18 Best Hikes In West Virginia: The Top-Rated Hiking Trails To Visit In 2023
Jasmine Vieau
Author
Are you looking for the best hikes in West Virginia? From rugged mountains to tranquil forests, these top-rated hiking trails offer an array of experiences for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you seek panoramic views, cascading waterfalls, or serene meadows, West Virginia’s hiking trails have it all. Discover natural wonders and create unforgettable memories as you explore these fantastic hiking destinations.
Best Hikes in West Virginia
The best hikes in West Virginia include the Maryland Heights via Harper’s Ferry, the Maryland Heights Loop, and the Endless Wall Trail. These trails offer a perfect blend of adventure and natural beauty, with panoramic views of Harper’s Ferry, stunning cliffs, and the majestic New River Gorge. Immerse yourself in the wonders of West Virginia’s top-rated hiking experiences.
- Location: Harpers Ferry
- Mileage: 4.5-mile out-and-back trail
- Difficulty: Moderate
- FYI: The popular Harpers Ferry National Historical Park is kid-friendly and is ideal for birding, hiking, and running. Expect to meet fellow enthusiasts along the trail, especially from March to October. Don't forget to bring your furry friends on a leash. Please note that there is an entry fee.
Explore Maryland Heights via Harper's Ferry in Harpers Ferry National Historical Park. This 4.5-mile out-and-back trail near Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, offers a moderately challenging hike, taking around two hours and 25 minutes on average. Popular for birding, hiking, and running, the trail rewards you with beautiful views. Note that the ascent can be steep, especially during winter, so consider wearing spiked shoes and trekking poles for added stability on slippery sections.
- Location: Harpers Ferry
- Mileage: 6.5-mile loop trail
- Difficulty: Hard
- FYI: Harpers Ferry National Historical Park is a popular area for birding, hiking, and running year-round. Leashed dogs are welcome, and there's an entrance fee to keep in mind.
Discover the historic Maryland Heights Trail in Harpers Ferry National Historical Park. This 4.5-mile hike is perfect for all ages and offers stunning overlooks, Civil War fortifications, and rich history. Interpretive signs along the well-marked trails make the journey informative and enjoyable. While some parts are paved, be prepared with proper footwear for rocky and muddy sections. As you ascend, relish the breathtaking view of Harpers Ferry and the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers. Park at the train station to start your adventure, as parking on Sandy Hook Road is no longer allowed. Alternatively, park at the Visitor Center and take the shuttle into town for a seamless experience.
- Location: Lansing
- Mileage: 3.2-mile loop trail
- Difficulty: Easy
- FYI: Popular for hiking and rock climbing, with dog-friendly trails (leash required) - exercise caution near cliffs.
Explore the Endless Wall Trail, a scenic route that winds through lush forests and crosses Fern Creek before hugging the cliff edge. Diamond Point Overlook is a popular turnaround spot for a two-mile out-and-back hike from the Fern Creek parking area. From this vantage point, enjoy stunning views of the New River, over 1000 feet below, where you can often hear whitewater rafters navigating the Lower New's wild rapids. The trail is also rich in history, featuring the remnants of the Nuttallburg Mine, a prominent mine in the New River Coalfields during the late 1800s.
Best Short & Easy Hikes in West Virginia
Take a look at our picks of the best short and easy hikes in West Virginia, featuring the Long Point Trail, the Grandview Rim Trail leading to Turkey Spur Rock, and the Canyon Rim Overlook Boardwalk. These trails offer accessible and leisurely hikes with fantastic views and well-maintained pathways.
- Location: Fayetteville
- Mileage: 3.0-mile out-and-back trail
- Difficulty: Easy
- FYI: Well-frequented for hiking and mountain biking, with dog-friendly trails (leash required). Best times to visit: April to November. Trailhead offers car parking and a vault toilet.
Long Point Trail in New River Gorge National Park and Preserve is near Fayetteville and is a three mile out-and-back trail rated as easy with an average completion time of one hour and 13 minutes. The highlight is the Long Point view, offering views of the gorge, the river, and the iconic New Gorge River Bridge. Most of the trail is shaded, winding through a lush forest with various other trail connections.
