Posted in West Virginia
July 05, 2017
10 Amazing West Virginia Hikes Under 3 Miles You Will Absolutely Love
West Virginia is a beautiful and scenic state, full of eye popping views and awesome hiking trails. But what if you’re not up for an all-day hike, or have just a little bit of time to spend off the beaten path? Here are X hiking trails in WV under three miles, all rated as easy or moderate.
The Waterfalls of the New River & Greenbrier Valley Region at the New River Gorge National River features a beautiful view and easy access of off New River Road. It’s a .04 mile out and back trail located near Hinton, WV that features a waterfall, is good for all skills levels and kid friendly. The trail is accessible year-round and is primarily used for hiking.
Nature’s Rock Garden is a 0.2 mile heavily trafficked loop trail located near Hacker Valley, WV that features a waterfall. Beginning at the cabin area parking lot, this is a short, self-guided loop that combines easy walking with a great variety of plant life. The trail is rated as moderate, and primarily used for hiking and walking.
The Island in the Sky Trail is a 0.2 mile moderately trafficked out and back trail located near Danese, West Virginia featuring beautiful wild flowers and is good for all skill levels. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, nature trips, and birding and is accessible year-round.
Long Point Trail is a 3 mile lightly trafficked out and back trail located near Fayetteville, WV. Reviewers say that the path is narrow at first but widens once in the woods, and begins to descend as it approaches the point where panoramic views of the New River Gorge Bridge will meet you. The last 100 feet are very narrow with steep drop-offs to the left and right. The trail features beautiful wild flowers and is rated as moderate. The trail offers a number of activity options and is accessible year round. Dogs are allowed, but must be kept on their leash.
Rock City Trail is a 1.4 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail that wends thrugh magnficent rock formations and a rhododendron forest. Located near Morgantown, West Virginia the trail features beautiful wild flowers and is good for all skill levels. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, nature trips, and birding and is accessible year-round. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash.
Clocking in at *just* over 3 miles, White Oak Loop Trail is a 3.1 mile moderately trafficked loop trail located near West Milford, West Virginia featuring a beautiful forest setting and is rated as moderate. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from February until November.
Lindy Point Overlook is a 0.8 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Douglas, West Virginia that features a river and is good for all skill levels. The trail from the road to the overlook is about 12 minutes along a heavily-travelled dirt path. The overlook is stone surrounded by a heavy wooden fence and offers a panoramic view of the gorge. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, nature trips, and birding and is accessible year-round.
Ridge Trail is a 1.2 mile lightly trafficked loop trail located near Berkeley Springs, West Virginia that features a river and is rated as moderate. The trail leads past Oriskany Sandstone Outcropping on Warm Springs Ridge, Indian Run, pine and mixed hardwood trees, laurel, flowering shrubs and wildflowers in season. The trail is primarily used for hiking and is accessible year-round. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash.
Twin Falls Loop Trail is a 1.1 mile moderately trafficked loop trail located near Saulsville, West Virginia that features a waterfall and is good for all skill levels. Bring your hiking poles with you, not so much for the terrain, but more to keep you steady when the ground is slippery. First part is paved, then it is rocky with gentle slopes.
The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, nature trips, and birding and is accessible year-round.
White Hollow Trail is a 1.8 mile moderately trafficked loop trail located near Hernshaw, West Virginia that features beautiful wild flowers and is rated as moderate. A reviewer commented that it’s a "great trail, but definitely more than moderate for casual hikers." Trekking poles were recommended. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from March until October.
These are some fairly easy and short hikes you can take in the Mountain State, and there are many more. What are some of your favorite hiking routes? Tell us in the comments below.
