Try These 7 Life Treks
This life list of peak West Virginia hiking experiences is made up of moderate to challenging hikes—so do a little research, pull out your hiking stick and backpack, and go experience the raw natural beauty of our Mountain State.
1. MARYLAND HEIGHTS LOOP
A steep initial ascent takes you to historic sites and big ridgeline views of Harpers Ferry and the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers. Access to this 6.5-mile loop trail requires purchase of an entrance pass to Harpers Ferry National Historical Park.
2. BEAR ROCKS–ROCKY RIDGE–BEAVER VIEW LOOP
This 11-mile loop passes through open meadow, rocky fields, deep forests, and expansive views. Take footwear for possible wading and soggy sections—it is Dolly Sods, after all. Hikers are rewarded with landscapes unlike anything in the East—again, that’s Dolly Sods. Access is from the parking area on Fire Road 75, which is most easily reached on about 5 miles of paved fire road from Jordan Run Road along the east side of the sods. (Header photo)
3. NORTH FORK MOUNTAIN TO CHIMNEY TOP
This ridgetop trail is among the most spectacular in the state, and the view from Chimney Rocks, at the north end of the ridge, is unsurpassed. The south-to-north hike is gentler—park at the summit, 5 miles east of Judy Gap on U.S. 33—and plan to hike the full 25 miles over one or two nights. Shuttle services may be found online. The southbound ascent is a steep 2.5-mile path to Chimney Rocks—use the northern trailhead on County Route 28/11, a couple miles east of Smoke Hole Caverns.
4. HIGH FALLS TRAIL
The stunning falls at the end of this moderately challenging 8.5- mile out-and-back trail are a prize that can only be earned on foot or via the Durbin & Greenbrier Valley Railroad. Parts can be muddy in wet conditions, with slippery leaf cover over rocks and roots. Park at the signed trailhead 4 miles south of Glady on Fire Road 44.
5. FAYETTEVILLE–LONG POINT–KAYMOOR TRAIL LOOP
Discover waterfalls, mine remnants, and a spectacular view on this 10-mile New River Gorge National Park loop and spur, considered strenuous in parts for a creek crossing, upand-down terrain, and some rocky going. One parking option is the Park Loop trailhead on Park Drive in Fayetteville. Midway, take the Long Point Trail out and back for a panoramic view of the New River gorge and bridge. The Kaymoor section details the history of that community and mine operation.
6. GLADE CREEK TRAIL TO KATES FALLS
This 10-mile out-and-back hike in the New River Gorge National Park is moderately challenging for potential mud and for its length. The side trail to the falls is short, but steep—and worth the effort. Access from Glade Creek Campground, near Prince.
7. THE ALLEGHENY TRAIL
This list wouldn’t be complete without the granddaddy of West Virginia trails. Hike the full 311 miles to earn a certificate of completion and bragging rights as a true Mountaineer.
SHORTER HIKES TO ICONIC VIEWS
READ MORE ARTICLES FROM SPRING 2024
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