Ultimate Fall Foliage Road Trip: West Virginia Route 20 from Pipestem to Meadow Bridge
Ultimate Fall Foliage Road Trip: West Virginia Route 20 from Pipestem to Meadow Bridge
For vibrant fall colors in southern West Virginia, take W.Va. Route 20 from Pipestem Resort State Park to Meadow Bridge—an ideal leaf-peeping route.
Start your adventure at Pipestem Resort State Park, perched on the east rim of the Bluestone River Gorge. This premier destination offers thrilling zipline tours, guided trout fishing, mountain biking, rock climbing, and more for all skill levels.

Refuel at the Bluestone Dining Room within the resort, where panoramic views of the gorge complement a serene dining experience. Unwind in comfortable cabins or one of the two lodges.
Next, visit Bluestone State Park, a haven for outdoor enthusiasts with boating, fishing, camping by the water, or lake views from cabin porches. The vivid orange foliage contrasts beautifully against West Virginia's third-largest lake, Bluestone Lake.
Head to the charming Victorian-era railroad town of Hinton along the New River. Explore historic architecture, dining, shopping, coal heritage tours, and cozy B&Bs or hotels.
Top dining picks include The Market on Courthouse Square for soups, salads, burgers, and brick-oven pizzas; Chestnut Revival for coffee, tea, sandwiches, soups, salads, and baked goods; or Kirk's for homestyle meals with views, open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Continue to Sandstone Falls, a stunning river-wide cascade dropping about 20 feet. Capture photos, then hike nearby trails:

- Sandstone Falls Boardwalk: A ¼-mile, handicap-accessible path with bridges to islands, observation decks, and fishing spots offering prime falls views.
- Island Loop Trail: An easy ½-mile loop around the largest island, showcasing natural forest regrowth from former farmlands.
- Big Branch Trail: A challenging 2-mile loop with waterfalls and breathtaking gorge vistas.
Finish with a scenic drive to Meadow Bridge along West Virginia's iconic country roads.
Before your trip, verify business hours and local conditions. Follow current health guidelines for a safe visit.