- Location: Prince
- Mileage: 3.1-mile out-and-back trail
- Difficulty: Easy
- FYI: Buzzing with birding, hiking, and walking enthusiasts, this trail sees frequent visitors year-round. Ideal times to visit: March to October. Dogs allowed on a leash. Trailhead amenities include car parking, playground, picnic table, wheelchair-accessible bathroom, trash cans, and benches.
Embark on the Grandview Rim Trail to Turkey Spur Rock in New River Gorge National Park and Preserve for breathtaking river views. The hike features a challenging section with stairs leading to the overlook. As the longest trail at Grandview, it remains a top choice among hikers. Grab a self-guided trail brochure to enhance your experience and learn more about the trail's highlights.
- Location: Lansing
- Mileage: 0.5-mile out-and-back trail
- Difficulty: Easy
- FYI: A hot spot for birding, hiking, and walking, expect to meet fellow explorers along the way. Leashed dogs are welcome. Amenities: Auto parking, accessible restroom, and trash receptacles.
The Canyon Rim Overlook Boardwalk is a 0.5-mile easy trail near Lansing. Enjoy beautiful gorge and New River Gorge Bridge views. Access a viewing point via a ramp, and if you're up for it, descend over 150 steps for a lower vantage point. Find this scenic trail at the Canyon Rim Visitor Center.
Hardest Hikes in West Virginia
Challenge yourself to some of the hardest hikes in West Virginia, featuring the challenging Allegheny Mountain Trail, the rugged North Fork Mountain Trail, and the demanding Tuscarora, Wilson Cove, and Halfmoon Lookout Loop. These hikes test the limits of even the most experienced adventurers, offering steep ascents, rocky terrains, and extraordinary vistas. Prepare for a true outdoor challenge as you conquer these trails and experience the unparalleled beauty of West Virginia’s wilderness.
- Location: Riverton
- Mileage: 14.6-mile out-and-back trail
- Difficulty: Hard
- FYI: A favored spot for birding and hiking, you can find moments of solitude during off-peak hours. Best times: March through October. Leashed dogs allowed.
Take on the challenge of Allegheny Mountain Trail in Potomac Wildlife Management Area, Riverton, West Virginia. This 14.6-mile out-and-back trail is for hiking, offering beautiful vistas and a peaceful atmosphere. The nice climb rewards you with stunning views from the top.
- Location: Cabins
- Mileage: 22.0-mile out-and-back trail
- Difficulty: Hard
- FYI: A sought-after trail for backpacking, camping, and hiking, but tranquility awaits during less busy hours. Best times: April through October. Leashed dogs welcome.
The North Fork Mountain Trail is a well-known and popular hiking trail in Monongahela National Forest, near Cabins, West Virginia. It is an out-and-back trail with a total length of approximately 22 miles. The route is considered challenging, so it is suitable for experienced hikers and backpackers looking for a more demanding hike. As it traverses the spine of North Fork Mountain, hikers can expect to encounter gorgeous vistas and picturesque landscapes, making the trek all the more rewarding.
- Location: Wardensville
- Mileage: 17.9-mile loop trail
- Difficulty: Hard
- FYI: Ideal for backpacking, birding, and camping, with minimal crowds. Open year-round, offers stunning beauty anytime.
The Tuscarora, Wilson Cove, and Halfmoon Lookout Loop is a 17.9-mile trail in George Washington National Forest near Wardensville. It's moderately challenging, taking around eight hours and 43 minutes to complete. The first 2.5 miles are difficult - with uphill switchbacks through rocks. Well-marked and mostly runs parallel to a beautiful creek. Multiple water crossings but nothing too difficult. Wearing waterproof shoes for water crossings and mud is a must.
Best Waterfront Hikes in West Virginia
Have you checked out any of these waterfront hikes in West Virginia? Coopers Rock State Forest Loop, Long Point Trail, and Pase Point Trail are your go-to options. Coopers Rock treats you to impressive views, while Long Point lets you walk by the water’s edge. And don’t miss Pase Point for its gorgeous river scenery.
