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

11 Low-Key Hikes In West Virginia With Amazing Payoffs

This Appalachian state, comprised of wooded forests and lush valleys, offers some of the best hikes in West Virginia. Sometimes a weekend away at a state park, following long trails through miles of woods is the way to go. But what if you just want to take an hour or two to commune with nature? Following these 11 hiking trails will give you that nature fix without a large time commitment, and with great payoffs in the end. Are you ready for an adventure?

1. Ravens Rock Overlook, Cooper's Rock State Forest
Raven Rocks, West Virginia 20135, USA
Flickr/sk
This 2.5-mile out-and-back hike near Morgantown, in Cooper's Rock State Forest, leads you to an overlook offering a spectacular view of the Cheat River below. Twenty minutes to the overlook, 20 minutes enjoying the view, and 20 minutes back means you can easily enjoy this little excursion in just an hour, making it one of the best hikes in West Virginia.
2. Long Point Trail, New River Gorge
Long Point Trail, West Virginia 25840, USA
CJ House/AllTrails
The 2.9-mile trail, near Fayetteville, will take you to three overlooks, the first of which is wheelchair accessible. At first, this hiking trail near me is easy to navigate and will grant you an excellent view at the end. From that point you can choose to or turn back. The trail is rated as moderate, taking about an hour and 15 minutes to complete.
3. Grandview State Park, Beaver
Grandview, Grandview Rd, Beaver, WV 25813, USA
Steve5863/TripAdvisor
Truth be told, this is not so much a trail as it is a long walkway from the parking lot. At the end, the prize is this spectacular view. However, off to the right of this walkway, very near to the overlook, is a short trail with huge rock outcroppings, some areas with wooden steps and short bridges to navigate, steep areas, and generally beautiful scenery. This beauty is well worth checking out. Just watch out for the mountain bikers, who also love this trail.
4. Hanging Rock Raptor Observatory, Union
Hanging Rock Raptor Observatory, Union, WV 24983, USA
Flickr/David Lee
The first part of the 330-mile Allegheny Trail is roughly one mile along, marked with orange blazes. The blue trail that branches off of it leads to the observatory, which is an old fire tower on the peak of Peters Mountain. The observatory sits along the migration path of many large raptors including bald eagles, falcons, hawks and osprey. A visit in September will give you the best views of these amazing birds as they migrate south.
5. Seneca Rocks, Pendleton County
13 Roy Gap Rd, Seneca Rocks, WV 26884, USA
Wikipedia/Jarek Tuszyński
These stony peaks, rising out of the hillside like broken teeth, are collectively known as West Virginia's only true peak. A 2.2-mile gravel and dirt winding trail zig-zags its way up the side of the mountain. It is uphill, but also gradual, and the dense tree coverage actually makes the trip fairly cool, even in warm temperatures. Once you reach the top, you will be able to see the hills of Pendleton County as far as the eye can see.
6. Grand Vue State Park, Moundsville
Grand Vue Park, 250 Trail Dr, Moundsville, WV 26041, USA
Facebook/Grand Vue Park
This adventure park gives you many exciting things to do, such as ziplining and trying your hand at an aerial rope course. But when you want to relax, a short hike to the park's overlook will give you a great view of the city of Moundsville. With eight different adventures to choose from, something fun is available for you at this amazing state park in West Virginia.
7. Cranny Crow Overlook, Lost River State Park
Cranny Crow Overlook, Lost River SP, WV, Mathias, WV 26812, USA
MdRngr/TripAdvisor
The hike is a bit longer than the others on this list, but once you reach the small stone cottage on the top, you will be greeted with a spectacular view of the mountainous Hardy County. Don't underestimate the overwhelming awareness of how small you are this top-of-the-world view can bring. At least 2,877 feet above sea level, this one will astound you.
8. Blackwater Falls State Park, Davis
Blackwater Falls State Park, 1584 Blackwater Lodge Rd, Davis, WV 26260, USA
Teila Dennis/AllTrails
The 0.7-mile hike to the park's main waterfall is quick and easy for all skill levels, leading through the woods and down a series of wooden steps to the primary viewing deck. The falls are the most photographed, and arguably the most impressive, falls in the state, with the possible exception of Sandstone Falls. Enjoy one of the most kid-friendly around West Virginia.
9. Lindy Point Overlook, Blackwater Falls State Park
Lindy Point Observation Deck, Thomas, WV 26292, USA
AllTrails/Brittany N.
Before you leave Blackwater Falls, there is another short hike you might want to check out. This 0.8-mile trail leads you to the park's primary overlook of the gorgeous Blackwater Canyon, which begins at the main waterfall and continues 8 miles to the confluence of the Blackwater River and Dry Fork. From Lindy Point, you can see the vast canyon trail off into the distance.
10. Bear Rocks Preserve, Dolly Sods Wilderness
Bear Rocks Preserve, Forest Rd 75, Davis, WV 26260, USA
Gene R J/TripAdvisor
The payoff here is not just the view, it is the area itself, strewn with huge boulders and rocky outcroppings. If you go in autumn when the leaves change color, it will not feel like you are on earth anymore, but somewhere else entirely as you are surrounded by bright red, orange and yellow foliage.
11. Spruce Knob, Pendleton County
Spruce Knob, West Virginia 26814, USA
WikiMedia/Aneta Kaluzna
Last but not least is the highest point in the entire state. At 4,863 feet, this impressive overlook is accessible by the very short Spruce Knob Trail, at the end is the overlook tower, which allows you to see above the treeline at the spectacular view of Monongahela National Forest.

