This article was produced in partnership with West Virginia Department of Tourism.
Whether you’re desperately clinging on to the last glimmer of summer or eagerly counting down to the first day of fall, one thing’s for certain—autumn is coming. It’s time to grab your gear, pack your bags, and load up the car for that leaf peeping road trip you’ve been talking about.
The crisp autumn air starts working its magic in late September, transforming summer’s lush canopies into sepia-tinted masterpieces across the country. But Mother Nature saves one of her most spectacular seasonal performances for West Virginia, where things are (quite literally) taken to new heights.
The Mountain State is, not surprisingly, blessed with an awesome range of elevation. This rich and diverse topography allows the fall foliage to gradually reveal itself in waves for weeks on end. Depending on what part of Almost Heaven you’re exploring, you could either be a couple hundred or a few thousand feet above sea level, with nothing but stunning vistas and jaw-dropping panoramas as far as the eye can see. Trust us…it’s a show you won’t want to miss.
Beech and birch trees erupt in brilliant explosions of gold. Scarlet oak and sumac trees become blanketed in crimson. And some species like witch hazel, hornbeam, and white oak trees dish out technicolored palettes that combine shades of copper, ochre, and burnt sienna.
So whether you’re gazing out from a mountain overlook, wandering the winding trails, or enjoying the views during a statewide road trip, there’s an entire season of leaf peeping just waiting to be discovered this fall in West Virginia. Don’t miss the chance to see the majestic scenery for yourself—here’s how to plan an unforgettable leaf peeping adventure in Almost Heaven.
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When to Go
The cooler temperatures typically start hitting West Virginia’s higher elevations in late September. Regions like the Potomac Highlands become painted in bursts of burgundy, chestnut, and marigold. As the vibrant hues start washing over the treetops, in-the-know visitors head to iconic sites like Snowshoe Mountain and Canaan Valley Resort State Park to catch an early glimpse. Be sure to visit Monongahela National Forest. The national recreation area contains Seneca Rocks (paradise for rock climbers) and Spruce Knob, West Virginia’s highest peak, clocking in at 4,863 feet above sea level.
Toward the end of the month, the dazzling display prepares for its final act. This is when you’ll want to explore regions like the Eastern Panhandle, Metro Valley, and New River-Greenbrier Valley. You can also choose to witness Mother Nature’s mesmerizing exhibition at other popular sites close by, like Babcock State Park and Hawks Nest State Park.
Glade Creek Mill in fallCourtesy Image
Can’t-Miss Leaf Peeping Destinations
Babcock State Park:Babcock State Park is a fan favorite all year long, but it’s a real showstopper in the fall. Located in Clifftop, the beloved park boasts 4,127 acres of striking scenery that lures daredevils of all disciplines, from mountain bikers to whitewater rafters. It also happens to be one of the most photographed spots in the entire state, thanks to its iconic Glade Creek Grist Mill (above). The fully functional structure is a replica of the original Cooper’s Mill, which formerly operated on the grounds. The rustic campsite is an idyllic haven to use as a basecamp during your visit, complete with 28 electrical hook-up sites, 24 non-electric sites, and fully stocked cabins available to guests.
Blackwater Falls State ParkCourtesy Image
Blackwater Falls State Park: Don’t be misled by the name…Blackwater Falls comes alive in the fall with one of the most vibrant foliage displays in the state. Tucked away in the Potomac Highlands and surrounded by the Allegheny Mountains, Blackwater Falls actually draws its name from the amber-colored waters that rush from its namesake 62-foot cascade, darkened by the tannic acid released from fallen hemlock and red spruce needles. The park offers plenty of picture-perfect moments, from the waterfall viewing platforms to Pendleton Point Overlook and Lindy Point Overlook, which peers across the Blackwater River Canyon. Table Rock is another can’t-miss spot within the park. The famed rock climbing site offers spectacular mountain vistas and can be found toward the far western end of Canaan Loop Road. There are also 75 primitive campsites strung along the 18-mile road, which make for a magical getaway.
