Family-Friendly Hikes To Take This Fall

West Virginia is home to stunning scenic vistas all year-round. In the fall, lush forests come alive with colors of red, orange and yellow, creating a beautiful view of mountains and valleys. There’s no better time to get on a trail than when your feet crunch on crisp autumn leaves and the mountains are bathed in brilliant warm hues. Explore the beauty of autumn splendor with this trail list, perfect for all levels of adventurers.

Hiking Trails

Autumn in New River Gorge, WV

Long Point Trail

See the New River Gorge Bridge from a whole new angle. If you make the 1.6-mile hike on the Long Point Trail near Fayetteville, you’ll get a direct, straight-on view of this architectural marvel. This moderate level trail is perfect for a day when you want to explore the outdoors. After taking in the views and snapping some pictures, you will see why staple publications like Southern Living and AFAR dubbed this region as a great place to visit this fall.


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. It has been named the best national park trail by USA Today readers. On the Endless Wall Trail, hike to Diamond Point for incredible views of the cliff line along the rim of the gorge. 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 stunning views 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 it’s perfect for an easy hike with a beautiful reward.


Harpers Ferry National Historic Park

Harpers Ferry National Historic Park offers a variety of trails with national historical significance. 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. And, a portion of the Appalachian Trail runs through this area.


Dolly Sods Wilderness Area

Escape to Dolly Sods, a U.S. Wilderness Area in the Allegheny Mountains. 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.


Coopers Rock State Forest

Located just outside of Morgantown, Coopers Rock State Forest is home to some of the best views of the state. Enjoy 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 Almost Heaven.

Guided Hikes

Fields of Fire: Tour the beautiful Dolly Sods Wilderness at the peak of  color. Hosted by Canaan Valley Resort State Park, this hike departs the main lodge in the morning and includes a guided hike journey. Registration is required.

Deep into Bluestone Territory: Meet a ranger at the bottom of Pipestem State Park and take the aerial tramway into the gorge to walk along the Bluestone National Scenic River. Along the way, enjoy the flora and fauna of the area while discussing local history.

Wild Walks Weekend: A guided eight-mile hike begins at 9 a.m. at Canaan Valley Resort State Park. Registration includes an event momento, cookout lunch and shuttle service.

10-Mile Hike: Take a 10-mile hike on the North Bend Rail Trail, which was formerly part of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad. The gentle-grade trail passes through tunnels and over bridges, winding through forest land and past rural communities. Registration required.

Full Moon Hikes: Enjoy a walk down the Greenbrier River Trail to take in the full moon beauty. The Full Harvest Moon Hike departs from the Cass Scenic Railroad State Park Visitor Center.

Find more hikes

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