These iconic hikes in West Virginia are must-sees

If you’re passionate about hiking, then West Virginia is the perfect place for you. West Virginia’s mountainous landscape is an outdoor paradise with adventures for all interests and experience levels. From family-friendly paths to long, scenic overnight camp-and-hike trails, come see why West Virginia is called the Mountain State.

Throughout the state you will find iconic hiking trails that offer incredibly unique views of West Virginia. Trek to the state’s highest peak at Spruce Knob or explore the ecologically diverse Dolly Sods Wilderness Area. Each hike in West Virginia is an amazing opportunity to explore the state and experience its breathtaking views.

Long Point Trail

Get a 360-degree panorama view of the New River Gorge Bridge by making the 1.6-mile hike on the Long Point Trail near Fayetteville. This moderate level trail is perfect for a day when you want to explore the outdoors. Don’t forget to bring your camera and snap some pictures of the incredible views and the beautiful fields of wild flowers you’ll walk through along the way!

Endless Wall Trail

Named for the rock cliff’s that line the gorge, the 2.7-mile Endless Wall Trail is a moderate level trail near Lansing. On the Endless Wall Trail, hike to Diamond Point for incredible views of the cliff line along the rim of the gorge. Popular for experienced climbers around the world, the trail also offers direct access to some of the best rock climbing in the area via a system of ladders.

Lindy Point Trail

Located in Blackwater Falls State Park, the Lindy Point Trail offers you an incredible view of Blackwater Canyon, one of the most iconic places in the state. The Lindy Point Trail is only 0.8 miles and is perfect for all skill levels so bring your friends, your dog and take in the beautiful scenery around you.

Seneca Rocks Trail

Set in the Spruce Knob-Seneca Rocks National Recreation Area lies the Seneca Rocks Trail, which has a gorgeous forest setting. The 3.2-mile moderate level trail takes you to an observation platform with a gorgeous view of the iconic rock faces. The Spruce Knob-Seneca Rocks National Recreation Area is also a popular destination to view the Potomac River and to go rock climbing.

Harpers Ferry National Historic Park

Considered one of the best walking parks in America, Harpers Ferry National Historic Park offers a variety of trails that have national significant history and scenery of the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains as well as the stunning Potomac and Shenandoah river valleys. The park encompasses almost 4,000 acres in West Virginia, Maryland and Virginia, which makes for unique hiking experiences. The almost 20 miles of hiking trails vary from easy strolls along the riverside to miles long hiking adventures to the tops of mountains.

Dolly Sods Wilderness Area

Escape to Dolly Sods for a hiking experience like no other. Dolly Sods is a U.S. Wilderness Area in the Allegheny Mountains located in the eastern part of the state. This beautiful area is a rocky, high-altitude plateau with sweeping vistas and lifeforms that are normally found in Canada. With 47 miles of rugged trails, Dolly Sods is perfect for both hiking and backpacking. Three of the most popular hikes include Dolly Sods North, Forks of Red Creek and Dolly Sods/Lions Head. Dolly Sods North is a 10-mile hike that features high meadows and mountain views. Forks of Red Creek crosses Red and Cree and several streams along the way. Dolly Sods/Lions Head combines the best parts of the Dolly Sods North hike and the Forks of Red Creek hike as well as the stunning view from the Lions Head on Breathed Mountain.

Coopers Rock State Forest

Located 13 miles from Morgantown, Coopers Rock State Forest is home to some of the best views of the state. Try the easy, 3-mile, Roadside Trail that leads you from the forest entrance to the incredible Coopers Rock Overlook for beautiful views of the Cheat River Gorge. Coopers Rock State Forest has nearly 50 miles of trails that wind through the vast forest and provide amazing, one-of-a-kind views of the Mountain State.

Which hike are you most excited to try?

This post was last updated on March 17, 2022