West Virginia is a rugged mountain state nestled in the Appalachians, celebrated as the whitewater rafting capital of the eastern United States. Known as the Mountain State, it offers extraordinary outdoor adventure—class V rapids on the New and Gauley Rivers, hundreds of miles of mountain biking trails, and some of the most spectacular fall foliage in North America. Historic coal-mining heritage, Appalachian culture, artisan crafts, and a thriving outdoor recreation economy make West Virginia a destination of authentic character and natural beauty.
Top trails
Routes worth lacing up your boots for.
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1
Long Point Trail (New River Gorge)
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2
Endless Wall Trail (New River Gorge)
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3
Seneca Rocks Summit Trail
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4
Blackwater Falls Loop
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5
Dolly Sods Wilderness Bear Rocks Loop
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6
Spruce Knob Summit Loop
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7
Greenbrier River Trail (Day Section)
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8
Appalachian Trail through Harpers Ferry
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9
Cranberry Glades Boardwalk
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10
Canaan Loop Road Trail (Canaan Valley)
Trail difficulty levels
Pick a route that matches your fitness and experience.
Flat terrain, paved or boardwalk surfaces, under 2 miles. Examples: Cranberry Glades boardwalk, New River Gorge visitor center area, Blackwater Falls overlook
2-6 miles, 200-600 ft elevation gain, good trail surface. Examples: Long Point Trail, Blackwater Falls Loop, Greenbrier River Trail sections
6+ miles or 1,000+ ft elevation gain, uneven terrain. Examples: Seneca Rocks Summit, Endless Wall Trail, full Dolly Sods circuits
Minimally marked, remote, navigation skills required. Examples: Dolly Sods backcountry, Otter Creek Wilderness, Roaring Plains West Backcountry
When to hike
Seasonal conditions in West Virginia.
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Local hazards
What to watch out for on the trail.
Hazard: Black bears are common in Monongahela National Forest—make noise on trails, store food in bear canisters, and never approach a bear. Bear spray available at outfitter shops in Elkins.
Hazard: Copperhead and timber rattlesnakes are present statewide—watch where you step and where you put your hands on rocky trails. Give snakes wide berth.
Hazard: Flash floods in river gorges (New River Gorge, Gauley) can occur with no warning when thunderstorms hit upstream. Know your exit routes.
Hazard: Hypothermia risk is real at high elevations even in summer—Dolly Sods and Spruce Knob can see wind chills below 40°F in July. Always carry extra layers.
Hazard: Cell service is absent in most of Monongahela National Forest, Dolly Sods, and New River Gorge backcountry. Download offline maps (Gaia GPS) and file a trip plan with someone.
Hazard: Tick populations are high April-September—use DEET or permethrin on clothing and check for ticks after every hike. Lyme disease is present in WV.