When you think of Morgantown, West Virginia, scenes of touchdowns and tailgates are likely what immediately come to mind. But we just returned from our first trip back since visiting friends in college, and as nature lovers, we were pleasantly surprised to discover that beyond the extracurriculars that this Mountain State college town is famous for, the region is also a haven for those seeking an outdoor adventure-packed escape.
Known as Mountaineer Country, the area surrounding Morgantown, West Virginia, is one of the best places to experience the changing autumn leaves. The trees are varied, the colors are vibrant, and the region is wildly underrated when compared to other fall destinations in the Eastern United States, meaning that you won’t have to fight massive crowds as you embark on your leaf peeping adventures.
Beyond chasing fall colors, Mountaineer Country is home to spectacular views, seemingly endless parks and trails, dark skies for stargazing, and easy access to some of the region’s most popular hikes. So if you find yourself in search of the perfect Mid-Atlantic mountain getaway this fall, look no further. This scenic region checks all of the boxes.
We’re so excited to share all of our recommendations on where to eat, stay, and play near Morgantown in hopes that they will help you to plan an adventurous and outdoorsy fall getaway and have as much fun on your visit as we did.
Getting To and Around Mountaineer Country
Situated in Northern Central West Virginia, Mountaineer Country is located just over an hour from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and just under 3.5 hours from both Washington, DC, and Cleveland, Ohio. It’s also within a few more hours of countless other Mid-Atlantic and Midwest cities, making it the perfect region for a weekend road trip and an easy escape into the outdoors.
If you prefer flying, Pittsburgh International (PIT) is the closest international airport, and Morgantown Municipal Airport (MGW) offers connecting flights to Dulles International Airport (IAD) and Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD).
Regardless of how you get yourself to town, you’ll want to have access to a car to travel to and between all of the parks and trails recommended below. That said, Morgantown itself is super walkable, and public transportation is also available downtown and throughout Monongalia County.
Where to Stay in Mountaineer Country
When it comes to choosing accommodations for your trip, it’s important to note that there is no shortage of short-term rental options available throughout the region. These range from historic hotel rooms to cozy cabins in the woods, and all have different price points. We choose to spend a few nights in Morgantown proper and a few nights in nearby Coopers Rock State Forest. We found that splitting our time in this way provided the perfect mix of city-centered culture, food, and energy, and nature-based peace and relaxation… and close proximity to some pretty epic hiking trails.
Morgantown Marriott at Waterfront Place
We really enjoyed our stay at the Morgantown Marriott at Waterfront Place. The hotel is home to a vibey lobby bar and steakhouse, full-service Starbucks, indoor pool, hot tub, fitness center, and both a parking lot and a covered parking garage. It’s also centrally located in Morgantown’s Wharf District overlooking the Monongahela River. Our room was spacious, comfortable, overlooked the river, and we found it to be the perfect home base for our time in Morgantown.
It’s steps from the Mon River Rail-Trail that’s lined with public art and connects to a string of restaurants (and Mountain State Brewery) with just a quick walk or bike ride. It’s also walking distance from the plethora of restaurants and bars downtown. We loved the local craft beer selection at Apothecary Ale House, Yama‘s casual and authentic Japanese options, and bopping around to all of the city’s galleries and street-side exhibitions/vendors during First Friday for the Arts.
Coopers Rock Stargazing Cabins
After leaving Morgantown, we checked into one of Coopers Rock State Forest’s brand-new Stargazing Cabins. We saw photos online prior to checking in, but we were nevertheless blown away upon walking through the doorway and seeing the natural light pour through the floor-to-ceiling windows that overlooked the forest and the Celestron telescope perched up on the loft.
The park is home to five of these 800-square-foot A-frames (with more opening in 2026), and each one has two bedrooms and sleeps four. They’re fully furnished, feature a skylight for stargazing as well as an indoor wood-burning fireplace– which is just the cozy cherry on top of an already insanely unique accommodation.
Each cabin also comes with a deck, picnic table, and outdoor fire pit, bathroom with fluffy towels, a fully-equipped kitchen, WiFi + a smart TV, and really just everything you need for a peaceful escape in nature. Our stay was 10/10. No notes.
