The fall season sure is somethin’ else in West Virginia. Cool, crisp weather, pumpkin patches and corn mazes, not to mention the beauty that becomes Marion County when the leaves turn to golden yellows, oranges and reds.
Whether you’re a nature-lovin’ photographer or someone who can’t wait for the “ber” months each year, we have the guide for you!
Pricketts Fort State Park
The historically-rich state park, located five miles north of Fairmont, is a sight to behold during the fall season. Immerse yourself in local history by taking a tour of the 18th century fort while surrounded by autumnal colors and rushing waters from Pricketts Creek and the Monongahela River.
Experience West Virginia’s vibrant colors with a stroll along Pricketts Fort Nature Trail (0.25 miles) or take a longer walk on the scenic Marion County Trail (3 miles).
Picnic areas, clean restrooms, and a visitor center are available.
Nestled along the banks of the Tygart Valley River, Valley Falls State Park’s cascading waterfalls and wooded trails offer the perfect atmosphere for a seasonal hike or a cozy picnic.
The waterfalls may be the focal point but the wooded areas make a spectacular color show in autumn.
Tucked away in the outskirts of Mannington, Curtisville Lake spans about 30 tranquil acres nestled within approximately 695 acres of forested parkland. As autumn deepens, the surrounding hills transform into a panorama of color — making the lake a leaf peepers dream for autumnalphotos and peacefulstrolls.
Camp under the stars for a crisp, cool night at Curtisville Campground equipped with five RV sites and six primitive sites available on a first come, first served basis.
Bathrooms and a water pump are available.
Dents Run Wildlife Management Area
With 1,387 acres of rolling hills and wooded areas, you’ll feel embraced by seasonal colors. With thick vegetation throughout the area, leaf peepers will find Dents Run to be an autumnal haven. There is no bad spot in the area to become fully immersed in color. The area is home to native West Virginia wildlife, so photographers may snap a shot of critters with a beautiful backdrop.
Because Dents Run is a wildlife management area with access to public hunting areas, folks should abide by all DNR rules and regulations and wear orange during leaf peeping season.
Scenic Drives
Birdeye Bend (Morgantown to Fairmont)
Birdeye Bend is 173.4 miles of roads stretched throughout North Central West Virginia. The backroad route starts on Route 7 in Morgantown with part of the loop going through Marion County:
Cruise the roads of Fairmont → Monongah → Worthington → Farmington before heading out to Harrison County.
Put on your favorite fall playlist and drive our county’s winding roads.
Mannington → Curtisville Lake
The drive from Mannington to Curtisville Lake is a n autumnal hidden gem. It’s only a 15-minute drive, but with all the winding roads and colorful fall scenery, it feels like a little scenic adventure.
From Mannington:
Stay on Buffalo Street for roughly 6 miles
Turn left onto Curtisville Pike
Stay on Curtisville Pike for 2 miles
Curtisville Lake will be on the left
WV 310 Fairmont → Tygart Lake State Park
This 40 to 45 minute drive offers spectacular views of West Virginia’s changing color scheme with the destination being golden Tygart Lake. The state park offers camping, boating/kayaking and six hiking trails for you to fully embrace the season.
From I-79:
Take Exit 137
Head southwest toward WV-310 S/E Grafton Rd
Continue on WV-310 S to Grafton for roughly 17 miles
Turn left onto WV-310 S / East Grafton Road → Continue following WV-310 South for 13.7 miles Turn left onto W Main Street / Northwestern Turnpike (US-50) → Continue on US-50 for 1.1 miles
Turn right onto Market Street (short distance — 46 feet) Turn left onto Upper Wilford Street → Drive for 0.2 miles Slight left onto West Wilford Street → Continue for 0.2 miles Turn right onto Luzadder Street → Continue for 0.1 miles Turn left onto East Main Street (just 223 feet) Turn right onto Barrett Street
Continue straight, following local signage to the park Arrive at the Tygart Lake State Park entrance at 1240 Paul E. Malone Rd
Scenic Put-In (Kayak) Locations
Want to get a sweeping view of what Marion County has to offer in the fall?
Kayaking puts you right in the heart of all the magical autumnal colors.
Palatine Park – 📍 Everest Drive, Fairmont
Water Access – Monongahela River
Features: ADA Ramp and event location
Rivesville – 📍 Near Rivesville Town Hall (142 Main Street)
Water Access – Paw Paw Creek, Monongahela River
Features: Simple entry point, quiet setting
Pricketts Fort State Park – 📍 88 State Park Road, Fairmont
Water Access – Monongahela River
Features: Launch site, 18th-century fort, park amenities, visitor center, trails
Valley Falls State Park – 📍 720 Valley Falls Road, Fairmont
Water Access – Tygart Valley River
Features: Rushing waterfalls, hiking, mountain biking, gift shop
Notes: Valley Falls does not have a built EZ-Launch system. Paddlers use natural riverbanks to launch and exit the water. There is no waiver to sign, and kayaking is at your own risk.
Worthington → Monongah – 📍 Next to the West Fork River Trail (46 Meadowridge Road, Worthington) → Monongah Trailhead (346 McCue Avenue, Monongah)
Water Access: West Fork River
Features: Informal put-in and take-out spots, but accessible for paddlers
