With more than 8,000 acres of rugged forest to explore, Cabwaylingo State Forest is one of the best places in southern West Virginia for outdoor adventures and relaxing getaways in nature. And with the opening of 80 miles of new trails, Cabwaylingo is the can’t-miss vacation destination for outdoor enthusiasts this year. Here’s everything you need to know to plan a trip.
Featured activities
Cabwaylingo State Forest is the kind of place that comes to mind when you think about getting lost in nature. This sprawling forest is where you can escape for phone-free weekends and relaxing trips away from the hustle and bustle of modern life. Cabwaylingo is also home to the Cabwaylingo ATV Trail, which provides 80 miles of wheel-spinning thrills and outdoor adventures. The Cabwaylingo Trail features:
- 62 miles of ATV trails
- Two miles of dirt bike-only single track trails
- 10 miles of new equestrian-only trails
- More than 10 miles of new hiking-only trails.
The new trail system is part of Hatfield McCoy Trails, which means you also have access to hundreds of additional miles of off-road adventures. Click here to learn more about the Cabwaylingo Trail.
In addition to riding the Cabwaylingo Trail, you can enjoy fishing in the West Fork of Twelvepole Creek, which is stocked with trout February through May. Click here to buy a fishing license and trout stamp.
Featured trails
Enjoy scenic beauty, delicate wildflowers, towering trees and impressive rock cliffs as you hike Cabwaylingo State Forest’s nine miles of trails. Along the way, you’ll find plenty of trail connections to help you go the extra mile. Here are a few of our favorites:
- Copley Trail — This three-mile trail is difficult, but you’ll be rewarded with views of rock formations running to the top of the ridge. The trail starts near Cabin 7 and goes to Tick Ridge.
- Indian Trail — This one-mile difficult trail starts near the group camp and ends at the Tick Ridge fire tower, which was built in 1934.
- Sleepy Hollow Trail — This two-mile trail is easy and starts at Cabin 1 by Sweet Water Road. After two miles, this trail connects with Martin Ridge Trail, a 1.5-mile difficult trail you can follow to Doane Hollow Picnic Area or to Martin Ridge Road.
- Spruce Creek Trail — This one-mile difficult trail starts at the Spruce Creek picnic area and connects with Tick Ridge Road.
Places to stay
Planning an overnight trip, weekend getaway or extended vacation will give you plenty of time to enjoy everything Cabwaylingo State Forest has to offer. But you’ll want to book your trip in advance because accommodations in this area book up fast.
If you prefer the comforts of a cabin, Cabwaylingo has 14 cabins in the middle of the forest. All cabins come with household amenities and fireplaces. Five cabins are pet friendly, so don’t forget to bring your dog along for the trip.
To get the full primitive experience that Cabwaylingo offers, stay at one of the forest’s campgrounds, one of which is near a decommissioned fire tower. The forest has a total of 19 campsites and a 100-person group camp for retreats and reunions.
Recommended itinerary
Day Trip
Cast a line in the West Fork of Twelvepole Creek
Hike Indian Ridge Trail
Enjoy a picnic
Extended Trip
Cast a line in the West Fork of Twelvepole Creek
Hike Indian Ridge Trail
Enjoy a picnic
Stay in a cabin
Ride the new Cabwaylingo ATV Trail
Get the most out of your trip to Cabwaylingo State Forest with these pro-tips
- Spend the night at Tick Ridge Campground or hike Indian Trail to see the forest’s iconic fire tower.
- Reserve one of the forest’s shelters in advance and enjoy a family-style picnic.
- Eat and shop in Huntington, which is about an hour away.
- Spend a day at Beech Fork State Park, where you can enjoy lake adventures.
- After you ride the Cabwaylingo Trail, extend your trip to Chief Logan State Park and Twin Falls Resort State Park to ride more Hatfield McCoy Trails.
- Purchase a Hatfield McCoy Trails permit and enjoy 15 percent off your cabin. Use offer code HMTRAILS when you checkout online. Learn more at WVstateparks.com/deals.