With all the great trails in West Virginia, we can’t imagine that you’d only ever hike five. But if we had to choose some of the best hikes in West Virginia, these are some of our favorites. We’ve featured each hike before, so click on the link at the bottom of each description to see more photos and details.
- The Endless Wall Trail, New River Gorge
Random Michelle/flickr This flat trail above the New River Gorge is an easy 2.2-mile trail that takes you through a forested area to some incredible overlooks of the gorge. Read our full article here. Endless Wall Trail, West Virginia, USA
- The Harpers Ferry Portion of the Appalachian Trail
Jan Kronsell/Wikimedia Hikers on the 2,000-mile-long Appalachian Trail consider the four-mile stretch along Harpers Ferry the psychological halfway mark. This small portion of the trail takes you through the quaint town of Harpers Ferry, to a bridge where you’ll cross over into Maryland. Read our full article here. 799 Washington St, Harpers Ferry, WV 25425, USA
- Bear Rocks Trail, Bear Rocks Preserve
goneagain2/Tripadvisor This trail takes you high up on the plateau above the Canaan Valley. The wind up here at these high elevations causes trees to have one-sided proportions, and the rock wears away in interesting formations. Read our full article here. Bear Rocks Trail, West Virginia 26260, USA
- Grandview Area, New River Gorge National River
Steve1362/Tripadvisor Start with the Castle Rock Trail from the overlook, then continue on along the Grandview Rim Trail, then make a quick little detour to the Turkey Spur Overlook (pictured here). The scenery all along the way is just stunning. Read our full article here. New River Gorge National Park & Preserve, 162 Visitor Center Rd, Lansing, WV 25862, USA
- Island in the Sky, Babcock State Park
Dale Stafford/panoramio This half-mile trail is steep, but it leads you to a pavilion that overlooks a beautiful valley. Read our full article here. Babcock State Park, 486 Babcock Rd, Clifftop, WV 25831, USA
Of course, it’s almost impossible to choose just five “best” hikes in West Virginia. Which hikes would you put on your Top 5 list?
Random Michelle/flickr
This flat trail above the New River Gorge is an easy 2.2-mile trail that takes you through a forested area to some incredible overlooks of the gorge. Read our full article here.
Endless Wall Trail, West Virginia, USA
Jan Kronsell/Wikimedia
Hikers on the 2,000-mile-long Appalachian Trail consider the four-mile stretch along Harpers Ferry the psychological halfway mark. This small portion of the trail takes you through the quaint town of Harpers Ferry, to a bridge where you’ll cross over into Maryland. Read our full article here.
799 Washington St, Harpers Ferry, WV 25425, USA
goneagain2/Tripadvisor
This trail takes you high up on the plateau above the Canaan Valley. The wind up here at these high elevations causes trees to have one-sided proportions, and the rock wears away in interesting formations. Read our full article here.
Bear Rocks Trail, West Virginia 26260, USA
Steve1362/Tripadvisor
Start with the Castle Rock Trail from the overlook, then continue on along the Grandview Rim Trail, then make a quick little detour to the Turkey Spur Overlook (pictured here). The scenery all along the way is just stunning. Read our full article here.
New River Gorge National Park & Preserve, 162 Visitor Center Rd, Lansing, WV 25862, USA
Dale Stafford/panoramio
This half-mile trail is steep, but it leads you to a pavilion that overlooks a beautiful valley. Read our full article here.