Fall foliage in the Mountain State.Courtesy Image
Dolly Sods Wilderness: Part of the National Wilderness Preservation System, Dolly Sods Wilderness sprawls across more than 17,000 acres within the Monongahela National Forest. Here, elevations range from 2,500 to over 4,700 feet, lending to drastic demonstrations of fall foliage that cover the spectrum from butterscotch to rich mahogany. Fishing, hunting, and camping are all desired activities at Dolly Sods, but the best leaf peeping experiences exist along its 47 miles of trails, most of which follow weathered railroad grades and old logging pathways. In the 1940s, the military used this region for World War II maneuvers and mountain training. Though the area has been swept, hikers are encouraged to stay on designated paths as there may still be live mortar shells.
Coopers Rock State Forest comes to life in the fall.Courtesy Image
Coopers Rock State Forest: Ask any West Virginian to rattle off their favorite spots to watch the autumn leaves change, and chances are Coopers Rock State Forest will rank high up on their list. Located in Bruceton Mills, this iconic forest covers more than 12,700 acres—so there’s no shortage of foliage to see. The main overlook gives way to sweeping views of the Cheat River Gorge that stretch on for miles and miles. Immerse yourself in the action by exploring the forest’s 50-plus miles of zigzagging hiking and biking trails. There’s also a six-acre, trout-filled pond on the north side of the forest, providing a quiet retreat to appreciate the autumn scenery in all its glory.
Harpers Ferry National Historic Park: If you’re on the hunt for an Instagram-worthy, autumn-themed escape, look no further than Harpers Ferry. This cozy little town serves up all the quintessential fall vibes you can imagine. The historic community sits at the convergence of the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers. It’s chock-full of waterfront views, beautiful brick buildings, and charming storefronts, restaurants, and museums. It’s the perfect place to stroll the quiet tree-lined streets with a hot apple cider in hand. Visitors can also trek to serene overlooks, hike along skirmish lines from the Civil War, or join a ranger-guided wilderness tour. A visit to Harpers Ferry feels like you’re turning back the hands of time to a picturesque, bygone era.
Blackwater Falls State ParkCourtesy Image
Where to Stay to Take Advantage of Fall Foliage
Blackwater Falls State Park: Tucked away in the mountains of Tucker County, Blackwater Falls State Park offers an extensive range of outdoor excursions for visitors. The park was officially established in the 1930s, but the area had been attracting adventure enthusiasts since the early 1800s. Its key features include the namesake Blackwater Falls, as well as Elakala Falls, Lindy Point, and Pendleton Point Overlook. Within the park, overnight guests can immerse themselves in nature by taking advantage of their range of lodging options. The park has 39 fully furnished cabins, a 65-unit tent and trailer campground, a spacious 54-room mountain lodge, and a Tentrr campsite with additional standalone canvas platform tents.
Lafayette Flats: Planning to explore the New River Gorge? Find your home away from home at Lafayette Flats. Located in charming Fayetteville, this boutique property blends historic appeal with all the modern-day comforts you’d expect. The grand brick building boasts four open and airy flats for visitors to choose from: the Nuttall, Corten, Quinnimont, and Eddy. After checking in, spend the day discovering local hidden gems downtown or working up a sweat in New River Gorge National Park and Preserve. Comfortable, clean, and conveniently located—what more could you ask for?
Hotel Morgan: Nestled deep in the heart of Mountaineer Country, Morgantown is a quaint town known for its rapidly growing multicultural heritage. Home to West Virginia University, the destination has an always-on energy, thanks to its youthful collegiate population (which also comes with a frenetic nightlife scene, exceptional restaurants, and an eclectic arts community). Here, visitors will find the polished Hotel Morgan, a Wyndham Hotel. Sleek and sophisticated, this refurbished hotel is perfectly positioned on Main Street, and just a 15-minute drive to Coopers Rock State Forest.
