First Day Hikes 2026
Published: December 12, 2025The following First Day Hikes are scheduled for January 1, 2026.
These free guided hikes offer a wonderful way to connect with nature, explore park trails and start the year with fresh air and exercise. Participants of all ages are encouraged to dress appropriately for winter conditions, wear sturdy footwear and bring water and snacks.
Audra
- Hike Description: Rocky sections and steep descents. Includes the boardwalk under the Alum Cave overhang.
- Meeting Location and Time: Paved day use parking lot at 12 p.m.
- Trail: Alum Cave
- Distance: 3 miles
- Difficulty: Moderate
Beech Fork
- Hike Description: Moderate Difficulty Loop Trail with a steep incline at the beginning
- Meeting Location and Time: Fire Circle at 1pm
- Trail: Overlook Trail
- Distance: 2 miles
- Difficulty: Moderate
Blackwater Falls
- Hike Description: Out and back. 1 mile of easy walking on paved road to Lindy Point trailhead, then 0.4 miles of moderate trail to Lindy Point. Return via same route.
- Meeting Location and Time: Sled Run parking lot 10:30 a.m.
- Trail: Canaan Loop Road to Lindy Point
- Distance: 3 miles
- Difficulty: Easy/Moderate
Bluestone
- Hike Description: Rhododendron Trail to Cabin Trail loop (location may vary depending on lake levels and weather conditions).
- Meeting Location and Time: Event Building Parking Lot 10 a.m.
- Trail: N/A
- Distance: 3 miles
- Difficulty: Moderate
Cacapon Resort
- Hike Description: Trail winds through mixed forest trees up to an overlook of the Sleepy Creek Valley.
- Meeting Location and Time: Nature Center at 10 a.m.
- Trail: Laurel Trail
- Distance: 2.5 miles
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Hike Description: Trail winds along the South Fork of Indian Run, near park boundary & early homestead location.
- Meeting Location and Time: Nature Center at 10 a.m.
- Trail: Hovermale Homestead Trail
- Distance: 1.2 miles
- Difficulty: Easy
- Hike Description: Wooded trail behind park cabins. Some cabins were built by the Civilian Conservation Corps, Camp Morgan.
- Meeting Location and Time: Nature Center at 10 a.m.
- Trail: Cabin Loop Trail
- Distance: 1 mile
- Difficulty: Easy
Canaan Valley Resort
- Hike Description: Forest Loop Along River
- Meeting Location and Time: Club House Parking Lot at 9 a.m.
- Trail: Blackwater River Trail
- Distance: 1 mile
- Difficulty: Easy
Cass Scenic Railroad
- Hike Description: Around the Mill Works, then back around the river, incorporating the Mountaineer Mile.
- Meeting Location and Time: Burner Bridge Parking Area
- Trail: N/A
- Distance: 2.5 miles
- Difficulty: Easy
Cedar Creek
- Hike Description: Going to the stone trough and back.
- Meeting Location and Time: First Bathhouse at 10 a.m.
- Trail: Stone Trough
- Distance: 1 mile
- Difficulty: Moderate
Coopers Rock State Forest
- Hike Description: Loop trail through Rhododendron Campground, down past Shelter 3, back up to the Trading Post.
- Meeting Location and Time: Trading Post at 1 p.m.
- Trail: Eagle Loop
- Distance: 1 mile
- Difficulty: Easy
Kanawha State Forest
- Hike Description: Take the CCC Snipe Trail to connect with the Mossy Rock Trail and then up to Castle Rock Overlook for a beautiful winter view. Recommended:sturdy hiking boots, hiking poles/sticks. Easy to moderate hike.
- Meeting Location: Nature Center at 10 a.m.
- Trail: Castle Rock Overlook Trail
- Distance: 4 miles
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
- Hike Description: Interpretive walk around Davis Creek with focus on flora and fauna
- Meeting Location and Time: Nature Center at 10 a.m.
- Trail: Salamander Trail
- Distance: 0.25 miles
- Difficulty: Very easy, paved, ADA accessible
Little Beaver
- Hike Description: Very easy loop trail
- Meeting Location and Time: Main office parking lot at 11 a.m.
- Trail: Lake Front Trail
- Distance: 1.1 miles
- Difficulty: Very Easy
Lost River
- Hike Description: Easy trail behind park cabins.
- Meeting Location and Time: Top of Cabin road loop at 10 a.m.
- Trail: Loblolly Trail
- Distance: 1.6 miles
- Difficulty: Easy
North Bend
- Hike Description: Loop trail with some steep climbs.
- Meeting Location and Time: Lodge Lobby at 1 p.m.
- Trail: Giant Pine Trail
- Distance: 1 mile
- Difficulty: Moderate
Panther State Forest
- Hike Description: 700 foot elevation climb with a beautiful overlook. Out and back. Access across from campground.
- Meeting Location and Time: Office Parking Lot at 1 p.m.
- Trail: Overlook Trail
- Distance: 1.5 miles
- Difficulty: Moderate/Difficult
Pipestem Resort
- Hike Description: Easy Loop around Golf Course.
- Meeting Location and Time: Golf Pro Shop at 1 p.m.
- Trail: Championship Golf Course
- Distance: 2.5 miles
- Difficulty: Easy
Tomlinson Run
- Hike Description: Jody Hulka, Mountaineer Mile, Easy flat trail to the West Virginia swing and back.
- Meeting Location and Time: Trail head parking lot 1 p.m.
- Trail: Judy Hulka Trail
- Distance: 1 mile
- Difficulty: Easy
Tu-Endie-Wei
- Hike Description: Park and Riverfront Area (Mountaineer Mile).
- Meeting Location and Time: Main Entrance at 1 p.m.
- Trail: N/A
- Distance: 2 miles
- Difficulty: Easy
Twin Falls Resort
- Hike Description: Single Track
- Meeting Location and Time: Trailhead at 1 p.m.
- Trail: Moonshiners Trail
- Distance: 3.25 miles
- Difficulty: Difficult/Moderate
Tygart Lake
- Hike Description: Loop trail, few hills.
- Meeting Location and Time: Campground at 10 a.m.
- Trail: School Bus Loop
- Distance: 2 miles
- Difficulty: Easy/Moderate
Valley Falls
- Hike Description: Out and back trail that is fairly easy with one steep section that is more difficult.
- Meeting Location and Time: Park Office at 1 p.m.
- Trail: Dogwood Trail
- Distance: 1.6 miles
- Difficulty: Easy/Moderate
Watoga
- Hike Description: Slow Paced Easy Hike
- Meeting Location and Time: Activities Building at 11 a.m.
- Trail: Nature Center Loop
- Distance: 2.5 miles
- Difficulty: Easy
