Chairlifts open for rides through one of West Virginia’s iconic fall destinations

DAVIS, W.Va. — Canaan Valley Resort in West Virginia has opened its ski chairlift for 2025 fall foliage rides, offering visitors sweeping views of one of the Mountain State’s earliest and brightest autumn landscapes.

The scenic chairlift, famously used during the Canaan Valley ski season, began fall operations this weekend and will run Fridays through Sundays, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., through mid-October, according to the resort’s website.

Tickets are sold at the base lodge’s Quenchers Pub, and riders must wear closed-toed shoes.

The lift carries sightseers more than 1,200 feet above the valley floor to a ridgeline overlook from which visitors can ride the chairlift back down or hike down from the summit, where short trails provide additional viewing spots.

Early and extended fall season

At about 3,200 feet above sea level, Canaan Valley is among the highest valleys in the eastern United States. The altitude produces cooler temperatures and an early change of color compared to lower elevations.

The high Allegheny ridges, including the valley, are among the first places in the state to reach peak color, and leaf-peeping season here often lasts longer than in other regions because lower slopes change later than the ridgetops.

Peak color in surrounding Tucker County typically occurs from late September through the first half of October, depending on weather, according to state tourism trackers. Cooler nights can speed up the transition, while warm spells may slow it down.

A varied autumn palette

Canaan Valley is known not just for its altitude but also for its unusual mix of habitats. Wetlands, bogs, and upland forests meet within the 25-mile-long basin, creating sharp contrasts in color.

Maples turn red and orange, birches turn gold, and evergreens maintain a dark backdrop. Wetland plants such as leatherleaf add splashes of yellow across open bogs. The result is one of the most varied autumn displays in the Appalachians.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service manages the Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge, which covers nearly 19,000 acres. The refuge protects the valley’s rare high-elevation wetlands, home to migratory birds and uncommon mammals such as the bog lemming.

Fall vacation wonderland

The fall foliage season is one of the busiest travel periods for Tucker County, second only to ski season.

Leaf-peepers fill hotel rooms, cabins, and campgrounds throughout September and October, while businesses in Davis and Thomas report strong sales during the season as visitors combine chairlift rides with dining, shopping, and hiking.

The Canaan Valley chairlift has become part of that draw, adding another activity that keeps tourists in the area longer. Resort officials note that fall weekends often sell out in advance and encourage early reservations.

Canaan Valley attractions

The park is not the only destination in the region drawing autumn visitors. Blackwater Falls State Park, about 20 minutes away, features a 57-foot waterfall that tumbles over sandstone ledges into the Blackwater River. The falls, tinted amber by tannins from spruce needles, are a signature image of West Virginia.

Other nearby sites include Dolly Sods Wilderness, a high-elevation plateau known for its red blueberry bushes in autumn, and the Monongahela National Forest, which offers hundreds of miles of hiking trails.

Getting to Cannan Valley

The chairlift departs from the base lodge at Canaan Valley Resort, located off WV-32. The valley can be reached from I-81 or I-79 via secondary highways, with travel times of about three hours from Pittsburgh and four hours from Washington, D.C.

Parking is available at the base area. The resort advises visitors to arrive early on peak weekends, as crowds can be heavy during prime foliage weeks.

The weather can vary sharply between the valley and the ridges. Resort guidance notes that temperatures at the summit are often several degrees cooler than at the lodge, and visitors should dress in layers.

Events and activities

Beyond the chairlift, Canaan Valley Resort schedules guided hikes, craft fairs, and live music during the foliage season. The park lists seasonal events designed to coincide with peak color.

The resort offers more than 18 miles of hiking and biking trails. Guests staying at the lodge or cabins can also access golf, disc golf, and other amenities, though the emphasis in autumn is on outdoor viewing.

The resort’s event calendar and lodging pages provide booking details, including package deals that combine overnight stays with chairlift tickets.

Canaan Valley Conservation

While tourism is an important economic driver, officials continue to emphasize conservation in the valley. The wildlife refuge and state parks system work together to maintain trails and manage visitor use.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service describes the Canaan Valley refuge as the largest wetland complex in the central and southern Appalachians. Interpretive programs and signage stress the importance of protecting fragile habitats that support rare birds, amphibians, and mammals.

Refuge staff encourage visitors to stay on designated trails and avoid trampling wetland vegetation. Hunting, fishing, and wildlife viewing are permitted in certain areas under regulations designed to protect sensitive species.

The scenic chairlift also attracts photographers, birders, and casual sightseers who may not otherwise visit in winter. Resort officials promote the ride as a way to broaden the park’s appeal beyond skiing.

Regional tourism offices describe Tucker County as a four-season destination, citing skiing in winter, wildflowers in spring, mountain biking in summer, and foliage in fall. The chairlift’s fall operation helps bridge the gap between summer and winter tourism.

Visitors are advised to check the resort website, canaanresort.com, or call ahead for current conditions. Weather can cause temporary closures.

For additional information on Tucker County tourism, travelers can consult the county convention and visitors bureau or statewide fall color reports provided by the West Virginia Division of Forestry and the West Virginia Division of Tourism.

After the foliage season ends, the resort will prepare for ski operations, typically beginning in December. The same chairlift that carries autumn sightseers will soon return to hauling skiers and snowboarders.

Until then, the focus is on autumn color and the chance to see one of West Virginia’s most celebrated valleys from above.