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Hiking

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Hiking in West Virginia, including backpacking and geocaching, offers countless benefits for outdoor enthusiasts and new residents drawn to the Mountain State by the remote-work revolution. With miles of scenic trails winding through lush forests, rolling hills, and dramatic mountain landscapes, West Virginia is a hiker’s paradise for all experience levels. Popular spots like the Appalachian Trail, Dolly Sods Wilderness, and Monongahela National Forest provide unforgettable backpacking adventures and peaceful escapes into nature. Geocaching adds an extra layer of fun, turning hikes into exciting treasure hunts for families and explorers alike. As more remote workers relocate from major U.S. cities to enjoy a better work-life balance, hiking in West Virginia offers fresh air, physical fitness, and stress relief right outside their door, making it easy to stay active and connected to the state’s wild and beautiful outdoors.

Filmmaker Emma Crow-Willard pauses beside a mountain stream while hiking West Virginia's 320-mile Allegheny Trail. Her month-long journey combines backpacking with interviews exploring the changing economies of communities along the route.
Hiking

Most hikers have never heard of the Allegheny Trail. One filmmaker set out to discover why

by David Sibray

DURBIN, W.Va. — Millions of Americans know the Appalachian Trail as one of the nation’s premier hiking destinations. Far fewer realize that another long-distance footpath crosses West Virginia’s mountains, winding through forests, rivers, and remote communities before joining the Appalachian Trail at the Virginia border. Known as the Allegheny Trail, the route stretches approximately 320 … Read more

Volunteers gather on Peters Mountain near Franklin to help build a new trail system in the Monongahela National Forest during a hands-on trail-building workshop.
Hiking

New Peters Mountain Trail System takes shape in Monongahela National Forest near Franklin

by David Sibray

FRANKLIN, W.Va. — Nearly 30 volunteers braved rain, fog, and mud last week to begin construction of the new Peters Mountain Trail System, a project designed to improve public access to the Monongahela National Forest and strengthen connections between local communities and the region’s growing outdoor recreation economy. The trail-building training event, held on Peters … Read more

Hikers walk the boardwalk on the Alum Cave Trail at Audra State Park.
Hiking

West Virginia trail advocacy organization to hold statewide meetings this fall

by Clyde Craig

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Trail advocates and trail-building organizations from across West Virginia are being asked to voice their opinions on building and maintaining the Mountain State’s recreational trails this fall in a series of statewide meetings. Sam England, executive director of West Virginia Trail, says the meetings will bring together stakeholders from across the region … Read more