 9 winners.

Advertisement

West Virginia University professors and ARML Coach Doug Squire meet with the WV team prior to ARML for a two-day tutoring/strategy session. Clark Metz and Cody Hood are assistant ARML Coaches. Other WVU Faculty who will be donating their time to work with the West Virginia team are as follows: Krista Bresock, Ryan Hansen, Gabe Tapia, Charis Tsikkou and student Presley Lucas.

The 2026 Grades 4-9 first through fifth place winners and Gamemaster winners were as follows:

Grade 4: 1) Blake Fuller — 8, 2) Toby Nguyen — 7, 3) Xinhe Xu — 7, 4) Nolan Shanholtzer — 2, 5) Elijah McClain — 1,

Gamemaster — Nolan Shanholtzer — 2

Grade 5: 1) Emma Lu — 7, 2) Xin Zhao — 6, 3) Rodger Lin — 3, 4) Eric Dai — 7, 5) Anir Nafai — 8, Gamemaster — Parker Allan Stone — 2

Grade 6: 1) Dan Nguyen — 7, 2) Xuanchen Ren — 1, 3) Pierino Silveri — 7, 4) Vedhik Venkatesh — 7, 5) Maddox Yohler — 8, Gamemaster — Xuanchen Ren — 1

Grade 7: 1) Luke Wan — 7, 2) Oscar Tortorelli — 2, 3) Xinxi Xu — 7, 4) Leon Vorst — 7, Gamemaster — Tobin McGuire — 6

Advertisement

Grade 8: 1) Nirav Nimbarte — 7, 2) Anna Song — 7, 3) Ethan Kim — 1, 4) Will Fullen — 7, 5) Coltyn Cantrell — 2, Gamemaster — Riya Sharma — 2

Grade 9: 1) Hope Wu — 3, 2) Goria Hu — 7, 3) Vibhuman Haricharan — 3, 4) Leo Grammer — 7, 5) Isabell Kim Tabone — 7, Gamemaster — Connor Stump — 1

Grades 4-9 Estimation Winner — Nolan Shanholtzer Grade 4 — Region 2

Team Winner Grades 4-9 — Region 7 Team members were Grade 4: Toby Nguyen, Teodor Prisneac, Xinhe Xu; Grade 5: Eric Dai, Emma Lu, Grady Thomas Walsh; Grade 6: Dan Nguyen, Pierino Silveri, Vedhik Venkatesh; Grade 7: Leon Vorst, Luke Wan, Xinxi Xu; Grade 8: Will Fullen, Nirav Nimbarte, Anna Song; Grade 9: Leo Grammer, Gloria Hu, Isabell Kim Tabone.

The first-place individual winner in Grades 10-12 was Leroy Song from Region 7. The first-place winner is awarded the Carl Cummings Memorial Trophy. It is a perpetual trophy and will be displayed at Leroy’s school for one year.

The Most Beneficial Team Member in Grades 10-12 was Wade Garber from Region 4. Wade was honored based upon a score calculated through a mathematical formula which incorporates regional placement, individual scores and team scores from both the regional and state level competitions.

Advertisement

In Grades 10-12, the top 30 winners in Grades 10-12 were recognized. Names and region numbers follow. 1) Leroy Song — 7, 2) Alexei Zhao — 6, 3) Caden Yao — 7, 4) Sanketh Guppi — 7, 5) Wade Garber — 4, 6) Ian Boord — 7, 7) Luke Hill — 3, 8) Jaxon Milam — 6, 9) Noah Ramey — 2, 10) Patrick Bragg — 5, 11) Sean Viteri — 8, 12) Wyatt Jordan — 2, 13) Mark Wang — 7, 14) Isaac Lanigan — 6, 15) Jaxson Davis — 3, 16) Zimeng Ren — 1, 17) Wade Lane — 7, 18) Kevin Dong — 7, 19) William J. Northey — 7, 20) Cadmon Kesecker — 8, 21) Conner Ray — 6, 22) Andrew Viteri — 8, 23) Thomas Farrell — 2, 24) Bradyn Woodard — 5, 25) Patrick Robinson — 1, 26) Isaiah Vellaithambi — 3, 27) Connor Westfall — 3, 28) Sophie Cunningham — 6, 29) Blake Jones — 5, 30) Bhavya Patel — 4

Team Winner Grades 10-12 — Region 7 Team members were Ian Boord, Kevin Dong, Sanketh Guppi, Wade Lane, Nathaniel Linger, William J. Northey, Leroy Song, Mark Wang, Angela Yao and Caden Yao.

