4 Places to Stop and Smell the Wildflowers this Spring
Winter is quickly coming to an end. Soon temperatures will start to rise, and wildflowers will pop up all across West Virginia. Here are 4 great places to spend some time outdoors and admire nature this spring.
1. New River Gorge
The New River Gorge Area is known for its stunning beauty, outdoor recreation, and ample hiking trails. On April 24-26, 2020 you can attend a Wildflower Weekend where park rangers will host guided tours throughout the park and share their knowledge about the native flora of West Virginia.
If you simply can’t wait until then, check out the Little Laurel Trail, which is notorious for its beautiful wildflowers. Explore the Big Buck Trail, which has signs identifying the different plants along its path.
2. Dolly Sods Wilderness
Part of the Monongahela National Forest, the Dolly Sods Wilderness is a unique example of bog and heath eco-types that are normally found in southern Canada. Try hiking Bear Rocks Trail to see a wide variety of vegetation and stunning views perfect for aspiring photographers.
3. Cranberry Glades
Another beautiful area of Monongahela National Forest is the Cranberry Glades. This area consists of four bogs that are the home to wildlife that can’t be found anywhere else in West Virginia. Because of the delicate nature of the ecosystem here, there is a half-mile boardwalk that has been built between two of the bogs. This boardwalk gives you the perfect opportunity to see some of the carnivorous plants that grow here.
4. Canaan Valley
When winter ends and the snow melts, Canaan Valley transforms from a ski resort to a hiker’s paradise. Some of the ski trails are repurposed during the spring into hiking trails, some even require taking a chair lift to access them.
Visit Back Hollow Trail for an easy hike through meadows of wildflowers and a view of the wetlands. Another great trail is the Beall Loop Trail. It’s perfect for young kids and you can picnic in any of the meadows along the route.
What’s your favorite type of wildflower?
Find More Outdoor ActivitiesThis post was last updated on February 28, 2022