Decades ago, train tracks crisscrossed the Mountain State, allowing the railroad to transport coal, logs, and other goods in and out of West Virginia. Many of these tracks remain, but some have been dismantled and turned into trails to encourage outdoor recreation as part of the national rails-to-trails movement. The Greenbrier River Trail might be the state’s most famous rail trail, but that doesn’t at all mean it’s West Virginia’s only train-track-turned-hiking-trail. Take the West Fork Rail Trail (not to be confused with the West Fork River Trail!), for example, which is the other extreme (by far less known and by far less curated) than the famous GRT.

The West Fork Rail Trail parallels the West Fork of the Greenbrier River for 26 miles between Glady, West Virginia, in the remote wilds of Pocahontas County, and Durbin, West Virginia, in the remote wilds of Randolph County.
OFFWORLDRIDER_ / AllTrails
Did you catch the "remote wilds" theme? That's what makes the West Fork Rail Trail such a bucket list experience for hikers, mountain bikers, horseback riders, and cross country skiers.
Tony Audia / AllTrails
The trail is one of the least groomed rail trails in the state, so expect portions of this route to be narrow or overgrown with long grass or crossed by the occasional windfall.
OFFWORLDRIDER_ / AllTrails

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It is a true wilderness experience, the only resupply point being at the Durbin end of the trail (you can also rent bikes in Durbin, just so you know). Yet, for many avid outdoorsmen, this isn't a bad thing. In fact, it's what makes a trip along the West Fork Rail Trail so amazing.
OFFWORLDRIDER_ / AllTrails
There are beautiful views to be had here. There's wildlife to see. There are fish to catch (the West Fork of the Greenbrier River is known as one of the best trout fishing spots in the state!). It's an opportunity to enjoy peaceful, quiet seclusion in nature.
Darren Talbert / AllTrails
The trail is best used from March through October and is beautiful throughout those months, with a plethora of wildflowers in spring, lush growth in summer, and vibrant autumn colors in fall.
Bradley McVicker / AllTrails

Learn more about the West Fork Rail Trail on the West Virginia Rail Trails website. Have you ever tackled this wild, wonderful stretch of rail trail through the West Virginia mountains?

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West Fork Rail Trail, Glady, WV 26268, USA