West Virginia is abundant with hiking trails making it a favorite among hiking enthusiasts. Though it’s nicknamed the Mountain State, it features several trails offering just more than mountainous views. From gorgeous rivers and blooming rhododendrons to various historical sites and rock formations, you can enjoy the vistas of all of them on your hike. Here are some of the best hikes in West Virginia to choose from on your next hiking adventure.
A very short and easy trail leads to one of the prettiest West Virginia waterfalls in Blackwater Falls State Park. It’s ideal for families with kids planning for a day’s outdoor trip. However, if having a bad knee, it’s best to avoid it as you will have to descend sets of stairs to access this easy hike. The 60-ft waterfall dropping into the Blackwater River also appears gorgeous when it freezes in winter. The snowy landscape of cliffs and trees further adds to its charm. No wonder this spectacular beauty stands among West Virginia’s most photographed sites.
Length: 0.40 miles (out and back)
Difficulty: Easy
Best time to visit: All year round
If you wish to witness more than one waterfall on your hike, you could consider visiting Monogahela National Forest to tread along the Falls of Hills Creek Trail. The trail is a combination of paved asphalt, a wooden boardwalk, a dirt path, and about 400 steps leading to three impressive waterfalls. If you want to avoid the stairs, you can witness the upper falls, though the views are not as impressive as the middle and lower falls.
Do keep in mind that the boardwalk becomes slick at times, making it challenging to access. Wearing sturdy footwear and taking the support of the railing would help you to some extent to move along it. Though the entire hike wouldn’t take more than an hour to complete, taking photos or pausing to admire the scenic surrounding all along the way might add up an extra hour to the round trip.
Length: About 1.4 miles (out and back)
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Best time to visit: All year long
Located in Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, this loop trail is one of the most popular trails among hiking enthusiasts. Though the initial uphill climb with rocky terrains is challenging, you could pause to catch your breath while admiring the breathtaking views of the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers, and the Harpers Ferry. The best time to hike is in the fall season to experience the stunning setting of dazzling foliage.
Besides the scenery, you will see many historical remnants of the Civil War, including fortifications, ammunition pits, and gun batteries. After completing your hike, you could check out the nearby museum to get an additional insight of the historic Civil War and its effects on the area. Do keep in mind to purchase an entrance fee of $10 per person on foot or bicycle, $15 per motorcycle, or $20 per vehicle.
Length: About 6.60 miles (loop)
Difficulty: Moderate to Hard
Best time to visit: All year round
To enjoy spectacular scenic views with minimum effort, you could hike the Endless Wall Trail in New River Gorge National River. The trail meanders through a dense forest filled with rhododendrons and moss-covered surroundings. It continues along the edge of a sandstone canyon, offering incredible views of the New River and several rock outcroppings. Many visitors hike further till the overlook at Diamond Point before turning back to the parking lot. The views are breathtaking and worth the extra effort.
The trail also appears gorgeous in winter when the old-growth forest is blanketed under snow. You can also enjoy the mesmerizing view of the frozen state of the river. As it provides enchanting views all year long, Endless Wall Trail has been chosen as the best national park hike in the nation as per USA Today’s Readers’ Choice contest.
Length: About 2.3 miles (out and back)
Difficulty: Easy
Best time to visit: All year round
A favorite among nature lovers and hikers of any skill levels, Canyon Rim Overlook Boardwalk, requires a leisurely walk on the boardwalk in New River Gorge National River. You will find its trailhead at Canyon Rim Visitor Center, located just off U.S. Route 19. It leads to the viewing point via a ramp from where you can enjoy views of the New River Gorge. You could also descend the wooden set of over 150 stairs to the lower observation deck to get a more splendid view of the gorge and also of the beautiful New River Gorge Bridge.
Length: About 0.6 miles (out and back)
Difficulty: Easy
Best time to visit: All year round
Rated as moderately difficult, this steep trail in Spruce Knob-Seneca Rocks National Recreation Area is a well-traversed one among adventurers. It reaches the observation deck on top of the Seneca Rocks. With benches positioned along the way, tired hikers can take a little respite before resuming their journey.
Once you reach the viewpoint, you will be rewarded with incredible views of the Potomac River and various rock faces. Do keep your eyes peeled for the different birds like bald eagles, warblers, and various other migratory songbirds and waterfowls.
Length: About 3.6 miles (out and back)
Difficulty: Moderate
Best time to visit: All year round
If you’re in or around Fayetteville, you could plan to hike Kaymoor Miner’s Trail. Though a short trail, do be prepared to descend and ascend over 800 steep stone and wooden steps. It leads you to an abandoned coal mine set up in the 1890s. Apart from this, you could also treat your eyes to the views of waterfalls, and towering rock outcroppings on the way as the trail runs parallel to the gorge. It is indeed challenging going downhill and even more strenuous climbing uphill on your way back. Do bring plenty of water to refill yourself and wear a pair of sturdy hiking shoes.
