West Virginia

If you go to Blackwater Falls State Park for the falls, stay for the overlooks.  This one, the most popular in the park, overlooks Blackwater Canyon from 3,000 feet above.  Although the parking area at the trailhead is small with room for only 4-5 cars, you can also park along the road or at the ...

Since this waterfall is less than 200 feet from the parking lot, visiting this waterfall provides a huge reward for minimal physical effort. From the parking lot, cross the bridge over the stream and follow the trail on the right side of the stream/waterfall.  To have the best view of the falls c...

Though this beautiful hike is a serious workout, it's actually quite easy to follow. It's also listed on Google Maps - I'd highly recommend downloading the map offline just in case something happens. Starting at the trailhead (park at a pull-off along the gravel road just a few hundred feet befor...

From the Fern Creek Trailhead this is a 2.0 mile out and back hike to Diamond Point. The trail is relatively flat with minimal elevation gain and has a bridge stream crossing. When you arrive at the sign stating "Climber's Access", take a short side trip here to see the views of the gorge. Contin...

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 the parking lot, the paved handicap-accessible trail switchbacks to a view of the upper falls (20'). The falls are a bit hard to see from the viewpoint, so it's best to continue down the trail.  At the upper falls the trail changes to wooden stairs that descend gradually down. You will cros...

Blackwater Falls State Park is a lesser known state park in northern West Virginia. The waterfall is easily accessible. From the parking area go to the back of the horseshoe (the parking area is shaped like a horseshoe) and follow the path and steps down into the gorge. If you're planning on visi...

From the main parking lot at Grandview's visitor center, follow the well marked paved trail about 0.1 miles to the Main Overlook. There is a large platform for viewing the New River here. A wide angle lens is best to photograph this large bend in the river.  There is another overlook in the park...

With minimal elevation gain, this 3.2 mile hike can be done in a short amount of time. From the parking lot, take the trail to the right of the bathroom. There will be two trail intersections at 0.4 miles and 0.7 miles, both of which are well marked. Stay straight at both intersections to remain ...

Parking and trail head: Park at the Harpers Ferry Visitors Center for $10 (171 Shoreline Dr, Bolivar, WV 25425) and take the shuttle a mile and a half to lower town (free).  Walk straight from the shuttle to the large bridge. Cross the bridge to hop on the C&O canal trail. This is the point ...

Pendleton Point Overlook in Blackwater Falls State Park provides visitors with expansive views of Blackwater Canyon.  The overlook is easily accessed via a short walk from the parking area and marks the widest and deepest point of the canyon.  The wooden platform has tower viewers so visitors can...

From Rt. 219 about 7 miles south of Hillsboro, West Virginia, there are well-marked signs for Beartown State Park. This narrow road winds about a mile until the small parking area for the state park.   The boardwalk trail starts to the left of the bathrooms, and it is encouraged to walk the trai...

You can start walking on this well-graded rail trail either from Ansted or down by the New River at the Hawk's Nest Nature Center. If you start from the top you will lose a couple hundred feet in elevation and have to walk back up to your car (it is an easy walk though). Bikes are also allowed on...

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 NF...

Driving to the top of Spruce Mountain is perhaps the most difficult part of the journey. Once at the top of Spruce Mountain, park and head south along a short, 0.2 mile long trail that leads to the official state highpoint of Spruce Knob. Be sure to find the USGS marker near the base of the obser...

The Coopers Rock Overlook is the crown jewel of Coopers Rock State Forest. The name is derived from a legend about a fugitive who hid near the overlook to elude capture. He was a cooper by trade and continued to make and sell barrels to the local communities to support himself while living in the...