Winter Hikes
Scenic mountain overlooks. Snow-covered forests. Frozen waterfalls. Winter in Almost Heaven is magical. This winter grab your hiking gear and get ready to explore the beauty of West Virginia.
From easy hikes through beautiful snowy forests to challenging climbs that lead to the most stunning overlooks, let these hikes lead you to Almost Heaven views all season long.
Cranberry Glades Botanical Area
Hillsboro, WV
The Cranberry Glades Botanical Area protects the largest area of bogs in the state and includes beautiful landscapes. The areas half-mile boardwalk through the bogs and glades is an easy yet beautiful walk especially in the winter when the area is blanketed in snow.
Red Creek Trail
Dolly Sods Wilderness Area
The beauty of snow-covered meadows makes the Red Creek Trail a must-do winter hike. This out-and-back trail is perfect for a winter day but be careful about trail junctions and stream crossings during the winter season.
Overlook Rock Trail
Kanawha State Forest
Discover stunning winter views in West Virginia’s capital city along the Overlook Rock Trail in Kanawha State Forest. This 1.5-mile loop trail features incredible views of the surrounding hills and makes for an amazing winter adventure.
Blackwater Falls Boardwalk Trail
Blackwater Falls State Park
Beautiful year-round, Blackwater Falls State Park is stunning in the winter when its iconic falls freeze, and the park is covered in glittering snow. The Blackwater Falls Boardwalk Trail includes more than 200 steps that lead to an observation deck beside Blackwater Falls for a beautiful wintertime view. Hiking at this state park has even earned mentions from Garden & Gun Magazine. The park has more than 20 miles of trails to explore for even more winter exploration.
Lakeshore Trail
Pipestem Resort State Park
Enjoy quintessential winter views and a great hike on the Lakeshore Trail at Pipestem Resort State Park. The Lakeshore Trail is a 3-mile trail that loops around scenic Long Branch Lake and takes hikers along gently rolling hills.
Falls Trail
Twin Falls Resort State Park
Gorgeous views await along the Falls Trail at beautiful Twin Falls Resort State Park. This trail leads to Marsh Fork Falls and winds past the 20-foot-high Black Fork Falls, these falls create stunning winter views. During the season snow runoff increases water flow and beautiful icicles form near the falls in freezing weather. If you enjoy majestic waterfalls then you’ll love this trail.
Endless Wall Trail
New River Gorge National Park & Preserve
The Endless Wall Trail is a 3-mile loop trail that winds through old-growth forests and leads to one-of-a-kind views. From the trail hikers will be treated to snowy views of the New River and the iconic New River Gorge Bridge
First Day Hikes
Start the new year off right with a first day hike at a West Virginia State Park or Forest. Many state parks and forests offer first day hikes, which are perfect for reflecting and enjoying time spent in nature. After experiencing a first day hike these beautiful hikes will quickly become a New Years’ tradition.
A two-mile hike, experience a first day hike at Tygart Lake State Park along the Dogwood Trail. The Dogwood Trail passes through the forest with numerous dogwood trees and climbs to a higher elevation above the lodge following a ridgeline and then descends back to the park.
Enjoy the outdoors and join in on the first day hike at Chief Logan State Park. The hike follows the Cliffside Trail and along the way offers opportunities to learn about the flora and fauna of West Virginia.
Step into the new year with a first day hike at North Bend State Park. This hike follows the Rail Trail and during the hike, hikers will get to learn about the history of the park and rail trail.
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