Have you tried some of the best hikes in West Virginia? What trails on this list have you followed? What trails would you recommend? Feel free to comment below and join the discussion. And if you develop a major appetite after, try some of the best restaurants in The Mountain State.

Address: Raven Rocks, West Virginia 20135, USA
Address: Hanging Rock Raptor Observatory, Union, WV 24983, USA
Address: 13 Roy Gap Rd, Seneca Rocks, WV 26884, USA
Address: Grand Vue Park, 250 Trail Dr, Moundsville, WV 26041, USA
Address: Lindy Point Observation Deck, Thomas, WV 26292, USA
Address: Spruce Knob, West Virginia 26814, USA
Address: Long Point Trail, West Virginia 25840, USA
Address: Cranny Crow Overlook, Lost River SP, WV, Mathias, WV 26812, USA
Address: Grandview, Grandview Rd, Beaver, WV 25813, USA
Address: Blackwater Falls State Park, 1584 Blackwater Lodge Rd, Davis, WV 26260, USA
Address: Bear Rocks Preserve, Forest Rd 75, Davis, WV 26260, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center

11 Low-Key Hikes In West Virginia With Amazing Payoffs

June 16, 2022
Carolyn Harmon

Where is another one of the best hikes in West Virginia?

The Greenbrier River Trail is a 78-mile trail that used to be a railroad line, following the Greenbrier River through the wild and wonderful West Virginia wilderness. This trail, one of 50 Millennium Legacy Trails in the U.S., was rated one of the top 10 hiking trails in the country by Backpacker Magazine. The gravel-packed surface has a 1% downhill average grade throughout. The path follows the Greenbrier River from the Cass Scenic Railroad State Park, which is worth a trip all by itself, to Caldwell and runs through Marlinton. In addition to hikers, it is a favorite trek for bicyclists and horseback riders.

Where should I stay when hiking the Greenbrier River Trail?

Watoga State Park’s 10,100 acres sit near Marlinton, along the Greenbrier River and the Greenbrier River Trail. Since you’re already roughing it — why not stay at a rustic cabin the park offers? Here, instead of hiking, you can sit around a firepit or with morning coffee and enjoy the serene, mountain views of Pocahontas County. And a variety of luxury-level is offered, depending on how rustically you want to stay. From the CCC wood-framed Legacy Cabins to the Vacation Cabins, the choice is yours.

What is the best restaurant near the Greenbrier River Trail?

The Dirtbean Café and Bike Shop, in Marlington, offers a light and healthy menu of classic American cuisine.  From breakfast bagels to Hawaiian flatbread pizza, the food is prepared with fresh ingredients. A fan favorite is Da Mahi Fish Taco, built with seasoned mahi mahi, cilantro, red cabbage, avocado, and chipotle lime crema on three corn tortillas. While you are there, rent a bike or have one fixed. What a great combination!

Address: Raven Rocks, West Virginia 20135, USA
Address: Hanging Rock Raptor Observatory, Union, WV 24983, USA
Address: 13 Roy Gap Rd, Seneca Rocks, WV 26884, USA
Address: Grand Vue Park, 250 Trail Dr, Moundsville, WV 26041, USA
Address: Lindy Point Observation Deck, Thomas, WV 26292, USA
Address: Spruce Knob, West Virginia 26814, USA
Address: Long Point Trail, West Virginia 25840, USA
Address: Cranny Crow Overlook, Lost River SP, WV, Mathias, WV 26812, USA
Address: Grandview, Grandview Rd, Beaver, WV 25813, USA
Address: Blackwater Falls State Park, 1584 Blackwater Lodge Rd, Davis, WV 26260, USA
Address: Bear Rocks Preserve, Forest Rd 75, Davis, WV 26260, USA