A Beginners Guide to Snowshoeing in West Virginia

Discover the magic of winter in West Virginia with this unique outdoor activity. Witness the nation’s third most forested state covered in a blanket of glistening snow as you snowshoe through towering trees and alongside peaceful streams. Snowshoes make it possible to walk over large amounts of freshly fallen snow rather than trudging through it.

Take a Guided Tour

Learn the basics of snowshoeing with a guided tour at White Grass Ski Touring Center, nestled in the tiny town of Davis, WV. The property boasts over 30 miles of maintained trails, a lodge with all the rentals you’ll need and even an on-site cafe. Once you feel up to adventuring on your own, check out the multitude of hidden gems tucked within Blackwater Falls State Park, located nearby. Bring your own gear or check out one of the local shops in town for extra insight and advice.

Snowshoe the Mountain

Name a better place to snowshoe than West Virginia’s Snowshoe Mountain Resort. Perched at nearly 5,000 feet, this winter oasis offers all the winter activities one could imagine, including snowmobiling, skiing, snowboarding, snow tubing, sleigh rides and, you guessed it, snowshoeing. Located at the mountain’s base, the Elk River Touring Center offers snowshoe rentals and lessons. The expansive trail system has something for both beginners and experts but is dependent on natural snowfall. Find a village overflowing with restaurants, shops and lodging atop the mountain too.

Explore the Gorge

Become acquainted with America’s newest national park this winter as you put one snowshoe in front of the other. Lace up your snow shoes and take Long Point Trail to reach a one-of-a-kind view of the famous New River Gorge Bridge. This path is specifically popular for sunrise and sunset. Trek along Endless Wall Trail and find beautiful vistas all along the way as you zig-zag along the cliff’s edge. Catch gorgeous views of the New River nearly 1,000 feet below.

Looking for more one-of-a-kind adventures? Check out all West Virginia has to offer with the help of our brand new 2024 Vacation Guide!

This post was last updated on February 13, 2024