Dec 9

Dec 9 4 Days Exploring West Virginia

West Virginia is the only state that lies entirely within a mountain range, specifically the Appalachian Mountains. While these mountains might not be as massive or as rocky as the Rockies out west, it doesn’t mean they aren’t still breathtaking and worth visiting. Notable Appalachian provinces within the state include the Blue Ridge, the Allegheny Plateau, the Allegheny Mountains, and the Cumberland Mountains.

After my first trip to West Virginia, I fell absolutely in love with the Mountain state. I couldn’t wait to go back so I took some time off work and wanted to explore more of the state and the beauty it holds. I had already visited a couple of these places but couldn’t wait to get back to see them again. There’s a lot to see in each of these places so I tried to see the top sights at them so I could explore more in a short period of time.

Know Before You Go

When to Visit West Virginia

Spring: Fewer crowds and plenty of flowers blooming and waterfalls flowing.
Summer: More crowds, but more activities/places that are open. Weather can get hot and muggy, but you can cool off in the river.
Fall: Mountains and fall colors, plus cooler weather, need I say more?
Winter: Not remotely busy, but most activities/places aren’t open.

Getting There & Around

As with most mountain areas, the roads can be narrow and winding, but you’re offered absolutely stunning views all around. Depending on where in the state you are, you might find traffic or you might be in a remote area and not see another car for a while. You’ll also drive through a lot of small mountain towns.

Flying to Charleston: Yeager Airport is about 10 minutes from the city center.

Driving to Charleston:

From Cleveland: 3.5 hours / 244 miles
From Morgantown: 2.5 hours / 156 miles
From Washington DC: 5.5 hours / 362 miles

Bear & Weather Safety

Black Bears are increasing in the state, but there is no record of a fatal attack by one. These bears try to avoid human contact and aren’t usually aggressive unless provoked. Here are some tips should you encounter one:

Talk calmly to the bear and don’t move except to wave your arms above your head to appear larger. Never turn your back to the bear or make sudden movements.
Pick up small children/dogs immediately.
Do not give the bear access to your food or pack.
Bears standing on their hind legs are simply curious, and if they charge you they are usually just bluffing and will turn at the last second.
If the bear remains stationary, move slowly and sideways. Always leave the bear an escape route.
Watch this video by the WV Division of Natural Resources for more info or check out what the National Park Services has to say here.

As for the weather, with the higher elevations, the weather can change quickly. Especially in areas like Dolly Sods and Spruce Knob, the weather is also much cooler than at the bottom of the mountain peak. So it’s best to pack for all weather scenarios.

Day One: New River Gorge

I live in Ohio so my route took me through the capital of Charleston. Funnily enough, the only time I’ve seen a bear in West Virginia was when a cub was crossing the highway right outside of Charleston.

On the way to the first major stop, you pass two roadside waterfalls, Cathedral and Kanawha. Both have small parking lots and only require a super short walk. Cathedral Falls needs a good rainfall to be flowing, while Kanawha Falls spans the entire width of the Kanawha River. These waterfalls are located right before the Kanawha River turns into the New River.

Just down the road is Hawks Nest State Park, located at the top of the New River Gorge. There’s not too much to do and see here, but the overlook offers your first glimpse of the New River and is definitely worth stopping at since you’ll most likely drive past it on the way to your next stop.

Once you’re done, continue down to the Canyon Rim Visitor Center and take the boardwalk to the overlook of the New River Gorge Bridge. There’s many viewpoints of the bridge, but this one offers an up-close look. Next up is hiking the Endless Wall trail, which is about a mile to Diamond Point, a popular scenic spot in the park that has amazing views of the New River.

Further down the gorge, and you’ll arrive at Babcock State Park, which is home to one of the most photographed locations in the state. Glade Creek Grist Mill is a beauty in all seasons and is fully functional.

Back into the gorge, your next stop will be the Long Point trail, which is about a 3-mile trail that leads to a stunning view of the New River Gorge Bridge from afar.

Optional Stops

If you really want to pack your day, you can make the drive to the Grandview Overlook or to Sandstone Falls in the lower section of NRG after hiking the Long Point trail.

Where to Stay: There’s many places to stay in the area, but I personally camped at the Babcock State Park campground since it was central to everything in the area. Check out my New River Gorge post to find more places to stay at.

I could honestly spend an entire week in the New River Gorge, there’s so much to do and see. Definitely make another trip down here to explore more when you can.

Day Two: Seneca Rocks & Spruce Knob

Once you’re ready to go in the morning, it’s time to make the drive out to Seneca Rocks, which is about a 3-hour drive northeast. The impressive sight of these rocks rises up about 900 feet over the North Fork River. After parking at the Discovery Center, you walk over to the start of the Seneca Rocks trail, which will lead you up over 800 feet in 1.5 miles (3 miles total round trip), with many switchbacks to protect the landscape. There’s an excellent scenic view once you reach the overlook at the top. I’m not a climber, but this is also a super popular place to go climbing if you’re into that.

