Everyone has heard about country roads in West Virginia, but they don’t always know that, in the fall, the mountains and forests come alive with spectacular colors. In fact, West Virginia is the third most forested state and is located completely within the Appalachian Mountain Range. This creates the perfect tableau for colors in the Mid-Atlantic and Southern regions of the U.S.

Late September through the end of October is the perfect time to experience peak fall colors during a scenic drive or a hike in the mountains. As the forests explode with rich colors of red, orange and yellow, West Virginia’s beautiful vistas engage the senses with their visual splendor, the scent of the fall and the sound of the crunch of leaves underfoot.

Pipestem State Park is an adventurer’s paradise – especially in the fall when travelers arrive in West Virginia for ziplining in the cooler weather amidst the colored leaves. Imagine flying high above the Bluestone Gorge River as you zipline through the remarkable foliage montage offered at Pipestem. Pipestem Peaks Zipline Tours boast the biggest and best zipline in the state, and the zipline will be open until October 29 th with prior reservations.

There are a multitude of choices for lodging including newly renovated McKeever Lodge at Pipestem, campsites, RV parks and cabin rentals throughout the area. Whitewater rafting can be found on the Bluestone and New Rivers, but serious rafters from around the world visit West Virginia to take on the challenge of whitewater rafting on the Gauley River during 6 weekends in September and October when the dam at Summersville Lake is released, creating guaranteed exciting rapids on the river.

Zipline tours and lodging can be booked by calling 1-833-WV-Parks (1-833-987-2757) or visiting www.wvstateparks.com.