West Virginia Wesleyan College Math Faculty site coordinator was Pam Wovchko. West Virginia Wesleyan Math Faculty who wrote and graded tests were John Epler, Jesse Oldroyd, Pam Wovchko. The West Virginia Wesleyan Math Field Day Planning Committee was John Epler, Jesse Oldroyd, Ed Wovchko, Pam Wovchko. Additional West Virginia Wesleyan faculty members who assisted were Kelsey Aldrich and Don Tobin.

West Virginia Wesleyan students assisting were Marimo Akita, Sydnee Clark, Kenzie Clutter, Arianna Crowley, Keirston Daley, Mostafa Darwish, Addie Davis, Dane Heath, Macy Helmick, Taylor Hess, Kiylei Holloway, Ignatius Jewell, Sante Klosterman, Mackenzie McNeil, Jannah Miller, Nasif Mohammed, Kiran Nandigama, Lanna Nguyen, Jose III Olaco, McKenzie Reynolds, Autumn Russell, Omar Sadek, Lis Shala, Katelyn Shaw, Chris Schimmel, Sophie Shoemaker, Madison Stokes, Sneha Sundaraneedi, Kaylie Toler, Alyson Vandall and Makenzie Williams.



Source link

Continue Reading

West Virginia

Teamsters say no talks scheduled with The Beverage Market – WV MetroNews

Published

on

Teamsters say no talks scheduled with The Beverage Market – WV MetroNews


CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Drivers who deliver Coors, Miller, and Modello beer to stores and bars across 30 West Virginia counties remain on the picket line in a labor dispute with distributor The Beverage Market.

Members of Teamsters Local 175 went on strike this week only days after rejecting the latest contract offer from the company.

“We’ve reached out to to try and get dates to resume negotiations multiple times, but the company has not responded and continues to refuse to provide dates to sit down again,” said Teamsters Local 175 Secretary/Treasurer Luke Farley.

Members are bothered by many of the concessions they say the company has demanded in their contract talks. There would be steep increases in the cost of health insurance, and steep reductions in retirement contributions and benefits. However, Farley said it doesn’t end there.

Advertisement

“Those are two very big ones, but they’re not the only ones. They want certain categories of employees to actually go back in pay in addition to what they’d have to pay in increased costs for health insurance. It’s also on working conditions and things these employees have fought for 20 years or more to put in the contract and the company wants to do away with all of them,” he explained.

MetroNews reached out to officials with The Beverage Market and were provided the following statement:

“We value our employees and respect their right to organize and engage in collective bargaining. While we are disappointed that an agreement has not yet been reached, we remain committed to negotiating in good faith and finding a fair resolution that supports both our workforce and the long-term growth of our company.

During negotiations, the Teamsters Local 175 union has demanded the company to present a “last and best” offer. Because we believe there is still an opportunity to work together toward a mutually beneficial agreement, we have chosen not to take that step and instead remain committed to continued dialogue.

Our focus remains on continuing operations and serving our customers across West Virginia while working toward a resolution that is fair, responsible, and sustainable. We recognize the challenges this situation presents for everyone involved and are committed to moving forward thoughtfully and collaboratively. We remain hopeful that, through continued good-faith efforts on all sides, a positive path forward will be achieved.”

Advertisement

“They put out news clippings that they are committed to negotiating, but they only seem to tell the press that and not the union,” Farley said.

The workers are picketing outside the company’s operations in Sissonville and also handed out informational materials at the annual Foam at the Dome event in Charleston.



Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading
Advertisement

Trending