American Discovery Trail
Green Spring, WV
276 miles, moderate to difficult
Part of a transcontinental trail that crosses 6,000 miles between Delaware and California, the discovery trail's West Virginia section crosses the state from
Green Spring, WV (on the Maryland border) to Parkersburg, WV (on the Ohio border). Its central and eastern sections through the Allegheny Mountains provide challenging terrain. Its western sections are moderate and follow roads and North Bend Rail Trail through rolling hills and fields.
Appalachian National Scenic Trail
Harper's Ferry, WV
25 miles, difficult
Trailhead at Appalachian Trail Conference Center
Stretching 2,100 miles from Georgia to Maine, the Appalachian Trail skirts state border in Monroe County at Peter's Mountain and in Jefferson County along the crest of the Blue Ridge. North of Harper's Ferry, the trail crosses the Potomac River into Maryland. This northern section of trail in West Virginia is maintained by Potomac Appalachian Trail Club (304-242-0693).
North Fork Mountain Trail
Monongahela National Forest
23.8 miles, moderate to difficult
Trailhead at parking area off U.S. 33
This high-country tail stretches from Judy Gap to Smoke Hole Caverns, following the eastern slope of North Fork Mountain near its ridge line. Spectacular scenery abound upon its level summit -- vistas of the Germany Valley, Spruce Mountain, Seneca Rocks, the Potomac Valley, the Fore Knobs, and the Dolly Sods Wilderness.
Trout Pond Trail
George Washington National Forest
6.8-mile loop, moderate
Trailhead at Trout Pond campground
This loop trail follows an old jeep road and footpath between Long and Buck mountains to Trout Pond, West Virginia's only natural lake. The forest canopy is mainly hickory, oak, and pine; the understory is mountain laurel, red maple and dogwood. Wildlife includes bear, deer, and turkey.
Tuscarora Trail
Berkley Springs, WV
66 miles, difficult
Trailhead beneath U.S. 522 bridge
The 248-mile trail was developed as an alternate route for the Appalachian National Scenic Trail and extends south from Pennsylvania into Virginia. Its West Virginia section traverses the Sleepy Creek Wildlife Management Area and the George Washington National Forest. The trail is maintained by the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club (304-242-0693).
Whispering Spruce Trail
Monongahela National Forest
.5-mile loop, easy to moderate
Trailhead at Spruce Knob parking area
An interpretive loop, this trail begins and ends at Spruce Knob's summit, West Virginia's highest point, at 4,861 feet above sea level. The trail leads to an observation tower that provides spectacular views of the region's massive mountains and broad valleys.
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