Posted in West Virginia
May 31, 2016
9 Incredible Hikes Under 5 Miles Everyone In West Virginia Should Take
There is no greater way to relax and leave your stress behind than taking a hike and getting back to nature. These 9 awesome trails are less than 5 miles and you could squeeze a walk in during your lunch hour and get away from it all.
The Carpendale Trail may only be 0.8 miles, but it’s packed with beauty. The trail straddles the Potomac River between the town of Carpendale in West Virginia and Cumberland in Maryland. The wooden bridge that spans the river is 386 feet long and leads to a 1,500 foot tunnel.
The beautiful County Line Trail is a 4 miles long. It goes from Waites Run to Gerhard Shelter. It runs along the West Virginia/Virginia border line and offers amazing views.
Harpers Ferry Rail with Trail Bridge spans the Potomac River. This pedestrian walking bridge allows access between Harpers Ferry and the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historic Park. It also connects to the Appalachian Trail.
Better known as the MCT Trail, this trail runs just short of three miles along Prickett’s Creek. The trail’s main attraction is the 1,200 foot lighted Meredith Tunnel.
The Narrow Gauge trail runs through the beautiful Babcock State Park. The trail is used by hikers and bikers, but if you are not an accomplished cyclist you may want to hike this trail; it is a pretty rough ride on a bike.
The Potts Valley Rail Trail was created on an abandoned section of the Norfolk and Western Branch rail line. The rail line was used in the early 1900s to haul lumber and iron ore. Most of the trail runs through the gorgeous George Washington and Jefferson National Forests.
The beautiful Seneca Creek trail is located in Spruce Knob. The five mile trail will take you past waterfalls and some of the region’s best creek trout fishing.
The Yankee Trail in Wellsburg spans the entire length of the small town. The trail is paved and runs into the Brooke Pioneer Trail, which is 7 miles long.
The Hawks Nest Rail Trail is in the Hawks Nest State Park located near Ansted. The trail runs along Mill Creek which features several waterfalls.
Each of these trails offers a real taste of West Virginia’s natural beauty. What are you waiting for? Grab your backpack and hiking shoes and hit a trail!