Babcock State Park, 486 Babcock Rd, Clifftop, WV 25831, USA
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The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Hikes In West Virginia March 05, 2022 Meghan Byers What are some kid-friendly hikes around West Virginia? We’ve got good news if you’ve ever wondered, “What are some kid-friendly hiking trails near me?” There are trails all over the state of West Virginia that are suitable for little feet, and even some stroller friendly trails! In Huntington, visit Ritter Park for a series of short trails that meander through the woods. Beartown State Park in Greenbrier County has multiple short and manageable boardwalk trails, perfect for young kids and even navigable for strollers. The Cranberry Bog Boardwalk in Cranberry Glades Botanical Area is another short, easy boardwalk hike with some beautiful scenery, and this one even features interpretive signs along the trail so you can enjoy an educational trek. The Douglas Falls Trail in the Monongahela National Forest is a short, 0.6-mile out-and-back trail that features a stunning waterfall! It’s an easy and flat trail with a spectacular payoff. For more kid-friendly hikes in West Virginia, visit our guide here. Are there other scenic hikes in West Virginia? West Virginia is brimming with beautiful scenery. Want to trek through fields of wildflowers to stunning panoramic views of the New River Gorge Bridge? Take the 3-mile Long Point Trail at New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, and don’t forget your camera. The short but sweet Lindy Point Trail in Blackwater Falls State Park will grant you gorgeous views of the iconic Blackwater Canyon, and it’s suitable for beginners as well. Seneca Rocks Trail in Spruce Knob-Seneca Rocks National Recreation Area leads to an observation platform with great views of the eponymous rock faces. In Coopers Rock State Forest, take a trek along the Roadside Trail to Coopers Rock Overlook, and you’ll be able to see some truly incredible views of the Cheat River Gorge.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Hikes In West Virginia
March 05, 2022
Meghan Byers
What are some kid-friendly hikes around West Virginia? We’ve got good news if you’ve ever wondered, “What are some kid-friendly hiking trails near me?” There are trails all over the state of West Virginia that are suitable for little feet, and even some stroller friendly trails! In Huntington, visit Ritter Park for a series of short trails that meander through the woods. Beartown State Park in Greenbrier County has multiple short and manageable boardwalk trails, perfect for young kids and even navigable for strollers. The Cranberry Bog Boardwalk in Cranberry Glades Botanical Area is another short, easy boardwalk hike with some beautiful scenery, and this one even features interpretive signs along the trail so you can enjoy an educational trek. The Douglas Falls Trail in the Monongahela National Forest is a short, 0.6-mile out-and-back trail that features a stunning waterfall! It’s an easy and flat trail with a spectacular payoff. For more kid-friendly hikes in West Virginia, visit our guide here. Are there other scenic hikes in West Virginia? West Virginia is brimming with beautiful scenery. Want to trek through fields of wildflowers to stunning panoramic views of the New River Gorge Bridge? Take the 3-mile Long Point Trail at New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, and don’t forget your camera. The short but sweet Lindy Point Trail in Blackwater Falls State Park will grant you gorgeous views of the iconic Blackwater Canyon, and it’s suitable for beginners as well. Seneca Rocks Trail in Spruce Knob-Seneca Rocks National Recreation Area leads to an observation platform with great views of the eponymous rock faces. In Coopers Rock State Forest, take a trek along the Roadside Trail to Coopers Rock Overlook, and you’ll be able to see some truly incredible views of the Cheat River Gorge.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
We’ve got good news if you’ve ever wondered, “What are some kid-friendly hiking trails near me?” There are trails all over the state of West Virginia that are suitable for little feet, and even some stroller friendly trails! In Huntington, visit Ritter Park for a series of short trails that meander through the woods. Beartown State Park in Greenbrier County has multiple short and manageable boardwalk trails, perfect for young kids and even navigable for strollers. The Cranberry Bog Boardwalk in Cranberry Glades Botanical Area is another short, easy boardwalk hike with some beautiful scenery, and this one even features interpretive signs along the trail so you can enjoy an educational trek. The Douglas Falls Trail in the Monongahela National Forest is a short, 0.6-mile out-and-back trail that features a stunning waterfall! It’s an easy and flat trail with a spectacular payoff. For more kid-friendly hikes in West Virginia, visit our guide here.
Are there other scenic hikes in West Virginia?
West Virginia is brimming with beautiful scenery. Want to trek through fields of wildflowers to stunning panoramic views of the New River Gorge Bridge? Take the 3-mile Long Point Trail at New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, and don’t forget your camera. The short but sweet Lindy Point Trail in Blackwater Falls State Park will grant you gorgeous views of the iconic Blackwater Canyon, and it’s suitable for beginners as well. Seneca Rocks Trail in Spruce Knob-Seneca Rocks National Recreation Area leads to an observation platform with great views of the eponymous rock faces. In Coopers Rock State Forest, take a trek along the Roadside Trail to Coopers Rock Overlook, and you’ll be able to see some truly incredible views of the Cheat River Gorge.