- Location: Morgantown
- Mileage: 4.7-mile loop trail
- Difficulty: Moderate
- FYI: Highly favored for birding, camping, and fishing, expect moderate crowds. Accessible year-round, offers year-round natural beauty. Dogs allowed, on-leash.
Coopers Rock State Forest Loop is a 4.7-mile trail in Morgantown. Moderately challenging and takes about two hours. Activities for anglers, hikers, hunters, campers, and rock climbers. With several interconnected trails, it winds through forest valleys, passes by huge boulders, and offers views from scenic ridges. For easy navigation, it's advisable to download the map beforehand. As you stroll along, you'll be treated to the beauty of meandering streams and fascinating rock formations, making it a truly captivating experience.
- Location: Summersville
- Mileage: 3.9-mile out-and-back trail
- Difficulty: Easy
- FYI: Popular for birding, hiking, and mountain biking. Open year-round. Dogs welcome, some off-leash areas. Gravel parking, one portable restroom at trailhead. Tranquility during off-peak times.
The Long Point Trail near Summersville is a pleasant 3.9-mile out-and-back hike, generally considered easy, and takes around an hour and a half to complete. The trail meanders through wooded terrain, offering glimpses of beautiful Summersville Lake throughout the route. The real treat awaits at Long Point, where you'll be rewarded with incredible views of the lake – a perfect spot for a relaxing lunch. However, caution is advised near the cliff, as several crevices could pose a fall hazard.
- Location: Davis
- Mileage: 3.8-mile out-and-back trail
- Difficulty: Easy
- FYI: Versatile trail for cross-country skiing, hiking, and mountain biking. Enjoy solitude during off-peak hours. Open year-round. Leashed dogs welcome. Parking and restrooms at Harold S. Walters Nature Center. Food concession at park Trading Post (1.25 miles away).
Check out the fun and easy Pase Point Trail. It starts at the Harold S. Walters Nature Center and passes Pendleton Lake before heading southwest into a dense forest with rhododendron. It skirts the Blackwater River Gorge for over a mile, with no visible gorge due to the thick forest. After 0.6 miles, it splits from the Dobbin House Trail and heads northwest with red blazes. About 0.6 miles further, you'll reach Pase Point Overlook, offering beautiful gorge views.
Best Winter Hikes in West Virginia
Get ready for the best winter hikes in West Virginia! Bundle up and hit the trails like Scott Run and Reservoir Ski Trail Loop, Acorn Ridge Trail, and Tug Fork River Trail. These hikes offer winter scenery, from snowy trails to icy waterways. Whether looking for a leisurely stroll or a moderate adventure, these trails have got you covered. So, grab your boots, put on that cozy hat, and enjoy the winter wonderland of West Virginia.
- Location: Morgantown
- Mileage: 4.5-mile loop trail
- Difficulty: Moderate
- FYI: Trail for birding, hiking, and skiing. Enjoy solitude during quieter times. Leashed dogs welcome.
This trail is a nature lover's paradise! Scott Run section features beautiful ferns, rhododendrons, and crystal-clear water. In the spring and summer seasons at Scott Run and Reservoir Ski Trail Loop, enjoy bird calls from the many different bird species. In the wintertime, enjoy a peaceful snowy trek along icy creeks. Relax at the Reservoir and follow the Reservoir Ski Trail back to the parking lot through the oak forest.
- Location: Bluefield
- Mileage: 2.0-mile out-and-back trail
- Difficulty: Moderate
- FYI: Ideal for hiking and running. Few crowds expected. Dogs welcome on a leash.
Acorn Ridge Trail in Pinnacle Rock State Park is a kid-friendly two-mile hike near Bluefield. It's considered moderately challenging, taking about an hour to complete. This nice and simple trail has clear markings, making it a good choice for beginners to hike.
- Location: Williamson
- Mileage: 2.1-mile out-and-back trail
- Difficulty: Easy
- FYI: This trail is perfect for walking, offering a secluded experience with few people around. It's dog-friendly, and some areas allow dogs off-leash.
