Posted in West Virginia Hiking, Nature June 13, 2022 by

11 Totally Kid-Friendly Hikes In West Virginia That Are 1 Mile And Under

There is a lot of variation in the best hikes in West Virginia, so what if you want to take your kids with you and you know a 6-mile hike up a mountain would never work? Well, here are 11 kid-friendly hikes around West Virginia that are just for you.

1. Ritter Park
910 13th Ave, Huntington, WV 25701, USA
WikiMedia/Wvfunnyman
The bridge leading across Fourpole Creek at Ritter Park In Huntington will lead you straight to the famous rose garden, but if you turn left after the first bridge, a series of short trails will take you into the woods, but not so far that you can get lost. A short hike for your short tyke. Read more about Ritter Park.
2. Beartown State Park
4800 Watoga Park Rd, Marlinton, WV 24954, USA
West Virginia State Parks
This state park is an amazing place to take the little one. The half-mile boardwalk trail is easy to navigate and filled with amazing views as it passes through both lush forests and impressive rock faces, some a deep green color due to moss growth. Interesting fact: the series of rock faces you pass between are actually massive cracks in a single formation that broke apart a very long time ago. Learn more about Beartown State Park.
3. Bear Rocks Preserve
Forest Road 75, Forest Rd 75, West Virginia 26260, USA
Flickr/Greg Stawicki
This area, part of the Dolly Sods area of Monongahela National Forest, is comprised of many rocks that shifted down from Canada during the Pleistocene Epoch between 2.6 million years ago and 11,700 years ago. Bear Rocks sits at an overlook of this larger area that deposited these foreign rocks, along with foreign fauna and flora, so long ago. The hike is short and the view is breathtaking. We bet you'll agree that this is one of the most scenic hikes in West Virginia. Check out more about Bear Rocks Preserve.
4. Pipestem Resort State Park
3405 Pipestem Dr, Pipestem, WV 25979, USA
WikiMedia/Brian M. Powell
This park is largely comprised of short trails. Of its 15 trails, 10 of them are 1 mile or under. These include the Canton Rim Trail, North Side Trail, Lake View Trail, and Long Branch Trail. These beautiful trails offer views of Bluestone River Gorge, Mountain Creek Lodge, forests, and arboretums. Find out more about Pipestem Resort State Park.
5. Camp Creek State Park
2390 Co Hwy 19/5, Camp Creek, WV 25820, USA
WikiMedia/PumpkinSky
This park and campground offers 14 trails to hike, but if you are taking the little ones with you, stick to the Mash Fork Falls Trail, Waldron Spur Trail, and the Horse Bypass Trail. The park has a large campground and several picnic areas along the trail system. See more about Camp Creek State Park.
6. Cathedral State Park
Cathedral State Park, Aurora, WV 26705, USA
WikiMedia/Tim Kiser
This is the perfect park for kids because all of the trails here are short and marked at 1 mile or less. You will be able to view gorgeous stands of virgin hemlock and if you come in July, the rhododendrons will be in full bloom. This park is home to West Virginia's largest old-growth forest, filled with ancient trees. It just might become your new favorite easy hike in West Virginia. Read more about Cathedral State Park.
7. Beech Fork State Park
5601 Long Branch Rd, Barboursville, WV 25504, USA
WikiMedia/Youngamerican/WVhybridq
Beech Fork is a great park for families, both for camping and recreation. If you want to take your kids on a short hike, the Nature Trail loop is the way to go. Also great for kids is a boat ride on the lake or an afternoon at the park's small beach. Learn more about Beech Fork State Park.
8. Lindy Point
1584 Blackwater Lodge Rd, Davis, WV 26260, USA
Flickr/Richard Freeman
The short trail to Lindy Point is a must for a great scenic view. Located at Blackwater Falls State Park, Lindy Point overlooks Blackwater Canyon, probably the most impressive view of our state you are likely to find. It is one of the largest canyons in the state, stretching eight miles from the town of Davis to the confluence of Blackwater River and the Dry Fork tributary. Check out more about Lindy Point.
9. Elakala Falls
Elakala Trail, Blackwater Falls, 1584 Blackwater Lodge Rd, Davis, WV 26260, USA
WikiMedia/Raeky
These falls are another destination at Blackwater Falls worthy of its own entry. Elakala is actually a series of four waterfalls along Shays Run. The waterfalls range in height from 15 feet to 40 feet. All descend into Blackwater canyon. The first two waterfalls are relatively easy to access, and the other two, not so much. But the kids are sure to enjoy the accessible ones. Find out more about Elakala Falls.
10. Main Waterfall - Blackwater Falls State Park
Blackwater Falls State Park, 1584 Blackwater Lodge Rd, Davis, WV 26260, USA
Wikipedia/Tim Kiser
The third trail in Blackwater Falls leads to the "Great Falls," one of the most impressive and oft-photographed spots in West Virginia. The falls, which sit at the head of Blackwater Canyon, are 62 feet high, spilling over a cliff comprised of Connoquenessing sandstone, an ancient rock formation dating back about 300 million years. See more about Blackwater Falls State Park.
11. Sandstone Falls
80.90556W, 37.75833N
WikiMedia/Frank Kovalchek
Like Beartown State Park, this is another boardwalk trail. Leading to the largest waterfall on the New River, this quarter-mile trail crosses two bridges that lead to multiple observation decks and islands where you can view these impressive falls. The trail is also ADA accessible, so it is literally designed for everyone. Easy and one of the most scenic hikes in West Virginia? Nothing wrong with that! Read more about hiking at Sandstone Falls.

