West Virginia
Nature|Hiking

Take An Easy Out-And-Back Trail To Enter Another World At Grandview’s Turkey Spur Overlook In West Virginia

Turkey Spur Overlook Trail in Grandview State Park offers a serene hike through rhododendron forests to panoramic views of the New River Gorge.

Published Mar 31, 2020

Written by 

Cristy

There's an easy out-and-back trail in the former Grandview State Park (now operated as a day-use park by the National Park Service) that will have you forgetting your troubles as you venture through soothing woodlands and soak in stunning, hundred-mile views. That trail is the Turkey Spur Overlook Trail near Beckley, West Virginia.

At Turkey Spur Overlook in Grandview State Park near Beckley, West Virginia, enjoy a lightly-trafficked stroll through a magical rhododendron forest to a jaw-dropping overlook featuring panoramic views of the New River Gorge and the stunning Appalachian ranges surrounding it.

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Kate T/Tripadvisor

The rhododendron is West Virginia's state flower, and you can see miles of them blooming throughout Grandview in April (pink) or June (white).

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Visitors from around the United States will feel like they've entered another world as they gaze at the jagged peaks and winding river of the New River Gorge National River.

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Steve5863/Tripadvisor

There are multiple overlooks along the trail to the spur, but the last one is the best.

But we who know and love West Virginia recognize that this is just another amazing view in our big slice of paradise.

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Steve5863/Tripadvisor

There's a reason for our state's nicknames, after all.

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Jennifer Waggener/Alltrails

Wild and wonderful? Yes. Almost heaven? Yes. That's the Mountain State we know and love!

The journey to the first two overlooks along the trail is easy, but the last and best view does require a climb up several flights of stairs.

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Michael Flavin/Tripadvisor

Once you reach the top, you'll be glad you put in the extra effort.

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Steve5863/Tripadvisor

The Turkey Spur Trail is located off a small parking area at the end of Turkey Spur Road in Beaver, West Virginia. Or, to make a day of it and see even more spectacular scenery, you can make a loop of the main overlook's Grandview Rim Trail, the Castle Rock Trail, and the Turkey Spur Overlook Trail. To learn more about all six trails in the park, visit Grandview's website.

Where do you go to escape the pressures of life and spend some quality one on one time with nature? There are lots of options in our area, and we'd love to hear your favorite!

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Nature|Hiking

The Stunning Top-Secret Hiking Trail in West Virginia Nobody’s Ever Heard Of

Uncover West Virginia’s hidden gem, the Hawk’s Nest Rail Trail—an easy hike with waterfalls, historic bridges, and stunning scenery. Perfect for all ages!

Published Sep 6, 2024

Written by 

Jasmine Vieau

I'm sure you've heard of Hawks Nest State Park, known for its aerial tram, scenic overlooks, huge cliffs, and jet boatrides. But often overlooked by visitors is the underrated and kind of top-secret Hawk's Nest Rail Trail. Have you heard of it?

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Hawks Nest State Park , Gauley Mountain in Ansted, West Virginia, USA.

The Hawk's Nest Rail Trail is an easy to moderate, almost two-mile out-and-back trail (or about a four-mile round-trip) that starts near the Gift Shop and Nature Center at the base of Hawks Nest State Park, near the aerial tram, and ends close to the town of Ansted.

The trail follows Mill Creek down to the New River and is suitable for all ages and fitness levels. It's a popular trail for bikers, hikers, and runners due to its gradual incline and decline alongside the creek.

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Gary Mott/AllTrails

As you hike or bike along this trail, you'll encounter natural and historical landmarks that make it unique. You'll see beautiful waterfalls like the Mill Creek Falls, which is the largest of the many waterfalls dotted along the trail. There are also lots of spots for you or your pup to take a dip during the summer months - an added bonus!

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Mill Creek Falls in Hawks Nest State Park during the fall season in the Appalachian Mountains of West Virginia, USA.

I love trails with trestle bridges, and the Hawk's Nest Rail Trail will not disappoint with its two historic ones. The trestle bridges are a great place to stop and enjoy the scenery and maybe snap a few pictures. You might even get lucky and spot some wildlife along your trek, as it's pretty common to see around these parts.