>> Related: Seneca Rocks: A Towering Sight <<

After that, it’s time to head up to West Virginia’s highest peak, Spruce Knob. The road up is winding and narrow, but once you reach the top you’ll be speechless when you see the views. The first thing you’ll want to do is take the Whispering Spruce Trail, which is about a 0.5-mile loop that leads to the observation tower that offers 360-degree views.

Next up is to go hike the popular Seneca Creek trail, which is about 5.2 miles one way, so turn around whenever you need to. This is a popular backpacking trail, so you’ll find a bunch of campsites that you can rest at.

To end your day, head over to Spruce Knob Lake, where you can take the 1-mile trail around the lake and enjoy the peaceful surroundings at the highest elevation lake in the state.

Where to Stay: I recommend camping at the Spruce Knob Lake campground, so you don’t have to drive back down the mountain to go somewhere else.

Day Three: Dolly Sods Wilderness

Easily my favorite place in the entire state, Dolly Sods Wilderness is about an hour and a half drive from Spruce Knob. Obvious from the name, Dolly Sods is a massive wilderness that offers unparalleled views, from the edge of the Allegheny Plateau, the abundance of fauna, to the terrain that looks like it belongs in Canada. Similar to Spruce Knob, this is a hugely popular backpacking area, and it’s also extremely important that you Leave No Trace here. Please please please respect the land here and be smart about where you park.

While there’s not much elevation change here, most trails are very rocky and muddy, making the hike take longer (and harder) than your normal pace. The trails are all basically out and backs since they end up connecting at some point instead of looping. Also similar to Spruce Knob, the road up is very windy and narrow, so you’ll just have to watch out for potholes and other cars.

You’ll want to get here early in order to get a campsite at the Red Creek Campground, which is first-come first-serve only. If all the sites are taken, try again later in the day, if they’re still all full, then you’ll want to set up camp at least 300 feet from the road (preferably at an established backcountry site) along the trail. If that’s not your cup of tea, then you have a few options: head back to the Seneca Rocks area for the Seneca Shadows Campground (45 minutes away, offers some FCFS campsites), Blackwater Falls State Park Campground/cabins, or Canaan Valley Resort (both about 1 hour away, need to book ahead of time), or find other lodgings nearby. If you don’t want to risk not getting a campsite at Red Creek, then be sure to book where you want to stay ahead of time.

The next thing you’ll want to do is check out Bear Rocks Preserve at the top. There’s a medium-sized parking lot here right on the edge of the Allegheny Plateau, which offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Continuing into the area here, you can take the super narrow “trails” that go through the preserve to explore the rocks.

After that, you can remain parked there, and then walk down the short distance to the actual Bear Rocks trailhead, which is about a 4.5-mile trail. The trail goes to the Raven Ridge trail which is where you’ll turn around and head back the way you came. I love this trail because it really offers you a glimpse of just how massive this landscape is.

Once you’re done at Bear Rocks, drive back over to the parking lot across from the Red Creek Campground. Here you’ll find the trailhead to the Blackbird Knob trail, which is about 4.7 miles to the other side of the wilderness. When I reach the halfway point, I usually head south along the Red Creek trail for a little bit then turn around and head back to my car. This ends up being around a 6-mile hike.

>> Related: Dolly Sods Wilderness: An Unbroken Landscape <<

Day Four: Blackwater Falls

Assuming you camped at Red Creek Campground, then once you’re all packed up it’s time to head out to Blackwater Falls State Park, which is about an hour's drive. This park is home to a few of the most photographed locations in the state.

The first thing you want to check out is the namesake waterfall, Blackwater Falls. After parking in the lot, you simply head down a boardwalk to get up close to the 57-foot cascade. Another great view of Blackwater Falls is from the Gentle Trail, which is a super short walk from a small parking lot, and it offers you views from across the river of the waterfall. Once you’re done there, head over to the Blackwater Falls Lodge to park before heading down the short trail to Elakala Falls, another smaller, but stunning waterfall.

The road throughout the park has many scenic overlooks, so be sure to stop at one (or all) of them in between destinations.

>> Related: A Guide to Blackwater Falls State Park <<

The most popular viewpoint in the park is Lindy Point, which is just past the ski center. It’s a very small parking lot here so you may have to park at the ski center or respectfully along the road. The trail to the overlook is only about 0.3 miles and is super easy. There’s an observation deck at the end and it offers an amazing view of the Blackwater Canyon.

Optional Stop If Time