11 Easy and Moderate Best Hikes in West Virginia

West Virginia is an incredible state to hike in! First, all of their parks, including the state parks and New River Gorge National Park, offer FREE admission.

But the state also offers a wide range of hikes, from treks through beautiful forests and trails to waterfalls to challenging rocky climbs. There is something for everyone in West Virginia!

The guide below features some of the best hikes in West Virginia, broken down by easy and moderate, so you can find the right one (or more!) for you.

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Almost Heaven Swings

West Virginia has one of the best marketing campaigns! Almost Heaven swings have attracted visitors to numerous locations across the state. There are over 40 swings at the time of publication, and I’m sure there will be more coming.

Three of the trails below have an Almost Heaven Swing either on the trail or nearby. So, if you’re into those kinds of photo ops (and really, who isn’t?), put those at the top of your list!

Lindy Point Overlook

This list starts with one of our favorite scenic overlooks at Blackwater Falls State Park.

The easy 0.7-mile out-and-back trail leads you past a forest of rhododendrons to a beautiful overlook that offers panoramic views of Blackwater Canyon.

Although the trail is short and family-friendly, it is rocky in sections. It ends at a wooden platform perfect for taking in sunrise or sunset views. There is limited parking at the trailhead, but thanks to the short trail, it rotates out quickly.

Lindy Point is a must-visit stop for anyone looking for an easy hike in West Virginia. And for more incredible views in the park, stop by Pendleton Overlook. Located right next to the parking lot, it’s one of our favorite things to do in Blackwater Falls State Park.

Spruce Knob

The Spruce Knob Whispering Spruce Trail is a gentle, family-friendly loop of about ¾ mile with minimal elevation change, winding along a wide, flat gravel path to multiple overlooks and the Spruce Knob Observation Tower.

Along the way, you’ll encounter interpretive signage about the area’s ecology and geology and find benches for rest.

There are two great places to take in the views along the trail. First, the observation tower, though taller trees can get in the way of the view, and the almost 270° vista found midway through the trail.

Because of its ease and scenic payoff, this hike is highly recommended even for visitors with little hiking experience or those seeking a relaxed outing.

If you’d prefer a more challenging and longer hike to Spruce Knob, try the Huckleberry Trail, which is 11 miles out-and-back and has 1300 feet of elevation gain.

Beartown

Beartown State Park features a fun and beautiful natural maze of massive boulders, crevices, and overhangs.

The half-mile boardwalk winds through this “town of rocks,” allowing visitors to explore stone passages and learn more about the area through interpretive signage.

The park’s name comes from the local lore that its cave-like openings once served as dens for bears, but we didn’t see any during our visit!

Beartown is a quiet, magical escape ideal for anyone who enjoys geology, gorgeous scenery, and an easy walk.

Long Point Trail

Contributor: Anna from Soul Summit Travel

The Long Point Trail is one of the top hiking trails in the New River Gorge. It’s most known for the stunning panoramic view of the New River Bridge at the end.

This trail is on a flat gravel boardwalk for the majority of the way, but the last quarter mile or so does get a bit rocky as you descend to the overlook. There are also some overgrown tree roots to watch out for in the final section of the trail. However, the expansive views of the bridge will make it all worth it at the end. 

Whether you only have a day to spend in the park or several days, the Long Point Trail is one hike you won’t want to miss. It’s the perfect easy and quick trail that’s suitable for the entire family. 

Blackwater Falls Trail

Take the trail to West Virginia’s tallest waterfall!

The Blackwater Falls Trail is a short but scenic half-mile out-and-back trail that combines boardwalk, gravel, and stairs to bring visitors straight to West Virginia’s tallest waterfall. It’s a perfect trail for casual hikers, families, or anyone wanting a quick, rewarding nature walk to a beautiful view.

Don’t forget to stop and grab a photo at the Almost Heaven Swing, about halfway from the parking lot to the waterfall. There are also several spots along the trail where you can stop and look at the waterfall without having to walk all the way down the steps.