Have you ever visited these parks? What other kid-friendly hikes would you recommend? Feel free to comment below and join the discussion.

Do you love to hike? Check out these six incredible hiking trails that lead to some incredible pieces of history.

Address: 910 13th Ave, Huntington, WV 25701, USA
Address: Forest Road 75, Forest Rd 75, West Virginia 26260, USA
Address: 3405 Pipestem Dr, Pipestem, WV 25979, USA
Address: 2390 Co Hwy 19/5, Camp Creek, WV 25820, USA
Address: 5601 Long Branch Rd, Barboursville, WV 25504, USA
Address: 1584 Blackwater Lodge Rd, Davis, WV 26260, USA
Address: Elakala Trail, Blackwater Falls, 1584 Blackwater Lodge Rd, Davis, WV 26260, USA
Address: Blackwater Falls State Park, 1584 Blackwater Lodge Rd, Davis, WV 26260, USA
Address: 80.90556W, 37.75833N
Address: 4800 Watoga Park Rd, Marlinton, WV 24954, USA
Address: Cathedral State Park, Aurora, WV 26705, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center

Best Hikes in West Virginia

June 18, 2022
Danielle Schwartz

What are the best hikes with a view in West Virginia?

Our amazingly beautiful state is just full of pretty natural vistas, and we’ve come up with a list of the best hikes with a view in West Virginia, so you can fully enjoy them. Kaymoor Trail is one such place, with views of the pretty bridge and the lovely waterfall. On the Appalachian Natural Scenic Trail, you’ll have a visual feast! The trees, mountains, and unimpeded views that go for miles will have you stopping and staring all along your path.

What are the best waterfall hikes in West Virginia?

The best waterfall hikes in West Virginia are waiting for you this summer! One of our favorites is Blackwater Falls in Blackwater Falls State Park. It’s a picture-perfect water feature, and even though it looks like it’s in the middle of nowhere when you’re at the falls, it’s accessible and easy to walk, as it’s located at the end of a boardwalk. This is another nice choice for a family-friendly hike. If that’s what you’re looking for, you’ll also love the Upper Falls of Hills Creek in Hillsboro, which is also reachable by a boardwalk.

What are the most beautiful lakes in West Virginia?

When the weather warms up and you’re ready to make a splash, head to these beautiful lakes in West Virginia to really get your summer season going. Some of our favorites include Summerville Lake in Nicholas County, Sutton Lake in Braxton and Webster Counties, and Plum Orchard Lake in Fayette County.

Address: 910 13th Ave, Huntington, WV 25701, USA
Address: Forest Road 75, Forest Rd 75, West Virginia 26260, USA
Address: 3405 Pipestem Dr, Pipestem, WV 25979, USA
Address: 2390 Co Hwy 19/5, Camp Creek, WV 25820, USA
Address: 5601 Long Branch Rd, Barboursville, WV 25504, USA
Address: 1584 Blackwater Lodge Rd, Davis, WV 26260, USA
Address: Elakala Trail, Blackwater Falls, 1584 Blackwater Lodge Rd, Davis, WV 26260, USA
Address: Blackwater Falls State Park, 1584 Blackwater Lodge Rd, Davis, WV 26260, USA
Address: 80.90556W, 37.75833N
Address: 4800 Watoga Park Rd, Marlinton, WV 24954, USA
Address: Cathedral State Park, Aurora, WV 26705, USA