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.
Adventure by Elyse Clark
Adventure by Brandon Dewey
Adventure by Lim Tong
Adventure by Matthew Ady
Adventure by Brandon Dewey
Adventure by Lucas Gashi
Adventure by Sarah Giek
Adventure by T Cundiff
Adventure by Elyse Clark
Adventure by Elyse Clark
Cover photo by Brandon Dewey