Elk Garden, West Virginia

This is not a casual hike; it is one which should be taken taken seriously. However, it will be an enjoyable experience for anyone with the resolve to face the early 1,500 ft. climb in elevation, as well the ascent of a slightly dodgy (but still structurally sound) mid-20th century fire tower.   ...

This park has plenty to do—forest hiking, swimming at Herrington Manor, and camping—but the main attraction, unsurprisingly, is Swallow Falls. The Swallow Falls Canyon Trail (1.1 miles) follows Muddy Creek and features a number of other falls, including Muddy Creek Falls (53 ft).

I began my adventure at the trailhead in Herrington Manor State Park. The parking lot was empty and the trail was very easy to access. From start to finish this trail varies in the width of its path. For the first mile I had a lot of foot room, but as I went deeper into the forest, the trail turn...

Cathedral Trail is a part of Cathedral State Park located east of Aurora, WV. Cathedral State Park was originally the site of Brookside Resort which attracted visitors from Washington D.C. and Baltimore, MD due to it’s cool clean air and natural beauty. The land was purchased in 1922 by Mr. Brans...

The Bear Rocks Preserve is a 477 acre land tract maintained and supported by The Nature Conservancy.  Offering a diverse range of plant species more commonly seen in the Northeast, visitors will find blueberries, huckleberries, mountain laurel, azalea, and rhododendron among the sandstone outcrop...

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...

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 ...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

Blackwater Falls State Park is one of 36 state parks in West Virginia and is located just north of the Canaan Valley less than two miles from Davis, WV.  Blackwater Falls State Park has over 2,000 acres, making it a great place to camp while you explore the beautiful area.  The campground has 65 ...

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...

Starting at the Blackwater Falls Lodge, head to the left side of the parking lot, where a trailhead becomes visible. Follow the clearly marked trail down until you reach a bridge which goes over the top of the falls. After the bridge, look for paths to allow you to get to the river level and the ...

This is a GREAT location for beginning backpackers with minimal backpacking rules, short trails and cell service. Although all trails (with a few exceptions found in this brochure -labeled as "Areas Closed to Camping") in the Forbes State forest allow primitive backpack camping (primitive backpac...