Camp, Fish, And Boat At This Underrated West Virginia Lake With Panoramic Fall Foliage Views

Places like Stowe, Vermont, Acadia National Park in Maine, or the White Mountains of New Hampshire often top national lists of beautiful getaways for fall foliage. However, a less hyped, less frequented, and similarly stunning spot for leaf-peeping sits to the south of those New England hotspots in the southern region of West Virginia. 

The 202-acre Plum Orchard Lake — known primarily for its abundant stock of fish and its peaceful setting — is nestled in the Appalachian Mountains between Haystack and Packs peaks, near the town of Scarbro. The lake is surrounded by oak-hickory forests that turn vibrant red and muted shades of yellow and orange during the fall months. One leaf peeper described Plum Orchard Lake as tranquil, adding on Google Reviews that "it is truly a hidden gem in these lovely hills! The southern part of the lake had a large layer of lily pads and the water caught the fall colors of the hills perfectly." Sounds stunning, right?

Plum Orchard Lake is open year-round. To time your visit with the changing leaves, the West Virginia Division of Forestry recommends traveling to the state between late September and late October. You can check the fall foliage prediction map at SmokyMountains.com for more detailed information on where and when to catch peak color.

Once at the lake, visitors can soak in the foliage from shore or bring kayaks, paddle boards, or canoes to view the rolling slopes of red, yellow, and orange from the water. Electric motors are also allowed in most areas of the lake, and there are four boat launch ramps. The lake gained two new docks this year, which visitors with fishing licenses can use to try to catch some of the trophy-sized largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie, and channel catfish that swim in its waters. Plum Orchard Lake is a destination for anglers, in part because of its clean, clear water. That and all the fish, of course.

For leaf-peepers planning an overnight getaway, the Beech Bottom Camping Area on the southeast side of Plum Orchard Lake offers 21 simple campsites to rent. Reviews of Beech Bottom on the camping website The Dyrt mention that the campground offers picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets, but they caution that the 3-mile road from the lake's entry to the campground is bumpy. Visitors must see a park manager to pay for a $10 camping permit. 

The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources recommends visitors to Plum Orchard Lake stay at Babcock State Park, a campground located about 35 miles away. There, travelers can rent one of 28 cabins or choose from 52 campsites. About half of the campsites at Babcock are equipped with electric hookups. The campground has a central bathhouse, as well as a laundry facility, water fill-up stations, and Wi-Fi. Reservations are advised, as fall camping adventures offer beautiful scenery and more temperate weather in the Appalachians — meaning more competition for the best spots.