Mathias, West Virginia

This is a really good day hike to explore another one of the many fantastic state parks that West Virginia has to offer while avoiding some of the crowds that many of the popular ones have. The main feature of the park is the Cranny Crow Overlook which features views into two Virginia and three W...

Easy to get to from Bryce resort, Orkney Springs Trail is a moderate to challenging trail. It starts with an easy trail through the woods but does get very steep in mile 2 in what seems like a very rocky dried-out river bed. There is a spectacular view around mile 2. If that's what you’re after y...

There are two parking spots for this trail. Park at the lower lot if the gate is closed, if the gate is open, continue up the road for another mile until you reach another closed gate. Park here. If the gate is closed you will need to hike a mile up the road to get to the trail head.From the seco...

Big Schloss via Wolf Gap Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a river located near Lost City, West Virginia.

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 ...

Park for free at Wolf Gap Campground and cross the road where you will pass some picnic tables and campsites.  Follow the signs to the yellow-blazed Tibbet Knob trail.  In half a mile, there is a little path to a summit on your left where you can catch a glimpse of Mill Mountain and Big Schloss. ...

Wolf Gap is a FREE year round campground located just outside of Woodstock, VA. It is a great base camp for several scenic hikes like the Tibbet Knob trail (trailhead is just across the road) and the popular Big Schloss trail (trailhead begins at campsite number 9) -- super convenient if you hav...

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...

One of my favorite hikes in West Virginia, since the whole ridge is full of views.  Backpacking the North Fork Mountain Trail is about 24.7 miles in total and a challenging hike but with relentless views. In my opinion, the best West Virginia has to offer. Summertime backpacking the whole the NFM...

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 Trai...

Bird Knob trail and aptly-named Emerald Pond are a not-so-well-kept secret worth sharing. Located just two hours away from Washington DC, this hike has everything: bouldering, views, and the perfect swimming hole.  Even the drive to reach the hike is scenic and enjoyable with mountain views and f...

High Knob Tower Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you through a nice forest located near Brandywine, West Virginia.

Directly off of Interstate 81, headed toward West Virginia on Rt 33 is a beautiful lake only known by the locals. Switzer Lake, named because Switzer Dam was placed on the Dry River years ago to aid Harrisonburg and the surrounding area with its increased need for drinking water. The lake is seld...

Beginning your hikes from the Red Creek Campground gives you plenty of good options. For day hikers there is parking at the signed trailheads and for those who want to call the Campground home for a few days the campsites are nice and spaced out so you don't feel like you're sharing your tent spa...

From January to April, the forest roads that provide vehicle access to the Dolly Sods Wilderness in West Virginia are closed. If you're up for a cold weather adventure, park your car (in accordance with the signage and without blocking the road) and hike up the Forest Road 75 near Davis, WV, to B...

Starting on Bear Rocks Trail, hike down to the Red Creek. Sometimes water levels can be high, but most of the time you can cross the creek without getting any deeper than your knees. Link up with the Raven Ridge Trail and head south. Enjoy the views through this section, as it's a great place to ...