Bavarian Inn: Looking for more international flair? Consider booking an escape to the Bavarian Inn, perched on a striking bluff that overlooks the Potomac River Bend (just minutes from Harpers Ferry). A stay at this 11-acre, European-inspired boutique resort will feel like you’ve traveled worlds away (but luckily, you can leave the passport at home). Steeped in Alpine heritage, the luxurious property offers 72 spacious state rooms (where you can cozy up next to a gas fireplace) or live large in one of its four classical old-world chalets. And in true Bavarian tradition, make sure to stop by its on-site Brew Pub, Brew Lounge, and outdoor Beer Garden. This is the perfect place to splurge on a romantic autumnal retreat.
The Billy Motel: Sure, the idea of bunking at a motel might not be your first choice, but The Billy Motel is anything but typical. This boutique motel is equal parts retro and edgy, with a dash of (what they call) “hillbilly fabulous.” Positioned off Route 32, the 10-room property was recently renovated and oozes personality. This mountaintop getaway is only minutes from the nearby towns of Thomas and Davis, teeming with funky shops, cool coffee bars, art galleries, and music venues. Outdoor adventure hubs like Dolly Sods Wilderness Area, Canaan Valley State Park, and Monongahela National Forest are also just a short drive away.
Canaan Valley Cabins: For a more private escape, check out the inventory listed by Canaan Valley Cabins. The company offers a diverse assortment of rentals and vacation homes sprinkled throughout the Canaan Valley. From isolated log cabins deep in the woods to bucolic estates that can sleep the whole crew, they offer something to fit every taste and budget. Plus, you can find your perfect retreat by filtering options with criteria such as pet-friendly listings, waterfront locations, and more. No matter where you wind up booking, you’ll be right in the heart of the region’s brilliant fall foliage and heart-racing outdoor exploits.
Oglebay Resort: The stately Oglebay Resort can be found in Wheeling, just an hour from Pittsburgh, two hours from Columbus, and three hours from Cleveland. It’s perched on 1,700 rolling acres and offers tons of activities fit for the whole family. The recently updated Wilson Lodge sports first-class accommodations with top-notch amenities, while their collection of cottage rentals and estate homes come in three tiers: rustic, deluxe, and premium. Play a round on one of their four golf courses, spend the day exploring Schenk Lake (outfitted with pedal boats, mini golf, and an aerial challenge course), or get up close and personal with the wildlife of The Good Zoo.
Ready to Go?
It’s the prime time to discover firsthand why fall fanatics have fallen in love with West Virginia. Tried and true, Almost Heaven is an enchanting wonderland for visitors of every age. For an even deeper dive, sign up for a free vacation guide, or check out their fall adventure hub. It’s full of tips and tricks for first-time or returning visitors. Their Fall Color Map even shows how the changing colors sweep across the state throughout the season! You can also sign up to receive their weekly updates straight to your inbox so you never miss a beat. Time is of the essence—don’t miss your shot at the fall adventure of a lifetime.
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There’s no doubt when the weather turns colder as we settle into winter, stouts take center stage. And while we enjoy all its iterations: standard stout, imperial stout, and robust barrel-aged stouts, we think this malty, chocolate-filled beer’s close cousin deserves a little respect as well. Of course, we’re talking about the oft-overlooked porter. And the best porters, oh buddy, they’ll have you rethinking your seasonal bevvie of choice.
For those uninitiated, the porter style had its genesis in England like many other iconic beer styles. It first appeared in the 1700s and is (you guessed it) named after porters—individuals tasked with transporting luggage.
A confusing origin story
“Stout is the direct descendant of porter. In the 1700s, it was common to use the word ‘stout’ to refer to a bolder, higher-alcohol version of any beer style, much in the same way we use the word ‘imperial’ today,” says Zach Fowle, advanced cicerone and head of marketing for Arizona Wilderness Brewing Co. in Phoenix, AZ. “Porter was the most popular beer of the day, and over time, “stout porter” became a popular variant. But by the late 1800s, demand for regular porters evaporated, and stout porter shortened simply to stout.”
