The Ultimate Trail Runner’s Bucket List in West Virginia
Experience the art of letting your mind and body run free along rugged trails with worthwhile views. West Virginia’s rolling hills make it the perfect contender for an exhilarating day of momentous movement. Whether you prefer a scenic route or challenging terrain, countless trails can be conquered across Almost Heaven.
Get out on the trails and focus on the feel of nature and the fresh air of the Mountain State. After all, the journey is the goal.
North Bend Rail Trail
📍 Cairo, West Virginia
Outside North Bend State Park lies the 72-mile-long escapade that takes you through the adventure of 10 tunnels and 36 bridges. The North Bend Rail Trail is part of the American Discovery Trail, which spans over 5,000 miles from coast to coast.
Looking for a generally light yet lengthy trek? This is the trail for you. It’s full of rich railroad history and mountainous scenery, but watch your back as you pass through the “haunted” Silver Run Tunnel.
Meeks Mountain
📍 Hurricane, West Virginia
Meeks Mountain, a hidden gem of the Metro Valley, is a great place to stretch your legs. With more than 30 miles to explore, the trails have been meticulously carved out by 600+ volunteers over 35,000 work hours, creating an easily accessible experience for everyone.
Wonder the loop at Meeks Mountain for 6.6 miles of curvy terrain, zigzagging through various trails. If you’re feeling adventurous, blaze your path by handpicking the trails leading to your victory.
Feeling competitive? Take a chance to venture to Meeks Mountain Trails during the annual Hurricane Hundred K Trail Race and Relay. You can choose your mission! Run a solo race or team up with two others to complete the race. Lace up your best running shoes, $10,000 is at stake! Clear your calendar because a challenge on September 6th is calling your name!
Cacapon State Park
📍 Berkeley Springs, West Virginia
Only two hours outside Washington, D.C., is Cacapon State Park, the best-kept secret of the Eastern Panhandle. Twenty-three miles and nine trails allow you to break a sweat while venturing through the wild and wonderful woods.
Saddle up for an extreme challenge on the Giddy Up Trail, commonly shared with mountain bike comrades. It’s only a short 1.2 miles, but it is nothing short of an uphill battle. If excessive exertion isn’t on your mind, take a leisurely trail run on one of Cacapon’s easy-to-moderate trails.
Seneca Creek
📍 Pendleton County, West Virginia
Tucked away in the Monongahela National Forest is the Seneca Creek Trail. It shines with crystal streams and graceful meadows that lead to the Upper Seneca Creek Falls. Surrounded by some of West Virginia’s iconic beauties, this trail is part of the Spruce Knob-Seneca Creek Backcountry Trail System, which spans over 70 miles.
Not only will you experience nature’s finest on this five-mile trail, but it will also be a challenge that will encourage you to reach your destination. Totaling 10.1 miles out and back, you’ll have plenty of sights that are simply breathtaking.
The West Virginia Trail Festival has a race for you, no matter your skill or strength level. Start strong with the Twilight 5K, or push your limits at the Dark Skies 100K. Regardless of the race you run, it will be a scenic sensation in the heart of Pendleton County.
Kanawha State Forest
📍 Charleston, West Virginia
In the backyard of the Capital City is the marvelous Kanawha State Forest, with over 60 miles of trails to explore. The wide variety of terrain and trails allows extremists and newbies alike to embark on a fulfilling expedition.
If you’re in for a loop, tackle the Mossy Rock, Snipe and Alligator Rock Loop. This 3.2-mile moderate trail will show you the sweet sound of solitude and sediment. If solitude isn’t your style, bring your canine in crime on a leash for a day on the trails.
New River Gorge National Park
📍 Fayetteville, West Virginia
With over 40 trails coursing through New River Gorge National Park, there’s no excuse not for a trail running tour. America’s newest National Park provides trails for staggering scenery, grand waterfalls, captivating history and more.
