Keyser, West Virginia

This is a GREAT location for beginning backpackers with minimal backpacking rules, short trails and cell service. Although all trails (with a few exceptions found in this brochure -labeled as "Areas Closed to Camping") in the Forbes State forest allow primitive backpack camping (primitive backpac...

I began my adventure at the trailhead in Herrington Manor State Park. The parking lot was empty and the trail was very easy to access. From start to finish this trail varies in the width of its path. For the first mile I had a lot of foot room, but as I went deeper into the forest, the trail turn...

This hike is short and sweet, with it only being 2.4 miles to the other side of the tunnel and back. It's easily accessible, located right off the highway at the Paw Paw Tunnel Campground on the Potamac River at the border of Maryland and West Virgina. The town of Paw Paw is on the West Virgina s...

The Bear Rocks Preserve is a 477 acre land tract maintained and supported by The Nature Conservancy.  Offering a diverse range of plant species more commonly seen in the Northeast, visitors will find blueberries, huckleberries, mountain laurel, azalea, and rhododendron among the sandstone outcrop...

What used to be an artillery testing site during WWII, Dolly Sods is a great place for backpackers of almost any expertise. Water is easily found throughout the wilderness area and while 21 miles might feel like a lot, it is very manageable over the course of 3 days.  Attached (at the bottom) is...

Starting on Bear Rocks Trail, hike down to the Red Creek. Sometimes water levels can be high, but most of the time you can cross the creek without getting any deeper than your knees. Link up with the Raven Ridge Trail and head south. Enjoy the views through this section, as it's a great place to ...

This particular hike is great as there are multiple camping sites, both established and backcountry, and views for miles around almost every bend. Still not convinced? This high-altitude plateau has characteristics typically found in Canadian landscapes. so you can travel north without leaving y...

From January to April, the forest roads that provide vehicle access to the Dolly Sods Wilderness in West Virginia are closed. If you're up for a cold weather adventure, park your car (in accordance with the signage and without blocking the road) and hike up the Forest Road 75 near Davis, WV, to B...

Beginning your hikes from the Red Creek Campground gives you plenty of good options. For day hikers there is parking at the signed trailheads and for those who want to call the Campground home for a few days the campsites are nice and spaced out so you don't feel like you're sharing your tent spa...

One of my favorite hikes in West Virginia, since the whole ridge is full of views.  Backpacking the North Fork Mountain Trail is about 24.7 miles in total and a challenging hike but with relentless views. In my opinion, the best West Virginia has to offer. Summertime backpacking the whole the NF...

Blackwater Falls State Park is a lesser known state park in northern West Virginia. The waterfall is easily accessible. From the parking area go to the back of the horseshoe (the parking area is shaped like a horseshoe) and follow the path and steps down into the gorge. If you're planning on visi...

Blackwater Falls State Park is one of 36 state parks in West Virginia and is located just north of the Canaan Valley less than two miles from Davis, WV.  Blackwater Falls State Park has over 2,000 acres, making it a great place to camp while you explore the beautiful area.  The campground has 65 ...

Pendleton Point Overlook in Blackwater Falls State Park provides visitors with expansive views of Blackwater Canyon.  The overlook is easily accessed via a short walk from the parking area and marks the widest and deepest point of the canyon.  The wooden platform has tower viewers so visitors can...

The trail begins near the upper parking area next to a closed gate. If you park in the lower parking area, you'll have to walk about .3 miles up the road to get to this gate. Start out on the forest service (FS) orange-blazed trail, following it for about a quarter mile. From there head onto Old...

Starting at the Blackwater Falls Lodge, head to the left side of the parking lot, where a trailhead becomes visible. Follow the clearly marked trail down until you reach a bridge which goes over the top of the falls. After the bridge, look for paths to allow you to get to the river level and the ...

The hike begins at the "Dolly Sods Trailhead Parking" location easily found on Google Maps. The lot is big enough for about 6-8 vehicles. Begin walking at the end of the gravel parking lot/road for about 0.5 miles until you enter the Dolly Sods Wilderness Area in a small grassy field where sever...