But more has changed between the 1800s and today than just our penchant for wearing top hats. “Today, most brewers seem to market beers as either stout or porter based on vibes, rather than on any notable stylistic differences,” he says.
Specifically, porters are known for their dark, almost pitch-black color and rich, sweet flavor profile. If you were to drink a porter and a stout side by side, you might even have difficulty discerning the differences between the two.
Stout versus porter is an enduring topic of discussion in the brewing industry. “While there’s no debating the porter came first—and stout used to be called stout porter, so it was a stronger version of a porter—the lines have become very blurred over the years,” says Rob Lightner, co-founder of East Brother Brewing in Richmond, CA.
“I would venture that even among professionals, a blind taste test would often yield inconclusive results,” says Lightner.
The difference between porters and stouts
Porters tend to be on the milder, more chocolatey end of the spectrum, Lightner says, whereas stouts are typically a little stronger and more roasty. Of course, this isn’t a hard and fast rule
Fowle agrees, “Porters tend to be fruitier, sweeter, and less bitter than stouts, with cocoa and caramel flavors in balance with dark malt bitterness. And stouts are usually hoppier, drier, maltier, and more coffee-forward—and may even have a touch of acidity.”
Whether or not they fit neatly into boxes, one thing’s for sure: both make for incredible cold-weather brews.
“As the nights grow longer, drinking a light, summery beer just doesn’t seem right,” says Fowle. “Porter is the perfect style for the transition to winter: warming and toasty yet not too heavy, with flavors of coffee, chocolate, and pie crust that correspond with autumn weather and holidays.”
It’s the perfect time to broaden your repretoire. Sweet, robust, warming, and well-suited to the season, here are the best porters to drink now.
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1. Deschutes Black Butte Porter
There are few porters more well-respected than Deschutes’ iconic Black Butte Porter. It’s brewed with Cascade and Tettnang hops as well as 2-row, Chocolate, Crystal, and Carapils malts as well as wheat. This 5.5% ABV year-round offering is great for cold-weather drinking because of its mix of roasted malts, coffee, and chocolate. It’s a robust, subtly sweet beer perfect for imbibing on a crisp fall night.
The key to 360-degree muscle: 90-degree eccentric isometrics. It might seem like we’re throwing a lot of geometry at you, but the concept behind time under tension (TUT) is simple, says Joel Seedman, PhD, owner of Advanced Human Performance: “Perform the lowering phase of a movement in a slow, controlled fashion, usually 3 to 5 seconds; pause in the stretched position, typically around 90 degrees; then perform the lifting phase in a powerful yet controlled fashion.” Believe us, a time-under-tension workout can humble even seasoned lifters…Eccentric isometrics are like the pressure cooker of training.
“Rather than mindlessly performing slow-tempo reps, you’re using the increased time under tension as a means to fine-tune your body mechanics and alignment, which requires more mental engagement and focus,” Seedman adds.
If you want to forge functional muscle mass and strength while simultaneously bulletproofing the joints and connective tissue, give this 10-move, full-body eccentric isometrics workout a go.
Directions
Perform the following moves as 90-degree eccentric isometrics following the above protocol. Use heavy weight, but not at the detriment of proper form. Rest 60 to 90 seconds between sets and 2 minutes between circuits. Perform once every 2 to 4 days for optimal results.