There are even more hiking trails in Blackwater Falls State Park. We loved the trail to Elakala Falls and Balanced Rock, and of course, Lindy Point Overlook, mentioned above.

Rattlesnake Trail/Rock City Loop at Coopers Rock

The Rattlesnake/Rock City Loop at Coopers Rock delivers a bit more adventure. It climbs and descends around towering boulders, through rhododendron groves, and past dramatic rock formations, especially on the 0.7-mile Rattlesnake trail.

The Rock City portion is easier and quieter, making for a mellow return to the parking lot. With only 300 ft of elevation gain and mostly moderate terrain, it’s a fun choice for hikers seeking a mix of scenery and manageable challenge near Morgantown.

Don’t forget to check out the Coopers Rock Overlook while you are there, and grab a photo at the Almost Heaven Swing!

Endless Wall Trail

Contributor: Rebecca from The Researched Traveler

Of course, a good indication of a place being a great hiking destination is the designation of a national forest, national park, or other recognized recreation area. New River Gorge National Park was recently designated a national park, but it has been among the best places for hiking in West Virginia for a long time before that.

One of the best hikes in New River Gorge is the Endless Wall Trail, which shows off one of the iconic features of the gorge – the rocky edge of the gorge, which stands high above the beautiful view below.

This trail is not overly long, which makes it a favorite for any visitor to this area of West Virginia. Along the way, you’ll experience a short forest area, then pop out by popular rock climbing spots, as well as the fantastic views from Diamond Point and a few other lookouts on the trail.

Spending any amount of time sitting and enjoying the view is worth it!

Seneca Rocks

Rising nearly 900 feet above the North Fork River, Seneca Rocks is one of West Virginia’s most incredible natural landmarks. And the Seneca Rocks Trail offers one of the best ways to experience it!

The trail is about 3 miles out-and-back, and is a steep climb, even with switchbacks and stairways. Most hikers stop at the wooden viewing platform, where you get some incredible views of the Potomac Highlands.

However, the cliffs beyond the platform are incredibly tempting to climb on! There is a sign indicating their danger, but that doesn’t stop many hikers from venturing out.

If you are used to rock scrambles and climbing on outcroppings, you should be able to handle these rocks. But if you don’t have the proper footwear or experience, I would stay on the platform!

This is a very popular trail, so arrive early or later in the day to avoid the crowds. You can also enjoy the Seneca Rocks Visitor Center, where you’ll find bathrooms and an exhibit about the geology and history of the region.

Cranny Crow

The hike to Cranny Crow Overlook in Lost River State Park is a 4-mile out-and-back trail that leads to one of the park’s most scenic viewpoints and one of the many Almost Heaven Swings!

The trail has several switchbacks, making the 1010-foot elevation gain feel a little easier. On clear days, the panoramic view stretches across five counties. You can sit in the shelter or on the rock outcropping to take in the views before you head back down.

This is a great hike year-round. And it’s one of the few Almost Heaven Swings that require a bit of effort to reach, making it feel extra rewarding to grab a photo there!

Maryland Heights

Although it’s technically not in West Virginia, we are including the Maryland Heights Trail because the trail starts in Harpers Ferry, WV, even though it crosses the Potomac to Maryland across a train bridge.

This is a challenging 4.5-mile, out-and-back hike thanks to the steep grade along the trail. If you have hiking poles, bring them for this trail! At the top, you get the most incredible view of Harpers Ferry and the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers. It really is worth the climb!

Big Schloss

Located within the George Washington National Forest on the Virginia / West Virginia border, the Big Schloss trail is 4.5 miles out-and-back and climbs very steeply before leveling into a ridge walk. But the payoff is worth it for the 360° views at the top!

Even the views along the ridgeline are beautiful. And it was so much fun scrambling around the outcroppings at the summit. We did this trail on a Thanksgiving morning, and it wasn’t too busy. But I can imagine the parking lot filling up on weekends in the summer, and especially during the fall foliage season! So arrive early to get a good spot or come late to make it a sunset hike.