Hike Cranny Crow to Millers Rock Loop

This is a really good day hike to explore another one of the many fantastic state parks that West Virginia has to offer while avoiding some of the crowds that many of the popular ones have. The main feature of the park is the Cranny Crow Overlook which features views into two Virginia and three West Virginia counties. 

Note: a good portion of this hike you are hiking on overgrown trails so to prevent the itch, I recommend long socks or long pants.

The hike begins at the upper parking lot where there is a stone footpath that crosses Howards Lick Run and heads right up the steep service road. Continue up the service road for .7 miles including the sharp left .2 miles in at the intersection of the Big Ridge Trail. Again, stay off the service road. When you get to the White Oak Trail, turn right. Continue up the White Oak Trail, passing a small shelter, zigzagging your way up switchbacks until you get to the Millers Rock Trail. The Millers Rock Trail is the main trail that stretches across the Big Ridge. In about .1 mile, you'll arrive at the Cranny Crow Overlook. This is a good spot for a break if you would like because it may be the best view in the whole hike.

Continue along the yellow blazed Millers Rock Trail heading downhill. You'll be heading towards the back left of the shelter to pick up the trail. This .3 portion of the trail passes a few overlooks including Cheeks Rocks. Continue another .3 miles before intersecting the Virginia View Trail. Turn left and head back uphill for roughly a half mile to a junction of the yellow blazed Big Ridge Trail. Turn left uphill for 0.1 miles to the High Meadow, picnic shelter, and a intersection of the service road. Stay left on the service road and just after exiting the meadow pass the yellow blazed Millers Rock Trail that leads back down to the Cranny Crow Overlook. Continue downhill on the service road a very short distance until you are able to turn right back onto the yellow blazed Millers Rock Trail.

You are now heading north along the Big Ridge and in about a half mile, you'll pass a large 1930's fire tower and the caretaker's cabin. The next portion of the trail goes on for a little over 2 miles until you get reach the first of the east/south east view. Carry on another .1 mile to a few more overlooks before retracing your steps along the Millers Rock Trail back to the intersection of the White Oak Trail. From here, you can continue on the short distance back to the Cranny Crow Overlook again before heading back down the mountain, or you can make the right and begin your hike back down the switchbacks, passing the small shelter, and making the left on the service road you hiked up on. Finish the last 3/4 of a mile down hill, and back to your car.

If you head north along Rt 259 about 5 miles, on the right there is a spacious restaurant to grab dinner at before heading to wherever your final destination is: http://lostrivergrill.com/