img#mv-trellis-img-1::before{padding-top:66.666666666667%; }img#mv-trellis-img-1{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-2::before{padding-top:100%; }img#mv-trellis-img-2{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-3::before{padding-top:100%; }img#mv-trellis-img-3{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-4::before{padding-top:100%; }img#mv-trellis-img-4{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-5::before{padding-top:100%; }img#mv-trellis-img-5{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-6::before{padding-top:100%; }img#mv-trellis-img-6{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-7::before{padding-top:100%; }img#mv-trellis-img-7{display:block;}September is here, so you know what that means now that Labor Day has swiftly passed us by.
It’s time to swap out your summery white attire for checkered flannels and comfy jeans to enjoy the cool breeze with a soulful PSL in hand.
This time of year, as some beaches become less desirable as temperatures begin to dwindle, more of us are inclined toward weekend getaways in rustic mountain towns and vibrant parks, many of which can be found in the South.
If you’ve been following us at Travel Off Path, you know how much we’re drawn to the South, whether it be paradise beaches, underrated metropolises or small town hideaways.
Though this time, we’re happy to share a highly underrated state park that travel experts at Southern Living are raving about as one of their next go-to destinations.
If you’re ready to immerse yourself in some of Appalachia’s most beautiful autumn scenery with far fewer crowds than the household names we’ve all grown to love, the Blackwater Falls State Park is just the place.
‘Take Me Home’ To West Virginia’s Majestic State Park
With the kids back in school, that’s not the only sigh of relief this fall. You can visit breathtaking destinations in a postcard setting.
Yosemite or Yellowstone likely come to mind first when it comes to a dreamy getaway surrounded by lush nature, but don’t skip the flip side of America that somehow largely remains under wraps.
Appalachia is quite a sprawl covering numerous states, but one that sticks out the most to avoid the hordes of selfie sticks ready to poke your eye out is West Virginia.
Despite John Denver’s best try, the “Mountain State” still remains a true hidden gem for most.
Despite holding an impressive 4.8 Google rating with over 6,000 reviews, you don’t have to worry about being another face in the crowd here.
Lines, if any, are reasonable, fellow hikers are respectable and won’t cramp the trails, and photo-ops won’t cause a ruckus.
Of course, with a name like Blackwater Falls, you can probably muster up an excellent guess for the top attractions.
Cue TLC because it’s time to go waterfall chasin’, but given its lesser-known status, you likely aren’t ‘used to’ these rivers and…well… there are no lakes, actually.
The Blackwater River fuels the park’s signature waterfall, the staggering Blackwater Falls, which stands approximately 60 feet high and features an easily accessible observation deck below to take in the awe-inspiring view. Additionally, the Elakala Falls series comprises a set of four alternative cascades along Shay Run.
One Of The Most Photographed Destinations In West Virginia
Whether it be calendars, billboards, or tourists snapping unforgettable pics, Blackwater Falls State Park is one of WV’s most photographed destinations…
…and it’s not solely for the cascading falls.
This park is also a leaf-peeper’s paradise — so much so that West Virginia’s tourism board just released its annual Fall Foliage Forecast so you can time your trip just right to witness the park in its autumn glory.
Lindy Point and Pendleton Point Overlook are the best spots for sweeping views of kaleidoscopic canopies from elevated viewpoints.
There are over 20 miles of trails through the vibrant forestry for skills of all levels. And there are other fun activities, such as biking and fishing, too, as the river is stocked with numerous species of fish, including Catfish and, most famously, Rainbow Trout.
Plus, there are ample cabins to rent that include wifi. No need to wait to upload your epic photos!
Southern Living Hypes Up 2 Neighboring Towns
Southern Living’s editors claim to be chomping at the bit to find themselves in the midst of full autumnal bloom in this vast state park.
But there are also a couple of charming heartthrobs nearby that shouldn’t be skipped either. Those would be the towns of Thomas and Davis.
We reported on the latter recently as one of America’s most surprising destinations with new resorts.
Boasting the new Valley View Cabin Resort costing a whopping $20mil to complete, rave reviews have poured in.
Find yourself waking up to stunning scenery from your private cabanas (with jacuzzis!), smokeless fire pits, and expansive front porches with views stretching for miles on end.
Sam SearsSam, our Lead Writer & Journalist based in San Diego has visited 36 countries and written over 1000 articles with a focus on sharing his own travel experiences and shining a light on lesser-known gems.
The Travel Off Path Advantage: Your Travel Toolkit
/* Scoped Styles for the Promo Box to prevent theme conflicts */
.top-promo-wrapper-v2 {
font-family: ‘Poppins’, sans-serif;
max-width: 896px;
margin: 2.5rem auto;
background-color: #ffffff;
padding: 2rem;
border-radius: 1.5rem; /* Increased for a softer look */
box-shadow: 0 10px 25px -5px rgba(0,0,0,0.1), 0 8px 10px -6px rgba(0,0,0,0.1);
border: 1px solid #e5e7eb;
}
.top-promo-grid-v2 {
display: grid;
grid-template-columns: repeat(1, minmax(0, 1fr));
gap: 1.5rem;
}
.top-promo-card-v2 {
display: block;
padding: 1.5rem;
border-radius: 1rem;
text-align: center;
border-width: 1px;
transition: transform 0.2s ease-in-out, box-shadow 0.2s ease-in-out;
text-decoration: none !important; /* FIX: Added !important to override theme styles */
}
.top-promo-card-v2:hover {
transform: translateY(-5px);
box-shadow: 0 10px 20px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1);
text-decoration: none !important; /* FIX: Ensure no underline on hover */
}
.top-promo-card-v2 .icon-container {
display: flex;
justify-content: center;
margin-bottom: 0.75rem;
}
.top-promo-card-v2 .icon-circle {
width: 3rem;
height: 3rem;
border-radius: 9999px;
display: flex;
align-items: center;
justify-content: center;
}
.top-promo-card-v2 .icon-svg {
width: 1.5rem;
height: 1.5rem;
color: #ffffff;
}
.top-promo-card-v2 .icon-svg-fb {
width: 1.75rem;
height: 1.75rem;
color: #ffffff;
}
.top-promo-card-v2 h3 {
font-size: 1.25rem;
line-height: 1.75rem;
font-weight: 700;
margin: 0;
text-decoration: none !important; /* FIX: Prevent underline on child elements */
}
.top-promo-card-v2 p {
font-size: 0.9rem;
line-height: 1.4rem;
margin-top: 0.5rem;
color: #4b5563;
text-wrap: pretty;
text-decoration: none !important; /* FIX: Prevent underline on child elements */
}
/* Specific colors */
.top-promo-card-v2.purple { background-color: #faf5ff; border-color: #e9d5ff; }
.top-promo-card-v2.purple:hover { border-color: #c084fc; }
.top-promo-card-v2.purple .icon-circle { background-color: #7e22ce; }
.top-promo-card-v2.purple h3 { color: #5b21b6; }
/* Responsive grid for larger screens */
@media (min-width: 768px) {
.top-promo-grid-v2 {
grid-template-columns: repeat(2, minmax(0, 1fr));
}
/* Make the first card span the full width */
.top-promo-grid-v2 > a:first-child {
grid-column: span 2 / span 2;
}
}
Subscribe To Our Latest Posts
Enter your email address to subscribe to Travel Off Path’s latest breaking travel news, straight to your inbox.
Appeared first on: traveloffpath.com