Best Time-Under-Tension Workout for Total-Body Strength
Circuit 1
Marius Bugge
A. Barbell Back Squat
Set a squat rack up with heavy weight, then grasp bar and step under it. Squeeze shoulder blades together, then stand to unrack bar and step back with feet shoulder-width apart. Inhale, hinge at hips and slowly bend knees to 90 degrees. Pause, keeping natural arch in low back, then extend through hips to powerfully stand. 3 x 4-6 reps
Marius Bugge
B. Renegade Row
Start in the top position of a pushup with hands shoulder-width apart on moderate-to-heavy dumbbells (shown). Explosively drive right elbow back to row dumbbell toward ribs while balancing on opposite hand and feet. Pause, then slowly lower weight, stopping a few inches above floor. Switch sides after all reps are done. 3 x 5 reps each side
Circuit 2
Marius Bugge
A. Dumbbell Bentover Row
Stand with feet hip-width apart, holding two moderate-to-heavy dumbbells in front of thighs, palms facing you. Push hips back and hinge torso forward so it’s nearly parallel to floor, soft bend in knees. Dumbbells should be near shins. Drive elbows back to row weights toward ribs. Pause, then slowly lower down for 3 to 5 seconds. 3 x 4-5 reps
Marius Bugge
B. Incline Dumbbell Chest Press with Legs Raised
Set an adjustable bench to a 30- to 45-degree angle and lie back with dumbbells in either hand. Engage core and lift legs off floor, flexing feet. Press weights overhead, palms in. Slowly lower to 90 degrees, staying tight and compact. Pause, then drive weights up directly over chest. 3 x 4-5 reps
Circuit 3
Marius Bugge
A. Dumbbell Bulgarian Squat
Stand lunge-length in front of a flat bench, holding heavy dumbbells in each hand by your sides, palms facing in. Rest the ball on top (shoe’s laces) of your right foot behind you on the bench. Slowly lower your body until your front thigh is parallel to the floor. Pause, then drive through your heel to stand. Switch sides after all reps are complete. 2 x 3-4 reps each side
Marius Bugge
B. Single-leg Romanian Deadlift
Stand with feet hip-width apart holding dumbbells or kettlebells. Drive right leg up, foot flexed, knee aligned with hip, making a 90-degree angle. Hinge at hips as you slowly lever your torso toward floor, lowering weights and driving right leg back for counterbalance. Hold, then squeeze glutes to reverse. 2 x 3-4 reps each side
Circuit 4
Marius Bugge
A. Pullup
Hang from a pullup bar using an overhand grip with legs extended and feet flexed. Engage lats and draw shoulders down your back, then pull yourself up until chin is higher than hands. Pause at the top, then slowly lower. Pause at bottom, then reset before your next rep. 2-3 x 4-5 reps
Marius Bugge
B. Kneeling Overhead Barbell Press
Hold a bar with moderate-to-heavy load at shoulder level with forearms perpendicular to floor. Kneel at end of bench with feet flexed to grip edge for support. Inhale, engage your core and glutes, then press the bar overhead, pushing your head forward so it passes your face, exhaling at the top. Slowly lower until elbows are at 90 degrees, then hold to maintain tension. Begin your next rep from here. 2-3 x 4-5 reps
Circuit 5
A. Dumbbell Pushup
Place hands on dumbbells (this provides greater range of motion) at shoulder width and feet wider than shoulder width with just toes touching the ground. Keep head neutral and hips high to increase tension on core, chest and tris and reduce stress on spine. Slowly lower to the floor. Stop once elbows hit 90 degrees, pause, then push up to start. 1-2 x 6-8 reps
B. Biceps Curl
Stand with feet hip-width apart with moderate-to-heavy dumbbells in each hand hanging by sides. Engage biceps to curl the weights up, keeping upper arms still. Pause at the top, then lower slowly. Don’t let arms drop all the way down to keep greater time under tension on biceps. 1-2 x 6-8 reps
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If you haven’t picked up a jump rope since elementary school, you’re missing out on a fantastic cardio workout. Not only will you burn a ton of calories in a short amount of time—200 to 300 calories in 15 minutes—but jump ropes can also improve your coordination and agility. Better yet, jumping rope doesn’t require much space, so it’s easy to do at home, and it’s often more mentally stimulating than jogging or swimming.
Choosing a Jump Rope
When deciding which jump rope is best for you, it’s important to determine what your goals are. While lightweight speed ropes are popular for cardio-focused training, weighted or drag ropes will be best for those focused on strength training.
No matter what your training goals are, we’ve got you covered with this roundup of 10 jump ropes from top brands including Crossrope, TRX, Rogue, and more.
The Best Jump Ropes of 2022
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