Before we get started, I want to remind everyone to be environmentally conscious in your outdoor recreation activities.
Tip number one: Take a reusable water bottle with you. If you must purchase bottled water, take off the cap before you put it in a recycle bin. Not all recycle centers will recycle bottles with caps, especially in rural areas, and those bottles often end up getting thrown away.
4. Audra State Park
Middle Fork River and the surrounding area is beautiful. This place was developed into a wooded campground right next to the river and continuously amazes visitors. Audra State Park is located straddling two counties, Upshur and Barbour. The area is fairly secluded providing the perfect get away from day to day life. Their most popular trail runs along the river and provides many scenic views from varying elevations. Hikers also get to walk through scenic rock as you can see in the picture. If you are looking for a perfect getaway for an afternoon hike, Audra State Park is the place to go.
3. Watoga State Park
Watoga is located in the mountains of Pocahontas county deep in West Virginia. It has over 10,000 acres of land fit for exploring! They also have approximately 40 miles of trails to be explored. One of these includes a 5.5-mile section of the famous Allegheny trail. Since there are over 40 miles of trails, Watoga has difficulty levels for everyone. Easier trails exist for those who don't want a hard challenge, and harder almost vertical trails exist as well. They have something for every kind of hiker. Watoga is definitely a place that you could spend days at!
2. Coopers Rock State Forest
Coopers Rock potentially has the most interesting backstory of all the hiking places we will look at. The name comes from a legend were a man hid from the law near the scenic overlook. He lived in the woods and made barrels to sell in order to support himself. He managed to evade the law and get the forest named after him. Who says crime doesn't pay?
Hikers can easily hike to the main overlook and see an amazing view of the gorge, as you can see in the picture. However, the real treasures are hidden deeper in the park. If you hike along the rock cliffs that line the gorge, you can find a cave with a geocache hidden deep inside. Many people are surprised to hear that the cave is actually hidden in the main scenic overlook rock. You should definitely try to find it! Various forest trails give hikers views of rhododendron and mountain laurel in bloom, massive boulders, beautiful creeks, and more. While you're here, you can see various wildlife including hawks, owls, foxes, deer, and more.
1. Holly River State Park
Holly River State Park is arguably the best state park in West Virginia. It is located in in the dense forests of Webster County near the center of the state and has nearly 8,101 acres. Many trails go through the park and cover all skill levels. There are trails suited for a beginning hiker that wants to go on a casual hike, and there are trails with near vertical climbs and deadly drop-offs for experienced hikers. One of these trails, known as Potato Knob, reveals a stunning view when you reach the top and a brief glimpse of this view can be seen in the above picture.
You also have the opportunity to see secluded caves, ancient cemeteries, breathtaking waterfalls, and the amazingly beautiful Shupe's Chute while on the variety of trails the park offers. You can spend a whole day here and still have things to come back and discover!