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Haley Lambert/AllTrails

The trail also provides a look into West Virginia's history, as it used to be a railway for the Mill Creek Colliery Mining Company. You can still see parts of the old mine, such as the entrance and old objects, along the trail. It's a truly one-of-a-kind experience, and this alone makes the trail worthwhile.

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Nate Gorman/AllTrails

On the trail, there are so many interactive signs and displays to check out, as well. You can even take part in the West Virginia Waterfall Trail by downloading a passport. As you visit waterfalls like Mill Creek Falls, you can earn prizes with a waterfall theme. It's a fun way to explore the area!

And if you visit the trail at the Ansted end, don't worry about parking; there is a small parking area at the main access point that makes it easy for you to start your hike or bike ride.

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Chris M/AllTrails

So, grab your outdoor gear and go explore the Mountain State - it's not referred to as Almost Heaven for nothing!

Have you hiked the Hawk's Nest Rail Trail? For more details about it, take a look at Hawk's Nest Rail Trail's official website. Are there any other hidden gem hiking trails you think I should know about? Let me know - I'd love to hear your recommendations and insider tips.

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Nature|Hiking

Canyon Rim Overlook Boardwalk Trail In West Virginia Leads To One Of The Most Scenic Views In The State

Discover the stunning Canyon Rim Overlook Boardwalk Trail in West Virginia's New River Gorge National Park, offering breathtaking views and a short, accessible hike.

Updated Aug 15, 2024

Written by 

Clarisa

Have you been trying to fit more adventures into your travels where you have extra time? A stunning adventure can be had in many places in West Virginia, but the hiking trails at the New River Gorge National Park are something special. If you've been looking for a boardwalk trail that comes with stunning views, then you've found it at Canyon Rim Overlook. Why not bookmark this for a day when you're near the park and have a moment to spare? Adventures don't have to take a long time to be amazing.

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Today's adventure starts at the New River Gorge National Park. The Canyon Rim Overlook Boardwalk Trail is a beautiful and short hike but contains some of the best scenery the state has to offer. Just take a look for yourself!

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Taylor Likens/AllTrails

It may be a short hike but it remains as one of the best hikes in New River Gorge. It was a favorite in our family.

The trail itself is less than a mile long, but this 0.6-mile hike is all about taking in the views, and not so much about endurance.

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Michael Flavin/AllTrails

A big part of the stunning scenery is the New River Gorge Bridge, and the views around it. Misty fog tumbles under the bridge, or flows over top of everything. When it's clear, there are trees as far as the eye can see that change colors with the season and make this a view worth revisiting.

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Abe Hartzier/AllTrails

The elevation gain is only 88 feet, but if you want to add more to your hike, there are connecting trails that will change the length and elevation on your adventure.

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Sairam Inguva/AllTrails

The beautiful scenery over the river is always a welcome sight. Since there are two paths you can take, the bottom path on the left is over 150 steps down to a different vantage point, and the one on the right is a flat path to a viewpoint that is easier on joints and mostly wheel friendly.

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Kirk Larrabee/AllTrails

Even though much of the trail is paved or boardwalk paths, make sure to pack out everything you brought in, including food scraps. Keeping trails as natural as possible is a goal everyone should strive for. Happy hiking!

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Michael Flavin/AllTrails
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Sarah Dodge/ OnlyInYourState

We will finish off with one more view of this gorgeous spot. We hope it inspires you to visit and see the beautiful as much as we did when we took off on this glorious boardwalk trail. Trust us when we say the Canyon Rim Overlook in West Virginia is one of the best places to visit within our amazing national park.

If you'd like to bookmark this beautiful hike for a future trip, check out the Canyon Rim Overlook Boardwalk Trail page on AllTrails. There, you'll find a trail map, reviews, and even a local weather forecast. Make sure to check it before you head out, to make sure there aren't any surprise closings! This is a tool we have used many times and we never hit the trails without it. New River Gorge is such a beautiful place and well worth the trip no matter how far you have to travel to get here. Another great spot to see the bridge is on the Long Point Trail. If you would like to learn more about the Canyon Rim Overlook Boardwalk Trail check out this Adventuring in the Moment video where we hiked this very spot.

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