West Virginia

This particular hike is great as there are multiple camping sites, both established and backcountry, and views for miles around almost every bend. Still not convinced? This high-altitude plateau has characteristics typically found in Canadian landscapes. so you can travel north without leaving your backyard below the Mason-Dixon Line -- high five y'all!From the parking area on FR75 (go to the ...

Seneca Rocks is probably one of the best known landmarks in West Virginia. This iconic formation sits 900 feet above the North Fork River. I highly recommend anyone interested in taking a trip to West Virginia take some time to visit Seneca Rocks. These rock formations are really an amazing site.The hike from the parking lot is 3 miles out-and-back with a lot of switchbacks and stair cases. The...

Chimney Rock (also referred to as Chimney Top) is a hidden gem in the Monongahela National Forest that offers some of the best views in the state of West Virginia.  There are several trail options that pass this overlook, including a 24 mile point-to-point backpack of the North Fork Mountain Trail, but this adventure details the hike via the Landis Trail off of Smoke Hole Road.  This is the sho...

Big Schloss (the German word for “palace”) is a popular hike in the George Washington National Forest.  The trailhead is conveniently located at the Wolf Gap Campground.  To begin, follow the path behind the restrooms at the parking lot.  Cross the paved road where you will find a trail map with other information about the area.  You will also see the first of many orange blazes that will guide...

The trail begins near the upper parking area next to a closed gate. If you park in the lower parking area, you'll have to walk about .3 miles up the road to get to this gate.Start out on the forest service (FS) orange blazed trail, following it for about a quarter mile. From there head onto Old Mail Path, the pink blazed trail. On it, you’ll continue past Cove trail, finally turning right onto ...

A 0.25 mile wooded boardwalk takes you down to an overlook of the 3,030 foot tall steel arch bridge. There are about 150 steps, so the walk back up the visitor center can be tiring. At the overlook, there is great panoramic views of the gorge and bridge.The visitor center has bathrooms and has a lot of information about the bridge, construction of the bridge, and the numerous activities that ca...

Hidden deep in the Appalachian Mountains near the New River Gorge sits an extremely photogenic grist mill. A recreation of the original mills that dotted West Virginia, Glade Creek Grist Mill was completed in 1976 at Babcock SP. Built fully operational from the parts of 3 other WV mills, it was placed near the site of the former Cooper's Mill.Fall is the ideal time for photographing the park, b...

Brush Creek Falls is a beautiful 25' waterfall that spans across Brush Creek. It is accessed via a short 0.5 mile hike with minimal elevation gain.From the parking area on Brush Creek Falls Road, take the trail to the right of the picnic shelter. This easy and relatively-flat trail through rhododendron winds 0.5 miles to a fenced overlook of the falls.Take in the view of the falls from the fenc...

Blackwater Falls State Park is one of 36 state parks in West Virginia and is located just north of the Canaan Valley less than two miles from Davis, WV.  Blackwater Falls State Park has over 2,000 acres, making it a great place to camp while you explore the beautiful area.  The campground has 65 spots for tents and is open from the last weekend in April through October 31.  The campground is do...