10 Amazing West Virginia Hikes Under 3 Miles You Will Absolutely Love
West Virginia is a beautiful and scenic state, and one of the best ways to see it is on foot, hiking the grand labyrinth of trails that weave throughout the Mountain State’s raw, rugged terrain. You might be surprised to learn that some of the most scenic hikes in West Virginia won’t take you all day, in fact, some of them can be hiked during your lunch break! These 10 trails are short and sweet, making them a great option for a quick solo hike or a family hike with the little ones. Here are some of the best hikes in West Virginia that are under three miles and don’t compromise on scenery.
1. Waterfalls of the New River & Greenbrier Valley Region - New River Gorge National River
New River Gorge National Park & Preserve, 104 Co Rte 25/9, Glen Jean, WV 25846, USA
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 and it's one of the best kid-friendly hikes around West Virginia to bring the youngest of nature lovers out for an adventure.
2. Nature’s Rock Garden, Holly River State Park
Holly River State Park, 680 State Park Rd, Hacker Valley, WV 26222, USA
Nature’s Rock Garden is a 0.2 mile heavily trafficked loop trail nestled inside Holly River State Park, and it's an easy trail in West Virginia that just about anyone can hike, even your furry friends. 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.
This scenic hike in West Virginia may be less than a mile long, but don't let that fool you, it's one of the most breathtaking trails in the area. Few trails capture the raw beauty of West Virginia in such a short span, and this one nails it.
Long Point Trail in West Virginia is a 3-mile lightly trafficked out and back trail in Babcock State Park with some of the best views you'll ever see. 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, so watch your step!
5. Rock City Trail, Coopers Rock State Forest
Coopers Rock State Forest, West Virginia 26525, USA
Rock City Trail is a 1.4 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail that wends thrugh magnficent rock formations within Coopers Rock State Forest. The rugged terrain may not be the best kid-friendly hike in West Virginia, especially for the little ones, but older kids will have a blast claiming around the formations.
Clocking in at *just* over 3 miles, White Oak Loop Trail is a 3.1 mile moderately trafficked loop trail located in Watters Smith State Park featuring a beautiful forest setting where you'll be surrounded by lush greenery and beautiful wildflowers.
7. Lindy Point, Blackwater Falls State Park
Blackwater Falls State Park, 1584 Blackwater Lodge Rd, Davis, WV 26260, USA
The Lindy Point Overlook is one of the most scenic trails in West Virginia, especially when you consider it's less than a mile long. When you get to the overlook, prepare to be mesmerized with a jaw-dropping view of the mountain range and valley below.
8. Ridge Trail - Cacapon Resort State Park
Cacapon Resort State Park, N Fork Cabin Ln, Unger, WV 25411, USA
Ridge Trail is a 1.2 mile lightly trafficked loop trail located inside of Cacapon Resort State Park that features a river and even more beautiful views. You'll wander through the pine and mixed hardwood trees, laurel trees, flowering shrubs and if you time your visit right, stunning wildflowers.
One of the best waterfall hikes in West Virginia, the Twin Falls Loop Trail is just about a mile in length and a perfect trail for the family to enjoy. Be careful when you reach the falls, the ground can get a bit slippery!
10. White Hollow Trail, Kanawha State Forest
Kanawha State Forest Drive, Kanawha State Forest Dr, Charleston, WV, USA
White Hollow Trail is a 1.8-mile loop trail located near Hernshaw, West Virginia that may be on the shorter side as far as hiking trails in West Virginia are concerned, but it doesn't compromise on scenery. The terrain can be a bit challenging at time, so be sure to wear proper footwear and maybe even bring a hiking pole along for the journey.
It’s easy to fall in love with West Virginia after taking some of these hikes. Once you’ve tackled these short and sweet hikes, you’ll be ready for even more hiking trails. There are plenty of scenic hikes in West Virginia that you’re sure to love, start checking them off your bucket list today! If you’ve ever hiked any of these trails, let us know in the comments below.
Address: Holly River State Park, 680 State Park Rd, Hacker Valley, WV 26222, USA
Address: Blackwater Falls State Park, 1584 Blackwater Lodge Rd, Davis, WV 26260, USA
Address: Cacapon Resort State Park, N Fork Cabin Ln, Unger, WV 25411, USA
Address: New River Gorge National Park & Preserve, 104 Co Rte 25/9, Glen Jean, WV 25846, USA
Address: Kanawha State Forest Drive, Kanawha State Forest Dr, Charleston, WV, USA
Address: Coopers Rock State Forest, West Virginia 26525, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
best hikes in West Virginia
June 11, 2022
Jackie Ann
Are there any swinging bridges in West Virginia?
One of the best hikes in West Virginia for swinging bridges is affectionally nicknamed the Lover’s Lane Boardwalk and you’ll find it in Webster County. Also known as the old Webster Springs Boardwalk, this scenic trail in West Virginia features not one but two swinging bridges over both the Elk River. The trail is handicap accessible and a perfect quick and easy hike to explore on a sunny afternoon.
What are the best waterfall hikes in West Virginia?
West Virginia is home to dozens and dozens of beautiful waterfalls, and you might be surprised at how easy some of them are to visit. Blackwater Falls is one of the best waterfall hikes in West Virginia, and there are actually three different trails that will lead you to the falls, all three are under three miles and will lead you through the scenic Blackwater Falls State Park. The Sandstone Falls Trail is an easy 1-mile loop trail in West Virginia that’s one of the best kid-friendly hikes around West Virginia for waterfalls, and the stunning scenic farmland views in the background will make you fall in love with West Virginia all over again.
What’s the most beautiful hike in West Virginia?
There are hundreds of scenic hikes in West Virginia, and trying to rank them for beauty would be nearly impossible. If you’re up for an adventure, Kenney’s Creek Trail is just what you’re looking for. The 6-mile trail has a little bit of everything: waterfalls, lush greenery, wildlife, and even an abandoned mine. If you’re after mountain views, then you have to hike the Castle Rock Trail in the New River Gorge National Park. The trail is just under a mile and offers unparalleled views of the National Park. It’s a popular trail in the fall, but this is one of the easiest hikes in West Virginia that’s also beautiful year-round, and since it’s on the shorter side, it’s an easy trail to bring the kids along, so bring the whole family out for an epic adventure.
Address: Holly River State Park, 680 State Park Rd, Hacker Valley, WV 26222, USA
Address: Blackwater Falls State Park, 1584 Blackwater Lodge Rd, Davis, WV 26260, USA
Address: Cacapon Resort State Park, N Fork Cabin Ln, Unger, WV 25411, USA
Address: New River Gorge National Park & Preserve, 104 Co Rte 25/9, Glen Jean, WV 25846, USA
Address: Kanawha State Forest Drive, Kanawha State Forest Dr, Charleston, WV, USA
Address: Coopers Rock State Forest, West Virginia 26525, USA
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