Hike High Rocks

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.