10 Awesome Hikes in West Virginia
If you haven't been to West Virginia, it's time to put it on your list.
Between deeply folded hollows and lofty viewpoints, there are endless opportunities to explore in this Appalachian state. From north to south, you'll find state parks, national forests, and natural areas crisscrossed with trails. There is a hike for everyone in West Virginia. Stunning waterfalls, jaw-dropping viewpoints, history; it's all here waiting for you.
One of the jewels of West Virginia is the Monongahela National Forest, which covers 909,000 acres of the state's eastern border with Virginia. This forest is located within a day's drive of 1/2 the population of the United States but rarely feels crowded. Here, you'll find the most biologically diverse national forest in the country, considered by The Nature Conservancy as an area of global ecological importance.
All that said, the best way to experience the diversity and wilderness of West Virginia is to lace up your hiking boots and hit the trail. We've picked 10 trails that show off the best of what the Mountain State has to offer.
Cover photo by Brandon Dewey
We want to acknowledge and thank the past, present, and future generations of all Native Nations and Indigenous Peoples whose ancestral lands we travel, explore, and play on. Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!
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