Here Are 3 Of The Most Refreshing Waterfront Trails You Can Take In West Virginia

Mountainous West Virginia is widely known for its natural beauty and the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve in the southern part of the state. While many people may choose to take in West Virginia’s famed attractiveness by raft or mountain bike, perhaps the best way to see the Mountain State is on one’s own two feet. Read on to learn about some of the best waterfront trails in West Virginia.

Sarah Little/AllTrails

Manda Riley/AllTrails

About one-and-a-half hours east of Charleston - West Virginia’s capital and largest city - you will find the Long Point Trail. Located near Summersville Lake State Wildlife Area, this kid-friendly trail features mild inclines and declines and takes hikers through wooded terrain and laurel-lined areas of land. Those who complete this 3.9-mile out-and-back trail are rewarded with sweeping views of Summersville Lake, a 2,700-acre reservoir that is the largest lake in the state.

Hikers are warned to be careful on Long Point, the cliff overlooking Summersville Lake, as there are crevices through which they can fall. Dogs are allowed on this trail, which takes roughly an hour-and-a-half to complete, and they are even allowed off-leash in some areas.

Mr&Mrs Blavos/AllTrails

Elke Schnabel/AllTrails

Along almost 400 miles of the Ohio River lie the many islands that make up the Ohio River Islands National Wildlife Refuge. One of these islands, located near St. Marys, West Virginia on the state’s border with Ohio, is called Middle Island. This island features a 4.2-mile kid- and dog-friendly trail, the Middle Island Loop, which takes around 75 minutes to complete. The Middle Island Loop is well-marked and affords hikers views of the water throughout, especially in winter when the island’s trees have shed their leaves.

The west side of this trail features historical and nature-related placards so be sure to stop every once and a while to learn about the area. Note that the trail can get muddy at times so plan and dress accordingly.

Jeb Feldman/AllTrails

christa harbig/AllTrails

Little Canaan Wildlife Management Area, a 3,168-acre wetland complex in northern West Virginia that is a popular area for fishing and hunting, is the location of the Splashdam Trail. This 7.4-mile, out-and-back trail near the small town of Davis usually takes about two-and-a-half hours to complete and is usually very lightly traveled - you’ll practically have it all to yourself!

While on your hike, you’ll be able to take in a variety of scenery (open meadows and views of Blackwater River, for example) and various fauna like wildflowers and spruce trees. The Splashdam Trail’s starting point, right off of Route 32, is easy to find; the trail itself is also well marked, according to past visitors.

West Virginia offers visitors a variety of outdoor activities in which to participate. However, we’d argue the best way to see The Mountain State is by hiking its many trails while taking in views of the state’s gorgeous bodies of water. There’s just something so refreshing about being near the water – whether it be in the form of a serene lake or the frothy rapids of a river. No matter which trail on this list you choose, you are sure to be in for a visual treat! If rock formations – and not water – are more your style be sure to check out the North Fork Mountain Trail in eastern West Virginia. Have you hiked any of the trails on this list? Tell us about it in the comments!