Best time to visit West Virginia

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West Virginia

Best time of year to visit West Virginia

Even though this state is considered to be a year-round destination, the best time to visit West Virginia is in May and June, and also from September to mid-November. The pleasantness of late spring provides a world of blooming wildflowers for hikers to enjoy. If you are a music fan, come get wild at the Mountain Music Festival in June. Early fall brings beautiful foliage to West Virginia, making this the ideal time to explore the Hatfield-McCoy Trails by ATV or on foot. If you are an extreme sports enthusiast, you won’t want to miss Bridge Day in October. While the cold stretch from late November to April can be harsh, you might be too busy to notice amid ample opportunities for winter sports, and the many holiday-light installations staged all around the state. July and August are hot and humid, but that just makes them better for tourism, due to all the water-based activities and festivals that are available for your choosing.

7 THINGS TO DO IN WEST VIRGINIA (SEPTEMBER 19 - SEPTEMBER 28)

West Virginia Fall Foliage

West Virginia Fall Foliage

late September–late October • nature

See Almost Heaven explode with colors

Fire Rainbows

Fire Rainbows

late March–September • nature

A curious optical phenomenon occurs quite rarely and only in special locations. If you are in the right time and in the right place, just look up to the sky

Scenic Railroad Trips

Scenic Railroad Trips

April–December • activity

Hop aboard a genuine steam locomotive and discover the remote wilderness of West Virginia

American Discovery Trail

American Discovery Trail

all year round • activity

You'll find no better way to discover America than this lengthy hike across 15 states, from the Atlantic to the Pacific. For such a long journey, one needs at least a year of time reserved

Caves & Caverns

Caves & Caverns

all year round • activity

Treat yourself to the wonderful underground sightseeing in Almost Heaven

Gauley Season

Gauley Season

early September–late October • activity

The most anticipated period of the year among rafting communities

Hatfield-McCoy Trails

Hatfield-McCoy Trails

all year round • activity

The best off-road vehicle trail system in the US, and among the greatest ones in the world

11 THINGS TO DO OUT OF SELECTED DATE RANGE

State Fair of West Virginia

State Fair of West Virginia

out of rangeAugust 10–19, 2023 • event

One of the best family traditions taking place in mid-August

Mountain Music Festival

Mountain Music Festival

out of rangeMay 31-June 1, 2024 • event

West Virginia's greatest music festival that combines music and mountains

Oglebay Winter Festival of Lights

Oglebay Winter Festival of Lights

out of rangeNovember 9, 2023–January 7, 2024 • event

One of the largest holiday light shows in the country

West Virginia Renaissance Festival

West Virginia Renaissance Festival

out of rangeJune 8–30, 2024 (selected dates) • event

A medieval fair with jousting, equestrian shows, medieval music, and much more

Christmas Lights

Christmas Lights

out of rangemid-November–early January • event

The most wonderful time of the year at West Virginia's largest parks

Bridge Day

Bridge Day

out of rangeOctober 19, 2024 • event

The largest and most spectacular one-day event in West Virginia

Apple Butter Festival in Berkeley Springs

Apple Butter Festival in Berkeley Springs

out of rangeOctober 11-13, 2024 • event

Are you ready for a tasty fall adventure in an old resort town?

Pumpkin Festival in Milton, WV

Pumpkin Festival in Milton, WV

out of rangeOctober 5–8, 2023 • event

Bring your family for an annual pumpkin harvest celebration, featuring a pumpkin patch and dozens of vendors

Cicada Mania

Cicada Mania

out of rangeMay–mid-June • nature

A billionth population of American cicadas come out during final weeks in their lives to rejoice in a huge mating par

West Virginia's Greatest Air Show

West Virginia's Greatest Air Show

out of rangeAugust 26–27, 2023 • event

Aerial displays on the oldest airfield in the state of West Virginia

Wildflowers

Wildflowers

out of rangelate April–mid-August • nature

Visit Almost Heaven during the season of wildflower hikes

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