Uncover the Tug Fork River Trail in Williamson, West Virginia. This two-mile trail is generally considered an easy route, taking around 40 minutes to complete. Enjoy a pleasant walk along the flood wall and Tug Fork, starting near a railroad tunnel and passing behind Southern West Virginia CTC and a residential area before ending at Williamson PK-8. It's a fantastic trail for walking, running, or biking – a perfect outdoor adventure for everyone.
Best Hikes near Charleston
Ready for some epic hiking adventures near Charleston, West Virginia? Check out the best hikes in the area, including Alice Knight Memorial Trail, Little Creek Park Loop Trail, and The Sunrise Carriage Trail. Alice Knight Memorial Trail offers seasonal scenery, Little Creek Park Loop Trail is perfect for a peaceful stroll, and The Sunrise Carriage Trail is sure to start your day off right. So pack some snacks and get ready to hit the trails for some fun.
- Location: Charleston
- Mileage: 1.1-mile out-and-back trail
- Difficulty: Moderate
- FYI: Popular snowshoeing trail.
Experience the Alice Knight Memorial Trail near Charleston. This 1.1-mile out-and-back trail offers a moderately challenging route, typically taking around half an hour to complete. It is a well-established route but may be narrow at times, so keep an eye out. Perfect for those seeking a trail closer to the city while still enjoying the outdoors. Don't miss out on this in-city adventure.
- Location: Charleston
- Mileage: 1.0-mile loop trail
- Difficulty: Easy
- FYI: Popular area for hiking and mountain biking. Kid-friendly. Busy during March to October. Dogs allowed, leashes required.
Take a nice hike on the mile-loop trail near Charleston, West Virginia. This trail is known as Little Creek Park Trail and is considered an easy route. Along the way, you'll encounter the impressive Devil's Tea Table rock formation and enjoy scenic views of the creek. It's a pleasant and level walk, offering a delightful outdoor experience.
- Location: Charleston
- Mileage: 1.4-mile loop trail
- Difficulty: Easy
- FYI: Popular trail for birding, hiking, and road biking. Kid-friendly. Solitude possible at quieter times. Dogs allowed, leashes required.
Enjoy the scenic beauty of the Sunrise Carriage Trail near Charleston, West Virginia. This 1.4-mile out-and-back trail is a delightful hike, typically considered an easy route that takes around 37 minutes to complete. The trail is well-maintained, has a shaded gravel pathway, and gently winds up the mountainside in easy-graded switchbacks. Along the way, you'll encounter various points of interest, such as a small park at the start, a sculpture installed along the path, and multiple seating areas to rest and take in the surroundings.
Have you checked out these best hiking trails in West Virginia? Do you think they are the top hiking trails and best places to hike in West Virginia? We’d love to hear about your experiences and the trails you’re excited to explore. Share your thoughts, and let us know which hiking trails are on your bucket list. We’re excited to hear from you!
Whether you’re an experienced hiker seeking elevation gain and switchbacks or a beginner looking for a day hike to check out the alpine lakes and mountain ranges, this hub offers a wide range of options to meet your needs. And don’t forget to take advantage of the opportunity to try Try AllTrails+ For Free, providing you with even more resources and features for your hiking adventures!
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More to Explore
The Best Hikes In West Virginia
Does West Virginia have good hiking trails?
West Virginia's best hiking trails include:
- Kaymoor Miners Trail
- Seneca Rocks Trail in Spruce Knob-Seneca Rocks National Recreation Area
- Greenbrier River Trail
- Bear Rocks and Lions Head Loop in Dolly Sods Wilderness
What are the best months to hike in West Virginia?
West Virginia is a fantastic year-round destination, but if you're looking for the best time to visit, aim for May, June, and September to mid-November. Late spring brings pleasant weather and a vibrant display of blooming wildflowers, adding an extra touch of beauty to your hiking adventures. Whether you're exploring the trails or taking in scenic landscapes, these months offer an ideal window to immerse yourself in the natural wonders of West Virginia.