This Scenic West Virginia Hike Is Even Better in the Winter

If you ask me, hiking in the winter is supremely underrated. If you don't mind bundling in layers and braving a bit of weather, then you're almost guaranteed to be rewarded with solitude and scenery. So, as the temperatures continue to drop, I invite you to consider a fairly popular hike in West Virginia that I'd argue is even better in the winter: Lindy Point Overlook.

Lindy Point Overlook is one of those places that makes you grateful to live in West Virginia. And fortunately, getting there is easy, which will work in your favor if you choose to visit on a particularly cold—or snowy—day. Round trip, it's a little under a mile, taking most folks between 30 minutes and an hour to complete. But trust me. You won't want to rush this experience.

The trail is situated within Blackwater Falls State Park, arguably the most popular outdoor destination in the state. But you're not here for the waterfall hike today, although that's one of the main reasons most visit. Instead, you're headed to an unforgettable view of Blackwater Canyon, the magnificent area carved through the mountains by the Blackwater River.

This is an adventure you'll want to start early. It's never overly crowded in the winter, but the parking lot can only accommodate a handful of cars, so the earlier you can get there, the better. The trailhead is located along Canaan Loop Road.

The hike will take you through a forest of hemlocks, spruce, and other hardwoods, plus rhododendrons. There are a few boardwalks to take you over particularly muddy areas, but otherwise, the trail is mostly natural surface. There are a few roots and rocks to navigate, so wearing sturdy hiking shoes even for this short distance is recommended!

Before long, you'll have reached the viewing platform that will give you a front-row seat to one of the region's best views. The panoramic display of mountains with the canyon below is nothing short of awe-inspiring, even if you're familiar with the area. Winter brings its own form of loveliness, too, especially after a snowfall. The bare vegetation makes the scenery even more expansive and dramatic. It's a view so magnificent, you really need to experience it in all four seasons!

And photos of the overlook, as stunning as they are, don't quite do justice to the experience of being there. One recent review highlights just how extraordinary a trail this is:

"The view and the trek to get there couldn’t have been more beautiful. The wooden paths were such an incredible touch, truly a breathtaking adventure...The beauty just never stops."

So, what do you think? Will you put this picturesque hiking trail on your West Virginia winter bucket list? You can also plan your own trip to the mountains with Only In Your State’s AI-powered itinerary planner.