Though its peaks are by no means the highest, West Virginia is America’s most mountainous state. Composed entirely of valleys, watersheds, and Appalachian mountains, one cannot go far in West Virginia without coming upon steep slopes blanketed in trees. Where there are slopes, there are vistas and, in this part of the world, when fall arrives, the hilly woodland is chromatically transformed into a veritable feast of color.
From Harpers Ferry to Charleston, West Virginia is a land of lovely towns and beautiful sights. It is home to a great number of state parks (and a few national ones), but the natural majesty of West Virginia is by no means confined to such designated areas. The whole land is filled with scenic spots and hiking trails. These shine all year-round but reach their apogee every fall when the mountains sing out in a thousand colors.
An easy road trip from many of the East Coast’s largest cities, West Virginia is a superb destination for travelers looking to take in the autumn colors. Whether you’re keen on hiking, scenic drives, fishing, or exploring historic towns, the Mountain State has it all. And, when late September comes around, having everything comes with the added bonus of vibrant fall foliage.
Photographs of West Virginia’s colored mountains speak for themselves. But beyond the singular beauty of the wooded slopes, the state is full of excellent cabins from which to enjoy the fall colors. Here is a list of 10 Vrbo cabin rentals in West Virginia — 10 vacation homes promising an incredible holiday full of outdoor adventure.
Robin’s Hood Cabin, Fayetteville$259/nightly avg
Another excellent way to enjoy the extreme colors and slopes of New River Gorge, Robin’s Hood Cabin is our final example of an ideal West Virginia cabin. The park abuts the grounds of the national park and is within walking distance of downtown Fayetteville’s shops and restaurants. Surrounded by oak, pine, and maple, the local forest blossoms in the spring but truly shines come fall. Though grander sights await at the park, the 5-acre property is not without its own charms. The home is smartly furnished but doesn’t hide its cabin identity.
Treehouse On 130 Acres, French Creek$71/night avg
It’s one thing to admire the changing of the trees from the forest floor, quite another to observe the autumn leaves from an equal footing. Woody’s treehouse grants guests the privilege of doing just that. It sits on a massive property so you will enjoy total seclusion as well as a complimentary jug of maple syrup harvested on-site. The tree house is closed to the elements and has a wood stove to keep warm and a camp stove to cook up meals (though the campfire below works just as well). Two twin beds sit in a lofted area above and there’s room for two air mattresses. Treehouse living isn’t for everyone (there’s no electricity and the bathroom, found on the forest floor, is a primitive one), but makes for an incredible experience for those who are up for it.
Spruce Knob Cabin, Riverton$235/night avg
Perched on the slopes of West Virginia’s tallest mountain, there’s a lot to see from the grounds and windows of this luxury cabin. The vistas, always grand, take on their most mesmerizing form in the fall when large swathes of woodland are transformed into swirling seas of leafy flame. The living room has high ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows looking out to fabulous valley and mountain views. Step out on the deck to get even closer to nature’s incredible display of beauty. An ideal romantic getaway, the home is great for couples or close friends. The master bedroom is on the ground floor; a secondary sleeping quarters with two queens is found above.
The Big Poplar Cabin, Randolph County$235/night avg
The Big Poplar Cabin sits on 5.5 acres of riverfront property. This space is shared with another cabin, but it’s out of sight and likely to stay out of mind. Your focus will doubtless be on the water. Anglers will enjoy casting out their lines but risk getting distracted by the fabulous colors above and missing a crucial bite. The log cabin has a wrap-around deck with a hot tub, modern appliances, and classic cabin decor. It has three queen bedrooms; two are on the first floor and the third is in a lofted area reached by a steep ladder ascent. The property borders national forest and several restaurants are to be found 5 minutes down the road.
Dreamtime A-Frame, Berkeley Springs$277/night avg
Dreamtime is a cozy cabin A-frame nestled in the West Virginia woods near the town of Berkeley Springs. This means the romantic cabin is close to a winery, a craft brewery, a 6,000-acre state park, and more. Dreamtime is a modern A-frame with two bedrooms (one on the ground level and one above). The natural beauty of the West Virginia backwoods seeps in through every window. Breathe it in while you bask in the hot tub or let it mix with the pleasant smoke of the wood-burning fireplace as you settle in for the evening.
Cabin At Alpine Lake Resort, Alpine Lake$205/night avg
Enjoy the splendor of autumn and resort amenities at this fine cabin in the woods just over the Maryland border. The building sleeps up to eight people. There’s a master bedroom on the ground floor, and two bedrooms above connected by a Jack-and-Jill bathroom. The home is located in the Alpine Lake Resort and within a few miles of multiple state parks. The resort has fishing ponds, kayak rentals, a heated pool, and hiking trails to walk while admiring the fall colors.
Cabin On Appalachian Trail, Jefferson County$336/night avg
Walking the Appalachian Trail affords determined hikers innumerable pleasures. One glory not to be understated is the magnificence of color in the autumn months. Visitors at this three-bedroom luxury cabin needn’t walk all the way to Maine to take in the foliage (though they may grapple with the temptation to do so). The cabin is directly adjacent to the trail so there’s no question of where to walk to take in the colors. Inside, the home is modern and comfortable. The deck serves as an excellent spot to sit and admire the colorful mountainside sloping down below. The home is 20 minutes from Harpers Ferry and the drive is a scenic one.
Otters Den Mountain Retreat$235/night avg
With ski resorts, state parks, and wilderness areas all within 10 miles, Otters Den may be the perfect West Virginia backwoods retreat. A stay at this Timberlane Mountain cabin includes four bedrooms, four bathrooms, and room for eight guests. Perfect for summer hiking adventures and winter escapes, it comes with hot tub and fireplace access. Wake up to the beautifully crafted wood-grain cabin walls and look out into the West Virginia wilderness from the wrap-around patio.
With places like Blackwater Falls and Canaan Valley Ski Resort just a few miles away, there is no shortage of year-round family fun around Otters Den. It’s offered at a good price point, and reviewers expressed their satisfaction with pretty much everything included with this rental. Book now for your upcoming summer adventure.
Camp McComas, Victor$678/night avg
The splendor of this newly-built home is rivaled only by the magnificence of its environs. Camp McComas is a two-story, four-bedroom home adjacent to the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve — a lush and unfathomably old chasm that is set ablaze every fall. From kayaking to ziplining, activities abound. Many are within walking distance of the cabin. The home features ample outdoor areas and comfortable places to relax indoors and out. (The deckside hot tub is certainly one of the best.) It has four bedrooms, a full kitchen, spacious dining areas, and contains the secret recipe for the perfect family vacation.
The Lookout On Snowshoe, Snowshoe$559/night avg
It’s no wonder that Snowshoe Mountain has cabins like this gorgeous chalet. The almost heaven views from atop the peak are incredible and The Lookout is the perfect place to take them in. Ideal for multi-family groups keen on fall color and mountain living, the home has five bedrooms and sleeps up to 18 guests. It has ample space, a modern kitchen, and plenty of room to roam in the immediate area. Snowshoe Mountain cabin has plenty to offer, and whatever activity you choose, a shuttle is available to get you there.
To discover even more things to do during your time in West Virginia, check out: