Grab Your Snow Boots and Plan a Winter Hike at these West Virginia State Parks
Hiking is not just for warm-weather months. Stroll through the woods during the winter and discover a whole new world of snow-blanketed trees, animal tracks and frozen waterfalls. Heading to a specific park or forest? Be sure to contact the park office to learn about scheduled guided hikes,or check the Events Calendar. Any time of the year, adventurers are invited to a hike on their own at one of these wild and wonderful winter parks.
Camp Creek State Park and Forest
South of Beckley, Camp Creek State Park and Forest is known for beautiful waterfalls and year-round camping opportunities. Thirty-five miles of hiking trails wind through lush forest and past rippling streams. Hike to Mash Fork Falls, a 1-mile challenging trek with a rewarding view of the falls. You can also observe Campbell Falls right from the road. Both cascades are part of the West Virginia Waterfall Trail, so be sure to download your free mobile passport before you go to win prizes for waterfall hunting.
Holly River State Park
Nestled in the mountains of Webster County, Holly River State Park offers a peaceful escape from the frantic pace of everyday life. Discover unique rock formations along Nature’s Garden Rock Trail. The park’s 42 miles of trails reveal other natural wonders, from breathtaking overlooks to hidden waterfalls.
Cathedral State Park
The towering stands of virgin hemlock at Cathedral State Park turn into a winter wonderland when snow blankets the hills. Southeast of Morgantown in remote Preston County, Cathedral is home to the state’s largest old-growth forest and is designated a National Natural Landmark. Cathedral Trail offers easy-to-moderate hiking and ample opportunity to view winter wildlife and vegetation.
Hawks Nest State Park
If you’re looking for an easy stroll, check out Fisherman’s Trail at Hawks Nest State Park in the New River Gorge. The trail follows Hawks Nest Lake and offers an awe-inspiring closeup of the Hawks Nest Dam. Extend your hike to the Hawks Nest Rail Trail, which starts behind the nature center. Maintained by the city of Ansted, the trail’s highlights include Mill Creek Falls and the remains of an old coal mining operation – making this a must-try trail for history buffs.
Kanawha State Forest
With more than 60 miles of trails, Kanawha State Forest offers endless opportunities for hiking and biking right outside of the capital city of Charleston. This forest’s trails, including the wheelchair-accessible Spotted Salamander Trail, can be enjoyed by a wide range of adventurers. Enjoy a calorie-burning climb on Teaberry Rock Trail or take a leisurely stroll on the CCC Snipe Trail, an interpretive trail detailing the area’s old coal mining operations. Be on the lookout for winter wildlife activity, from white-tailed deer to winter songbirds.
Grab your hat and gloves, a warm coat and boots (or any shoes with good treads), and get ready to discover the magic of winter at West Virginia’s state parks and forests. It’s Almost Heaven!
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