West Virginia Trails

Located near Thomas and Davis, Canaan Loop is situated in a wonderful area. Both towns feature a lovely atmosphere focused on outdoor recreation, with local shops, breweries, and restaurants. Blackwater Falls State Park has a wonderful selection of trails and waterfalls. Nearby, Dolly Sods contains plants and animals found nowhere else south of Canada. It truly is a nature lover's dream. Although many people experience the area by sticking to the towns and well-trod paths, being able to drive in and find a plethora of dispersed camping spots makes Canaan Loop a wonderful experience. It's easy to escape into nature while being close to amenities. From many of the campsites on the trail, Davis is less than 20 minutes away. Being able to leave a local brewery and be back at camp that quickly is a fantastic experience. The trail itself is absolutely beautiful, and weeks could be spent driving and stopping to explore the surrounding hiking trails, fishing spots, and nature viewing areas. Although it provides some measure of difficulty, it provides inexperienced drivers a beautiful place to test their skills.

Located in the Monongahela National Forest, Canyon Rim is nestled in some of the most spectacular wilderness in West Virginia. The higher elevations offer very special scenery full of unique plants and animals. Many people visit the area and stick to the state parks. While these are great, and it's nice to see the well-known places, it's even better to be away from the crowds. Canyon Rim doesn't see a lot of traffic, and it's a great escape. The area is great for the off-road community and the people they may be traveling with. The campsites are beautiful and secluded. There are hiking trails with creeks, forests, and waterfalls to explore. With few people coming through and plenty to explore, it's a great place to take your dog.

Perhaps the "coolest" trail in the entire state of West Virginia. The Cooler gets its name from a natural vent that blows cold air out into the open. Its blast is potent enough to call it the most powerful air conditioner you have ever witnessed. The vent is right where the fun begins on the trail, just before you tackle obstacle after obstacle to reach the top.

Bearwallow is a network of trails in the Hatfield-McCoy trail system in West Virginia. Catering to full-size vehicles, it's no wonder it is part of the Jeep Badge of Honor list of trails. The Green Outer Loop includes five different trails and offers an excellent opportunity to test your 4x4 skills through a rollercoaster landscape of hill climbs and descents. If you are looking for more, the Green Outer Loop connects to a handful of the toughest offroad trails in the state. It's a perfect route for beginners and those looking for their Badges of Honor.

Deadfall in Bearwallow is an aptly named most difficult double trail. The trail wraps around and through a gully with dead and fallen timber overhead, down on the ground, and all around you. If you enjoy driving under timber that once stood tall, this is your kind of trail. The short but steep loose hill climb will surely give you a moment to remember!

Trails 23 and 25 are a nice reprieve and a hideaway from other areas of Bearwallow. They allow you to escape narrow roads and feel secluded amongst the trees and imposing rock structures while being lower on the mountain. As a bonus, these trails provide a glimpse into how auger mining takes place.

Located just east of Swiss, in Nicholas County, Bowls Creek is a hard-core rock crawling trail with endless obstacles and options suitable for any type of build. You'll traverse large boulders, waterfalls, downed timber, and deep water holes while trying your best to stay in the creek as much as possible. With many entry and exit points, this trail makes for a great group run where everyone can decide how much they want to push their limits.

Located one hour east of Charleston and traveling through the Gauley River National Recreation Area, Panther Mountain is a great road filled with picturesque moments that will leave your camera crying for more memory. This road is well-traveled and used by many outdoor enthusiasts. The road offers several access points to the world-renowned Gauley River, where you can partake in or watch numerous water activities. Panther Mountain also passes multiple hiking trails and astonishing waterfalls. If you are looking for an outdoor adventure, a great fall color drive, or an incredible lunch spot, Panther Mountain definitely has everything you are looking for.

Winding through the heart of Cabwaylingo State Forest, Trail 29 is a short but rugged backway to Tick Ridge Campground that packs in more scenery than many longer rides. Don’t let its “green” Hatfield-McCoy rating fool you. This is a narrow, rocky climb with sandstone-lined corridors that demand a slower pace, giving you time to soak in towering rock formations, mossy ledges, and some of the best views in the trail system. For campers or explorers looking for a quick yet adventurous route, this little stretch delivers big rewards.