Where to Explore in/around Morgantown, WV
Now that the logistics are in order, let’s dive into all of the parks, trails, and adventures that deserve a spot on your Mountaineer Country bucket list! Because with miles upon miles of trails to hike, bike, climb, fish, and paddle, there are a lot of them!
In true Seth and Aleah fashion, we tried to pack as many opportunities for outdoor recreation as humanly possible into our time in town. We’ve rounded up some of our favorites below, paired them with our recommendations for where to eat/drink afterwards, and ordered them by their distance from Morgantown.
Monongahela River + Rail Trail
The Monongahela (Mon) River flows 130 miles through West Virginia and Pennsylvania. It offers opportunities to fish, kayak, and boat, and is bordered by the Mon River Rail-Trail, which is a system of walking/biking trails. (Trail map here).
Lining the Caperton Trail section of the 48-mile Mon River Rail-Trail, you’ll also find the WVU Core Arboretum. It is free to visit, open to the public, and features about three miles of walking trails, many of which are named after influential botanists.
When we heard that we could get out on the water on something called a hydrobike, a contraption that would allow us to glide across the river’s surface in bike form, we had to give it a whirl. We rode our bikes from the Wharf District to Jazzy’s Sweet Spot & Hydrobikes in Star City and launched from the floating dock just below their shop. This was the first time we had ever experienced “riding” on the water like this, and it felt like a mix of pedaling a stationary bike (but easier) and stand-up paddleboarding (but more stable). Regardless, it was a fun, affordable, and quirky way to spend a beautiful, early-fall afternoon, and we’d do it again!
Jazzy’s is open daily from noon until dusk, and while walk-ins are welcome, it’s best to call ahead to ensure bikes are available. Rentals range from 30 minutes to 1 hour and cost $12 and $20, respectively. This local business also offers decked-out specialty milkshakes and shave ice, as well as hot dogs that you can dress with every topping imaginable. We tried all three, and couldn’t recommend the whole trifecta more after some time out on the water.
In terms of riverfront dining and drinking options, we also recommend Mountain State Brewing Company for craft beer and wood-fired pizza, as well as Table 9 for upscale farm-to-fork dishes made with fresh local ingredients from local farmers.
WV Botanic Gardens
With beautiful laurel-lined trails, boardwalks, bridges, and art installations, a stroll through the West Virginia Botanic Garden feels like stepping into an enchanted forest fairytale. There’s even a designated area for fairy house building! Beyond its curated gardens, the property is home to several different habitats, including wetlands, meadows, and a virgin hemlock forest, and it’s easy to spend a few hours here wandering the trails.
Dorsey’s Knob
If you’re looking for the best sunset spot in Morgantown, look no further than Dorsey’s Knob. The 71-acre park’s Sky Rock provides a scenic view of the Monongahela River from 600 feet above, and there is also an 18-hole disc golf course, so don’t forget to pack your frisbee!
If you want a sweet (or savory) treat before or after sunset, stop by Pop The Soda Shop. This local woman-owned small business serves up fully customizable dirty sodas (with an insanely extensive menu/endless options for combinations) as well as some delicious kolaches. Ice cream, shakes, floats, and bakery items are also on the menu.
Cheat Lake
Cheat Lake is a beautiful 13-mile waterway that provides opportunities for boats/SUPs/canoes/kayaks, fishing, and a walking path for scenic strolls. Before taking a walk on the lake’s 4.5-mile ADA-accessible trail, we recommend stopping by Almost Heaven Deserts and grabbing a coffee and some pastries for the road. You’ll find a viewing area at the southern tip of the lake and a fishing platform at the northern tip.
We parked above the fishing pier and got some steps in with our coffees in hand and enjoyed a mild walk along the wildflower-lined path. The leaves were still mostly green during our visit, but we imagined what stunning views we’d take in when coming back in the future during peak fall foliage (with our paddle boards)!
