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, 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.

Little Indian Creek is close to Morgantown, West Virginia, making it an excellent trip for those visiting the area or locals looking to get outside without traveling far. The area is typically wet and muddy, with ample opportunity to play in the creek. Most sites are firm bottomed, but the mud pits along the detour at Waypoint 7 are soft and deep with highly uneven bottoms. Be careful of tipping and bring recovery gear. Driving through Little Indian Creek Wildlife Management Area provides plenty of opportunities to explore nature. At over 1000 acres, there is a variety of habitats, making it a prime location in the area for birdwatching. Pets and children will love to explore the creek. The space is open to hunting, so be cautious during the season and wear high visibility clothing when out of your vehicle.

Thirty minutes from Morgantown, WV, Bull Run Road has been a popular recreation area for years. The most notable area surrounds the Jenkinsburg bridge at the confluence of the Cheat River and Big Sandy Creek. Built by the Canton Bridge Company in 1912, it's an example of a unique design known as pin-connected Pennsylvania through-truss. The trail to the bridge is beautiful year-round. There is something in every season. From the changing colors of fall to the pristine whites of winter, the new spring growth, and the vibrant greens of summer, it's difficult to choose a favorite. The optional section close to the bridge is always wet if you enjoy "mudding." Getting to the beach is possible year-round except in heavy snowfall. This part of the trail provides more of the "off-road" experience than other sections, which can be accessed by nearly any vehicle. In 2020, the West Virginia Land Trust purchased the land surrounding the bridge, and it is managed in partnership with the Friends of the Cheat. The area had previously been abused by many weekend parties, but the area is now kept in pristine condition. The site features many dispersed campsites and river access for swimming, kayaking, and fishing. Nearby, visitors can explore the Cheat Canyon Wildlife Management Area and the Allegheny Trail, West Virginia's longest hiking trail at 330 miles. Pets and children will enjoy the water and trails. For a more family-friendly and less crowded atmosphere, stick to weekdays and non-holiday weekends. If you want to meet people in the area, weekends are a great time as West Virginians are known for their friendliness.

Deep in the heart of "Wild West Virginia" lies the Monongahela National Forest, with hundreds of miles of roads and trails to explore. Richford Road, without a doubt, has the longest and deepest river crossing! Fording the poorly named Dry Fork of the Cheat River is an adventure. This is a great area for dispersed camping as well as fishing for native and stocked trout.

Located in western Monongalia County, Russel's Run is nestled in the Appalachian Mountains. Driving to the trail, you'll pass by rural churches, coal mines, and farms that are all very emblematic of the area and the people who live here. The trail is excellent for beginners to test their vehicles and see the beauty of West Virginia's forests. The trail is tight at times, and you'll feel nestled into the mountains with dense tree coverage on all sides.