Posted in West Virginia Hiking, Nature April 17, 2022 by

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 embarking on one of the best hikes in West Virginia. And while there are tons of scenic hikes in West Virginia, these nine awesome trails are less than 5 miles. Providing an easy escape, these short, easy hikes in West Virginia could be easily squeezed in during your lunch hour.

1. Carpendale Trail, 0.8 miles
Carpendale Rail to Trail, Carpendale, WV, USA
Facebook Jon Snyder
The Carpendale Trail may be just under one mile, 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 Carpendale Trail does close from time to time, so make sure to check its status before visiting.
2. County Line Trail, 4 miles
Pipestem Resort State Park, 3405 Pipestem Dr, Pipestem, WV 25979, USA
Facebook Lost River Trading Post
Located in Pipestem Resort State Park, the beautiful County Line Trail is 4-miles long. It goes from Waites Run to Gerhard Shelter. It runs along the West Virginia/Virginia border and offers amazing views.
3. Harpers Ferry Rail Trail, 0.14 miles
Harpers Ferry, WV 25425, USA
Facebook Glen Haney
The Harpers Ferry Rail Trail 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.
4. Marion County Trail, 2.5 miles
Marion County Trail (Mctrail), Fairmont, WV 26554, USA
Facebook Jill Campbell Sanders
Better known as the MCT Trail, the Marion County Trail runs just short of 3 miles along Prickett’s Creek. The trail’s main attraction is the 1,200-foot lighted Meredith Tunnel.
5. Narrow Gauge Trail, 3 Miles
Babcock State Park, 486 Babcock Rd, Clifftop, WV 25831, USA
TrailLink/rtcfrederick
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.
6. Potts Valley Rail Trail, 4.5 miles
Potts Valley Rail Trail, Potts Valley Rail Trl, West Virginia 24984, USA
Facebook Brenda Duff
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.
7. Seneca Creek Trail, 5 miles
Seneca Creek Trail, West Virginia 26814, USA
Facebook Michael Ciccone
The beautiful Seneca Creek Trail is located in Spruce Knob. The 5-mile trail will take you past waterfalls and some of the region’s best creek trout fishing.
8. Wellsburg Yankee Trail, 2.2 miles
Wellsburg, WV 26070, USA
Facebook Jennifer Howe Waugh
The Wellsburg Yankee Trail spans the entire length of the small town. The trail is paved and runs into the Brooke Pioneer Trail, which is 7-miles long.
9. Hawks Nest Rail Trail, 1.8 miles
Hawks Nest State Park, 49 Hawks Nest Rd, Ansted, WV 25812, USA
Trip Advisor
The Hawks Nest Rail Trail is in 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 embark on one of the best hikes in West Virginia!

Looking for more easy treks in the state? You’re sure to love these short, kid-friendly hikes around West Virginia?

Address: Carpendale Rail to Trail, Carpendale, WV, USA
Address: Pipestem Resort State Park, 3405 Pipestem Dr, Pipestem, WV 25979, USA
Address: Harpers Ferry, WV 25425, USA
Address: Marion County Trail (Mctrail), Fairmont, WV 26554, USA
Address: Potts Valley Rail Trail, Potts Valley Rail Trl, West Virginia 24984, USA
Address: Seneca Creek Trail, West Virginia 26814, USA
Address: Wellsburg, WV 26070, USA
Address: Hawks Nest State Park, 49 Hawks Nest Rd, Ansted, WV 25812, USA
Address: Babcock State Park, 486 Babcock Rd, Clifftop, WV 25831, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center

Best Hikes In West Virginia

April 22, 2022
Daniella DiRienzo

What are some other can’t-miss scenic hikes in West Virginia?

When it comes to scenic hikes in West Virginia, the Canyon Rim Overlook ranks pretty high up there – both literally and figuratively! The short out-and-back trail (it’s just three-fifths of a mile) is a favorite for a couple of reasons. First, it’s rated as “easy” and is a great trail for all skill levels. And then, there are the views. Boasting a mix of man-made and natural beauty, the trail offers incredible views of the New River Gorge National River as well as the New River Gorge Bridge – the longest single-span bridge in the nation.

What are the best kid-friendly hikes around West Virginia?

The Gentle Trail is definitely one of the best kid-friendly hikes around West Virginia. The name says it all! Nestled within Blackwater Falls State Park, the short, paved trail is just a quarter-mile and leads straight to an observation deck that overlooks Blackwater Falls. True to its name, the 57-foot cascade boasts dark-hued water. Don’t worry, though. The water isn’t dirty. The dark coloring is actually caused by the tannic acid from fallen hemlock and red spruce needles.

Aside from scenic hikes in West Virginia, where else can I enjoy the great outdoors?

There seems to be no shortage of options for outdoor enthusiasts in West Virginia. One spot that shouldn’t be missed is Beartown State Park. Not especially large, the park encompasses just 110 acres; however, that doesn’t mean it’s lacking. Brimming with breathtaking beauty, the natural area is known for its lovely landscape, which features rocky formations, massive boulders, deep crevices, and overhanging cliffs. Visitors can easily take in the park’s stunning sights via a half-mile boardwalk trail. It should be noted that Beartown State Park is open seasonally, April – October.

Address: Carpendale Rail to Trail, Carpendale, WV, USA
Address: Pipestem Resort State Park, 3405 Pipestem Dr, Pipestem, WV 25979, USA
Address: Harpers Ferry, WV 25425, USA
Address: Marion County Trail (Mctrail), Fairmont, WV 26554, USA
Address: Potts Valley Rail Trail, Potts Valley Rail Trl, West Virginia 24984, USA
Address: Seneca Creek Trail, West Virginia 26814, USA
Address: Wellsburg, WV 26070, USA
Address: Hawks Nest State Park, 49 Hawks Nest Rd, Ansted, WV 25812, USA
Address: Babcock State Park, 486 Babcock Rd, Clifftop, WV 25831, USA