Free Fall in Marion

And just like that, summer is over.

Do you feel it? There’s been a chill in the air. Better go ahead and find your fuzzy socks, scarves and vests. Then, pack up those socks, scarves and vests and start making your leaf-peeping travel plans! I know what you’re thinking, “In this economy?!” Don’t worry. Fall is free in most of Marion County! Our sprays of gold, crimson and copper leaves come at practically no cost to you. All you have to do is choose your autumnal adventure!

Valley Falls

Grab your mountain bike and hit the trails. Awash with color in beautiful displays of reds, oranges, and yellows, Valley Falls State Park has trails designed for mountain biking and are used for the WV Enduro Series. With a mix of rugged, rocky terrain, steep climbs, and fast, technical descents, the trails are known for their natural obstacles, like roots, rocks and tight turns.  Valley Falls has some easy trails and some technical ones for both tires and legs. Make it a trail run or a leisurely hike — either way, check out the four waterfalls throughout the trail system.

Rail trails

Not for flying off mountain sides? Grab a friend and grab a bike at Pricketts Fort. Rent a bike by the hour and take off on more than 18 miles of rail trail through sprays of crimson and gold. If you’re not much into hills, but you are into fall foliage, the rail trails are flat and will soon be covered with yellow and golden hues. Perfect for a leisurely bike ride, a peaceful walk or the most colorful run of your life!

Palatine Park

Fall’s crisp air pairs perfectly with an adventure on the water! Whether it’s a kayak or paddleboard, you’ll have a picture-perfect time at Palatine Park surrounded by what looks like a painting — but it’s your real life! Consider a big adventure and go from Pricketts Fort to Palatine Park (about 8 to ten miles). Make your own triathlon!

Morris Park

Disc golf is even more fun in cooler temperatures, don’t you think? Grab your discs, head to Morris Park and play through the Orange Crush and Seth Burton Memorial courses.

Pricketts Fort

Talk about comfort and cozy. Pricketts Fort is the perfect fall place with living history interpreters ready to show you all about their 18th Century lives. Enjoy the warmth of  hearth cooking demos, which are authentic dishes from the 18th Century.

Pumpkins

It’s Poplar Island Pumpkin’s time to shine! Hit up the pumpkin patch after escaping the corn maze. Take a hike through the Cryptid Trail before grabbing some of their homemade pumpkin goodies for one of their fall movie nights!

Spice

Add a little bit of spice to the season. Grab a PSL at The Joe or The Groove. If you’re warm blooded, Dairy Creme Corner has you covered with a Pumpkin Avalanche.

All of the above

You don’t have to pick just one! Take a weekend and do it all. Grab our pepperoni roll guide to see how Marion County can fuel you through every adventure with the perfectly portable outdoor treat. Find a place to stay close to it all in the heart of Marion County.

  

 

What’s your favorite way to fall in Marion?