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Hike High Rocks

Hillsboro, West Virginia

5.0/5
based on 1 reviews

Details

Distance

3.1 miles

Elevation Gain

376 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Brandon Dewey

A leisurely 3.1 mile out and back hike along the High Rocks trail leads to a beautiful vista that overlooks the Little Levels Valley and the surrounding Appalachian Mountains.

To reach High Rocks trailhead, drive about 3.3 miles along West Virginia’s Highland Scenic Highway (HW150) from Cranberry Mountain Nature Center. The parking lot and trailhead will be on the right side of the road. The High Rocks trail is 3.1 miles out and back and is fairly flat as it follows a ridge line most of the way. The dirt trail is well marked with blue diamond blazes and is very easy to follow. It’s a pretty trail that is lined with ferns and winds through a hardwood forest. For the first 1.1 mile, the trail gradually climbs until you pass the actual viewless summit of High Rocks. There is a short, but not steep, switch back section as you work your way down from the summit of High Rocks to another ridge, and then the trail flattens back out as you make the rest of your way to viewpoint.

At 4,268 feet, the trail ends at a sheer cliff, but there is a nice flat grassy area to sit on as you take in the amazing view of the Levels Valley and the neighboring Allegheny Mountains. There are also some smaller cliffs hidden behind some trees and bushes directly to left of the viewpoint were the grass ends, so be careful if you go exploring in that direction. On clear days, you will be able to see the mountains that make up the Virginia/West Virginia border near Lake Moomaw. Once you are done enjoying the view, follow the trail back to the parking lot. 

This is a great trail for kids, and dogs are allows on the trail. I have hiked it with my kids who are 4 and 7 years old with no issues.

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Features

Photography
Hiking
Dog Friendly
Easy Parking
Family Friendly
Forest
Scenic
Wildflowers
Wildlife

Hike High Rocks Reviews

It's a great view onto the rolling mountains of Appalachia. I brought along a telephoto lens for some photos and was able to compose a few landscape shots with a different perspective.

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

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