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West Virginia

Looking for the best backpacking in West Virginia? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around West Virginia. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.

Top Backpacking Spots in and near West Virginia

  • Davis, West Virginia

    Bear Rocks Loop

    4.7
    10.54 mi / 1293 ft gain
    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 y...
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  • Wardensville, West Virginia

    White Rocks Loop, George Washington NF

    4.5
    9.26 mi / 1690 ft gain
    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...
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  • Wardensville, West Virginia

    Tibbet Knob via Wolf Gap

    5.0
    3.17 mi / 702 ft gain
    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. ...
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  • Maysville, West Virginia

    Lions Head Loop

    5.0
    20.35 mi / 2195 ft gain
    What used to be an artillery testing site during WWII, Dolly Sods is a great place for backpackers of almost any expertise. Water is easily found throughout the wilderness area and while 21 miles might feel like a lot, it is very manageable over the course of 3 days.  Attached (at the bottom) is...
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  • Elkins, West Virginia

    Hike to High Falls in Monongahela National Forest

    5.0
    8.2 mi / 1440 ft gain
    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...
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  • Cabins, West Virginia

    Backpack the North Fork Mountain Trail & Chimney Top

    5.0
    24.7 mi
    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...
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  • Maysville, West Virginia

    Dolly Sods North Loop via Bear Rocks

    5.0
    11.69 mi / 1171 ft gain
    Arguably one of the most beautiful hiking areas on the United States' east coast, the Dolly Sods Wilderness inarguably has the most unique trailhead warning sign: Watch out for unexploded ordinance in the area. (The U.S. Army used the area for artillery and mortar training during WWII.) Don't fre...
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  • Davis, West Virginia

    Dolly Sods Wilderness North Loop via Rocky Ridge Trail

    5.0
    12.78 mi / 1378 ft gain
    The hike begins at the "Dolly Sods Trailhead Parking" location easily found on Google Maps. The lot is big enough for about 6-8 vehicles. Begin walking at the end of the gravel parking lot/road for about 0.5 miles until you enter the Dolly Sods Wilderness Area in a small grassy field where sever...
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  • Marlinton, West Virginia

    Cranberry Wilderness North South Loop Trail

    17.1 mi / 1617 ft gain
    The Cranberry Wilderness is lesser known, but if you're looking for a rugged escape, this is it. Be mindful of your water intake, as there are a few stretches upwards of 6-8 miles where there is no access to fresh water. Those areas are well-known in most of the hiking blogs/guides (I'd recommend...
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  • Davis, West Virginia

    Bear Rocks and Beaver Dam Loop

    6.36 mi / 699 ft gain
    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 ...
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  • Richwood, West Virginia

    Backcountry Fly Fish on the Cranberry River

    The Cranberry Wilderness is one of the largest wilderness areas east of the Mississippi and offers a unique backcountry fly fishing opportunity within West Virginia. One of the best ways to access the Cranberry River to hike, explore, and fish the river is from the Cranberry River Campground. J...
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