West Virginia is known for its beautiful hiking trails, but you might not think to go hiking in the winter with all the snow and cold air to contend with. However, bundling up and exploring a trail may be the best choice you can make for some good old-fashioned winter fun. Don't forget your gloves or parka (and maybe a couple of hand warmers,) but leave your nerves at home, there is so much beauty to be seen in the winter months. These 11 trails are some of the best winter hikes in West Virginia.
1. West Virginia Botanic Garden
You won't find flowers here in the cold season, but this Morgantown park is still beautiful covered in snow.
2. Beartown State Park
The curious rock formations that you'll find here look especially striking in the snow.
3. Dolly Sods
The unusual landscape of this area is particularly beautiful in the winter.
4. Blackwater Falls State Park
Well-kept paths here will lead you to frozen waterfalls when it's especially cold outside.
5. Canaan Valley
This peaceful valley is home to a wildlife refuge and a ski resort.
6. East River Mountain
The overlook here provides a clear view into Virginia.
7. Hawk's Nest State Park
Hike here to get a wintery hawk's eye view of the New River Gorge.
8. WVU Core Arboretum
This old-growth forest in the heart of Morgantown is a beautiful respite from the city.
9. Grandview
This former state park is now considered part of the New River Gorge National River area.
10. Ritter Park
This park in Huntington is best known for its rose garden, but the trails are still beautiful in the snow.
11. Thurmond
This near ghost town has hiking trails to explore along the river.
These 11 trails seem like the best winter hikes to be found in West Virginia! We recommend always checking your local weather service and the websites of individual parks and trails to make sure the areas are safe for hiking, as ice and snow can certainly make for slippery travel, but so long as you are careful, you can observe a whole new world by doing some winter hikes. If you're searching for another exciting thing to do in the winter in West Virginia, take a look at the longest sled run in the eastern United States at Blackwater Falls State Park.
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