The Best Backpacking in Hot Springs

On your way to the trailhead don't forget to pull off the road at the scenic outlook to take in the vast expanse of Lake Moomaw (you won't miss it!).Start off your adventure by parking at the end of Twin Ridge Drive (37.976545, -79.985582). From this point, hike down the little paved driveway int...

The Cranberry Wilderness is lesser known, but if you're looking for a rugged escape, this is it. Be mindful of your water intake, as there are a few stretches upwards of 6-8 miles where there is no access to fresh water. Those areas are well-known in most of the hiking blogs/guides (I'd recommend...

North-South Loop Trail is a loop trail that takes you by a river located near Hillsboro, West Virginia.

North Fork Trail to Middle Fork Trail Loop is a loop trail that provides a good opportunity to view wildlife located near Hillsboro, West Virginia.

North Fork Trail #272 is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a river located near Hillsboro, West Virginia.

Tea Creek Mountain-North Fork Loop is a loop trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Slatyfork, West Virginia.

Elliott Knob Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you through a nice forest located near Craigsville, Virginia.

Bluff Mountain is an out-and-back trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Monroe, Virginia.

There are a few different ways that you can do this hike. One way is to start at the North Creek campground (37.54244, -79.58531) and do a loop hike that's about 6 miles, which will take you to the falls up along a stream with some swimming holes and nice campsites. I did it the other way, which ...

Little Rocky Row Loop via Appalachian Trail is a loop trail that takes you by a river located near Monroe, Virginia.

Public Road 108 and Williams River Middle Fork Trail is a point-to-point trail that takes you by a river located near Marlinton, West Virginia.

The top of Apple Orchard Mountain is easily accessible via the Appalachian Trail. Access the trail at the Sunset Field Overlook at MP 78.4 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. The concrete path will end shortly and turn into a blue blazed trail. Follow this for 0.25 miles until it intersects the Appalachia...

From the Mount Pleasant Parking Area, take the blue blazed Pompey Mountain Trail that is just beyond the horse gate. As it's a loop, you can start at either entrance, but I prefer heading left to get the longer leg of the hike before the summit (always better to have an easy journey down in the a...

The Cranberry Wilderness is one of the largest wilderness areas east of the Mississippi and offers a unique backcountry fly fishing opportunity within West Virginia. One of the best ways to access the Cranberry River to hike, explore, and fish the river is from the Cranberry River Campground. J...

The hike is part of the George Washington National Forest, and can easily be combined with nearby Crabtree Falls (300ft cascading waterfall with a hike to the top). The entire trip is 5.7 miles, and there are nice campsites at the base of the summit (no water source) if you want to add on this pr...

If you're looking for a hike in the Roanoke area without the crowds that McAfee Knob draws, but still want a challenging hike with great views, try hiking to Hay Rock. This 7.5 mile round trip hike begins at the Park and Ride just off I-81 at the US-220 Troutville/Fincastle exit (150B). The gra...