Catch a memorable and light workout at Endless Wall Trail. It’s 2.4 miles of vistas, overlooks and the unforgettable ambiance of West Virginia’s Grand Canyon. This trail makes the perfect day for movement and memories, but don’t stop exploring there. Check out other trail-running treasures such as Grandview Rim Trail, Kaymoor Miners Trail and Glade Creek Trail.
Weave through the wonders of New River Gorge National Park at the Rim to River 100 Mile Trail Race. West Virginia’s only 100-mile trail race, there’s something special about exploring nature’s boundless beauty while challenging running norms. Drop your name in the race lottery for a chance to make history on October 25th.
Mountwood Park
📍 Walker, West Virginia
Just two hours outside Columbus, Ohio, lives Mountwood Park, the place for trail-running connoisseurs. Navigate through the stacked-loop layout that can take your feet as far as 30 miles. Even though the terrain appears rocky, the incline soothes all skill levels.
Take it easy on Haystack and Collar Bone Loop, a 4.5-mile joyride. Go the distance and the difficulty on the Trip to the Moon and Savannah Loop Trail. No matter the chosen trail, you’ll have an experience at Mountwood Park that keeps you coming back.
Allegheny Highlands Trail
📍 Elkins, West Virginia
The poster child of West Virginia trail running, the Allegheny Highlands Trail, cannot be overlooked. This trail is an exceptional model of West Virginia’s stunning natural beauty. Spanning from Elkins, West Virginia, to Hendrix, West Virginia, these 25 miles offer panoramic views that will inspire you to keep pushing.
For beginners and leisurely travelers, take a shortcut through the Allegheny Highlands Trail (Thomas Subdivision). Adding up to 5.8 miles out and back, the paved path shares its beauty with all.
Highlands Sky 40M, known as the premier ultra-marathon of the Mountain State, is a race you don’t want to miss. Although rugged, this race takes you through the striking scenery of the Roaring Plains and Dolly Sods Wilderness. Add a notch to your running belt when you finish at Canaan Valley State Park. It’s not an easy ultramarathon, but the sights of this challenge will surely keep you going.
Babcock State Park
📍 Clifftop, West Virginia
Run into more beautiful landscapes at Babcock State Park, home of the Glade Creek Grist Mill. Choose your expedition, whether it’s a picture-perfect moment or pushing yourself like you never have before. Babcock State Park has 16 trails waiting for you to unleash your trail-running talent.
Start strong with the Old Sewell Trail, which leads to Sewell, an old, historic mining town. This rugged path reaches 11 miles out and back, making it a worthy trek. Climb the Island in the Sky Trail for a heart-racing hike that leads to a worthwhile vista. Reward your hard work with a peaceful one-mile run around the refreshing Boley Lake.
Coopers Rock State Forest
📍 Bruceton Mills, West Virginia
Located 1.5 hours outside of Pittsburgh are some of West Virginia’s most iconic views at Coopers Rock State Forest. Take your pick of canyon overlooks, endless landscapes, nature-filled trails and more. Don’t forget to snag a photo at the #AlmostHeaven Swing at Cooper’s Rock State Forest!
Coopers Rock State Forest hosts over 20 trails to embark on. Dive into the spirit of West Virginia on the Rhododendron Trail to immerse your surroundings with the state flower. You can’t stop there; take the Clay Run Trail to see the historic Henry Clay Iron Furnace, the first steam-powered blast furnace in Western Virginia. If you prefer the long road, hop on the Advanced Ski Trail to land at the same historic spot.
Mark your calendars for July 26th for the Rattlerock Ultra. Whether you choose the 50K or 25K, it’s nothing short of a test of toughness. The elevation gain crowns this race as one of the most difficult 50K races in the Mountain State. Starting on the Rattlesnake Trail, you’ll learn the ins and outs of the beautiful Coopers Rock State Forest.
Ready to explore even more wild & wonderful trails? Request your FREE West Virginia Vacation Guide and find your next expedition.
Must Try TrailsLet the good times run in #AlmostHeaven
This post was last updated on June 26, 2025