If you’re passionate about hiking, West Virginia is the perfect place. 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, iconic hiking trails 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 in the nation’s 63rd national park: the New River Gorge. 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 wildflowers you’ll walk through along the way!
Endless Wall Trail
Named for the rock cliffs that line the gorge, the 2.7-mile Endless Wall Trail is a moderate-level trail near Lansing, WV. On the Endless Wall Trail, hike to Diamond Point for incredible views of the cliff line along the gorge’s rim. Popular for experienced climbers worldwide, the trail also offers direct access to some of the most frequented rock climbing in the area via a system of ladders.
Lindy Point Trail
Located in Blackwater Falls State Park, the Lindy Point Trail offers an incredible view of Blackwater Canyon, one of the state’s most iconic places. The trail is only 0.8 miles and is perfect for all skill levels, so bring your friends and your dog and take in the beautiful scenery around you.
Seneca Rocks Trail
The Seneca Rocks Trail is set in the Spruce Knob-Seneca Rocks National Recreation Area, 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 for viewing the Potomac River and rock climbing.
Bear Rocks & Lions Head Loop
Escape to Dolly Sods for a hiking experience like no other. Dolly Sods Wilderness 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 Bear Rocks/Lions Head Loop. 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. Bear Rocks/Lions Head Loop 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.
Roadside Trail
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.
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