If you’re looking for somewhere to grab lunch, brunch, or dinner nearby, we couldn’t recommend Docside Grill more. It’s right on the lake, has great nightly specials ($0.50 wings on Thursdays, anyone?), and delicious entrees. Seth ordered The Cheat Monster (with Angus beef, sliced smoked brisket, and bacon) and swore it was the best burger he’s ever had.
Coopers Rock State Forest
This State Forest is one of the many gems of Mountaineer Country and certainly proved to be a highlight of our trip. It offers 21 different trails that cover about 50 miles and provide opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, cross-country skiing, sandstone cliffs for rock climbing, streams for fishing, pavilions and day use areas, and campgrounds with both traditional campsites and those outfitted for recreational vehicles.
We loved hiking Raven Rock for sunset, watching the sunrise from the park’s namesake overlook, and hiking through the towering rock maze that is Rock City Trail.
Prickett’s Fort State Park
Located just outside of Fairmont in Marion County, this living history park provides a glimpse into the late 1700s and what life looked like on the Virginia frontier at that time. Prickett’s Fort served as a refuge for 80 families during times of conflict and while the log fort is a recreation of the original, you’ll still feel like you’re stepping into the past as you pass through the fort’s towering wooden doors and interact with the interpreters dressed in period costume as they demonstrate traditional colonial crafts.
The fort is open seasonally (mid-April through October), and while entrance to the park itself is free, you must pay an admission fee to enter and explore the fort.
While you’re in the Fairmont area or en route to Valley Falls State Park, we recommend swinging by The Joe to caffeinate and refuel, then visiting LovingWV to shop local.
Valley Falls State Park
This unmissable state park is small, but mighty. Home to a series of waterfalls that cascade down the Tygart Valley River, this park’s striking beauty can be witnessed just a stone’s throw from the parking lot. And as beautiful as the area is, it’s also historic. The area was once home to a lumber mill, and then a grist mill community where, today, you’ll still find remnants of said 1840s gristmill along the falls.
If you’re up for a bit of a drive afterwards, stop by the Philipi Covered Bridge. It’s the state’s oldest covered bridge, spans the Tygart River, and is definitely worth checking out!
Cranesville Swamp Preserve
Formed by the natural phenomenon known as a frost pocket, Cranesville Swamp is one of the chilliest and soggiest (not a real word, we know) places in the state. It’s home to carnivorous plants, rare habitat, and a diverse range of birds and other wildlife. There are a few trails that lead to the swamp’s 1,500ft. boardwalk, but we recommend taking the Blue Trail as it’s lined with interpretive signs that allow you to gain more knowledge of the area’s natural history as you go.
Afterwards, head to High Grounds Brewing in Terra Alta, WV. This veteran-owned brewery hosts live music and food trucks on the weekends and has a really solid beer selection. They also have some snacks available and allow deliveries from local businesses.
Cathedral State Park
Located in Aurora, West Virginia, this state park is a bit off the beaten path, but well worth the visit. It’s home to the state’s largest stand of virgin hemlock trees, and the individuals residing in the park have an average age of 300 years! These trees blew us away with their size alone, and we enjoyed strolling the mossy, fern-covered trails as the hemlocks towered over us.
There are several trails to choose from that can be accessed from the parking lot, including one of WV’s Mountaineer Mile Trails, but we recommend connecting the Cathedral Trail to the Giant Hemlock Trail for an easy, but breathtakingly beautiful walk in the woods. If you’re coming from DC, this makes for a fantastic last stop on your drive home.
It is important to note that many of these places are remote, wild, and fragile. When exploring, please be respectful of the land, wildlife, and local residents. Always practice Leave No Trace when exploring the outdoors by packing out everything you bring in (including organics like apple peels and orange cores), staying on trail, leaving plants undisturbed, and giving wildlife plenty of space. Together, we can keep West Virginia’s beautiful landscapes and diverse ecosystems thriving for generations to come. If you’re looking to learn more about LNT Practices, this LNT 101 Course is a great place to start!
That said, we hope that this guide helps you plan your next visit to Mountaineer Country! If you’re local or already familiar with the area, please let us know what we missed! We’ve been sleeping on this area for far too long, and we’re already ready to start building our itinerary for our next visit!