Length: About 1.6 miles (out and back)
Difficulty: Hard
Best time to visit: All year round
If you’re seeking a hiking trail with a lesser crowd and awe-inspiring views in Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, then this one could be perfect for you. As it’s moderately difficult, you would want to come here wearing a pair of sturdy hiking shoes to access the steep points with exposed rocks and roots. However, the diverse views at the end of rivers, valleys and rock formations will leave you spellbound.
Length: About 1.6 miles (round-trip)
Difficulty: Moderate
Best time to visit: All year round
This short and easy boardwalk hike is in Beartown State Park. You’ll can hike past various sandstone formations and boulders, where kids often have fun moving around. The moss and fern-covered surroundings elevate its beauty as the trail continues through the forest. You could also visit the Droop Mountain Battlefield State Park if wishing to add more adventure to your day’s trip.
Length: About 0.5 miles (loop)
Difficulty: Easy
Best time to visit: April to October
This trail to Chimney Top in Potomac Wildlife Management Area is one of the most challenging ones in West Virginia. It is steep, particularly in the last section, where you will scramble rocks to reach the top. However, you will not regret the effort as it provides you with breathtaking views of geological features and picturesque surroundings.
Length: About 5.3 miles (out and back)
Difficulty: Hard
Best time to visit: April to October
Though a short hike in New River Gorge National Park, it offers you great views of the gorge and the beautiful bridge at its end. The gentle decline and incline make it accessible for hikers of all skill levels. Also shared by mountain bikers, the trail is well-marked and shaded, making it ideal to visit even in summer. You can bring your furry friends with you, but do remember to keep them on leash and clean after them.
Length: About 3 miles (out and back)
Difficulty: Moderate
Best time to visit: April to November
Running parallel to Seneca Creek, this trail is ideal for hikers of all skill levels due to its relatively flat terrain. The little cascading waterfalls on it and towering pines lined along the way make it an excellent scenic hike from spring to fall. However, don’t forget to wear a pair of waterproof shoes as you will have to cross the creek several times. To experience overnight camping here, you could head to the nearby Judy Springs Campground.
Length: About 10.1 mile (out and back)
Difficulty: Moderate
Best time to visit: March to November
The epic 2200-mile Appalachian Trail stretches from Georgia to Maine as it crosses 14 states. One of them is West Virginia, through which it traverses briefly. You could consider treading along the Keys Gap to Harpers Ferry section for a day hike. It is pretty rocky, and you will require about 7 hours to complete hiking the entire trail. Do start from the Visitor Center in Harpers Ferry to enjoy a steep uphill hike at the starting and a comparatively easier downhill hike on your return.
Length: Appalachian Trail: Keys Gap to Harpers Ferry
Difficulty: Moderate
Best time to visit: All year round
This trail in Potomac Wildlife Management Area is excellent for planning a long day-hike. It offers an enchanting experience as you hike through spruce and fir forests with rhododendrons blooming on the way. Reaching the top of Spruce Knob and back would require about 5 to 6 hours.
Length: About 11.4 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Best time to visit: May to October
These trails in Dolly Sods Wilderness offers a breathtaking vista of the mountains, meadows, and red spruce forest. As the path joins Rocky Ridge Trail, you will have to hike on an extremely rocky terrain. Once you reach the end, you can enjoy a picnic on the summit while you take pleasure of the panoramic views.
You can return following the same trail or continue further to where the trail merges with Dobbin Grade Trail, thus making a loop. However, do keep in mind that accessing this trail can be a challenge as you will have to find your way through rocks and boulders.
Length: About 8 miles (round trip)
Difficulty: Moderate
Best time to visit: All year long
TOP PICKS
Best Camping Hikes: Seneca Creek Trail, Bear Rocks Trail to Rocky Ridge Trail, North Fork Mountain Trail to Chimney Top
Best Waterfall Hikes: Blackwater Falls Trail, Falls of Hills Creek Trail, Seneca Creek Trail
Best Dog-Friendly Hikes: Endless Wall Trail, Beartown Boardwalk Trail, Long Point Trail
Best Winter Hikes: Endless Wall Trail, Blackwater Falls Trail, Spruce Knob via Huckleberry Trail
Best Mountain Hikes: Long Point Trail, Bear Rocks Trail to Rocky Ridge Trail, North Fork Mountain Trail to Chimney Top
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