Autumn colour in West Virginia

Shades of orange, red, gold and green weave an autumn tapestry in West Virginia. Nearly 80 percent of the state is covered in trees making West Virginia the third most forested state in the nation.

With 36 state parks and 7 state forests forming more than 200,000 acres of scenic foliage, the bursting autumn colours cover the Mountain State from late-September to early-November.

Visitors are able to experience autumn in West Virginia while enjoying local festivities ranging from pumpkin picking and carving, hayrides and sipping on locally brewed hot cider from the abundant apple orchards at the Golden Delicious Festival.

Ride along rushing rivers, between canyon rocks and atop mountains on a range of scenic rail tours in West Virginia. Travel on the New Tygart Flyer, The Cheat Mountain Salamander, The Potomac Eagle Scenic Railroad, New River Train Excursions, Cass Scenic Railroad and The Durbin Rocket Excursion Train.

For a closer look at the autumn tapestries of colour, hike through the Monongahela National Forest containing over 910,155 acres of mountains, streams and raging waterfalls. View the fiery red covered heath barrens of Bear Rocks and Dolly Sods at the highest plateau east of the Mississippi River. Hike in the Blackwater Falls State Park, the Seneca Rocks National Recreation Area, and North Fork Mountain.

Driving tours are also available to experience the changing of autumn scenery and colours. Five driving tours are highlighted in the state including: Scarlet Heartland, Mountain Magic, River Reflections, Southern Accents and Golden Getaway.

Autumn colour fly-drive packages to West Virginia are now available by American specialist, America As You Like It who features a seven night itinerary with direct flights to Washington DC with British Airways.

Prices start from £695 per person and include flights, car hire and accommodation at The Carriage Inn, in Charles Town for one night, three nights at the Wildernest Inn in Rough Run, two nights at the Harpers Ferry Guest House, Harpers Ferry and one night on the flight home.

For more information, visit: wvtourism.com