Hiking is a great way to get some exercise and enjoy the outdoors. From easy, level trails to intense, steep climbs, West Virginia has plenty of iconic hikes with incredible views. Many hikers opt to take easier trails and that’s 100 percent OK. The outdoors are accessible to all. But if you’re up for a bit of a challenge, West Virginia state parks have some truly challenging hikes with views worth sweating for. Here are five challenging hikes you should check out this spring.

Narrow Gauge/Skyline Trail

Location
Babcock State Park

Trail Description
Start at the Glade Creek Grist Mill and proceed down Old Sewell Road, past cabins 7-13. Hike the Narrow Gauge Trail, which crosses a unique swinging bridge over Glade Creek and then follows Glade Creek along the old railroad grade before joining the banks of Manns Creek just before ending at the park’s service road below the campground. Once there, take a right and head up the paved road toward cabins 14-28. Hike past the cabins and once at the four way intersection of the cabin roads take a right and hike to the Manns Creek overlook where the Skyline Trail begins adjacent to the overlook.

Hike the Skyline trail all the way through where it ends at the parking area of cabin 5. Take the short hike down the hill past cabin 5 and cross yet another swinging bridge which crosses Glade Creek and leads you back up to the cabins 7-13 road. Then turn left to return to your car near the Glade Creek Grist Mill.

Distance
7.5 miles

Sites Along The Way
Babcock Grist Mill and Manns Creek overlook.

Know Before You Go
This hike is long and challenging. Because it includes two trails with backtracking and connector roads, make sure you get a trail map at the park headquarters near the Grist Mill.

Potato Knob Trail

Location
Holly River State Park

Trail Description
Branching off from Wilderness Trail, this trail follows a ridge to Ridge Road. It joins the road for a half mile and then descends the mountain through a grove of exceptionally large trees. A short side trail on the Ridge Road offers a view of Tenskwatawa Falls. Crossing Fall Run Road, the trail circles around the southern side of Potato Knob to The Chute. From here it is a steep ascent to the summit of Potato Knob.

Distance
7.5 miles (one way)

Sites Along The Way
Tenskwatawa Falls, Shupe’s Chute and Potato Knob Summit.

Know Before You Go
This trail goes all the way to the waterfalls on the far side of the park and very few people attempt to climb from Shupe’s Chute to the summit of Potato Knob. If you don’t have all day for this hike, you can also start at the waterfalls area and just do the summit challenge.

Arrowhead Trail

Location
Watoga State Park

Trail Description
The trailhead is at Riverside Campground across from the check-in station. This steep trail takes you straight up the mountain to the Ann Bailey Lookout Tower.

Distance
1 mile (one way)

Sites Along The Way
Ann Bailey Lookout Tower, Greenbrier River Valley and Little Levels section of Pocahontas County.

Know Before You Go
This trail might be short, but it is very steep, so don’t hesitate to take a break and catch your breath. Plan on taking at least an hour to complete the hike — longer to take in the incredible views from the lookout tower.

Backbone Trail

Location
Chief Logan State Park

Trail Description
Backbone Trail begins at the maintenance area, but we recommend parking at the park office and walking to the lower trailhead. This steep trail (up to 20 percent grade) gains close to 1,000 feet in elevation before ending at the park’s fishing pond. The trail takes guests through deep woods and along an elevated mountain ridge line. Great views of the Mitchell Heights community outside the park property can be enjoyed when there isn’t much tree foliage.

Distance
4.5 miles (one way)

Sights Along The Way
The Old Backbone Ridgeline, Mitchell Heights, Native Flora and Fauna.

Know Before You Go
This trail is very steep and not appropriate for casual or inexperienced hikers. Sturdy shoes and a hiking stick or poles are a must. Beware of muddy areas, especially during recent rains. Because of crosswinds on the ridge line, this trail experiences very frequent tree fall.

Miller’s Rock Trail

Location
Lost River State Park

Trail Description
This trail starts at the White Oak trailhead at the horse stables and leads to the Cranny Crow Overlook, which offers panoramic views from 3,200 feet.

Distance
3.5 miles

Sites Along The Way
Cranny Crow Overlook

Know Before You Go
This trail is also an equestrian trail, so watch out for riders along the way.

Top tips to help you get the most out of a challenging hike

Whether you’re new to hiking or about to venture out on a new trail, planning ahead can help you have a more enjoyable hike. Here are a few tips we hope will help you tackle your hike:

• Leave No Trace.
• Stay on the designated trail.
• Give yourself plenty of time. Consider the trail distance, elevation gain and terrain when planning a hike. The last thing you want to do is rush yourself and miss a sunset.
• If you’ve never hiked on a steep trail before, consider acclimating yourself on easier trails for a couple of weeks to get your legs and lungs in shape.
• Wear good hiking boots or trail shoes and make sure they are broken in before you start a hike. To prevent blisters, wear hiking socks that wick away moisture.
• Pack essentials, such as water, snacks, sunscreen, bug spray, a jacket and a first aid kit, but keep your pack light to avoid putting too much weight on your shoulders and back.
• Bring plenty of water and snacks to rehydrate and refuel.
• Bring a camera to capture memories along the way, but consider taking a single lens to reduce pack weight or opt to use your cellphone.
• Download a trail map and save it on your phone or get a physical copy at the park headquarters before starting your hike.
• On steep trails, use a hiking stick or trekking poles to help keep your balance.
• Hike with a companion or tell someone where you will be hiking and when you plan to return.
• Bring a cellphone in case of an emergency, but leave it in your bag so you can enjoy the hike screen free.

National Trails Day is June 4

The first Saturday in June is National Trails Day and we have scheduled a series of guided hikes to encourage hikers to discover local trails and share their excitement for the outdoors. 

• National Trails Day Hike: Beech Fork
• National Trails Day Hike: Cacapon
• National Trails Day Hike: Cass
• National Trails Day Hike: Holly River

National Trails Day is a special day organized by the American Hiking Society to draw attention to the many ways that hiking trails benefit the community. Join us for a National Trails Day hike on June 4 or check out one of our challenging hikes and reward yourself with incredible views. 

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