The Best Hikes in the Dolly Sods
There's a whole wilderness of green valleys, rocky mountaintops, and hidden waterfalls ready to explore in West Virginia's Dolly Sods. Here are our favorite ways to enjoy it.
West Virginia Trails
West Virginia, located in the eastern U.S., is heavily forested and dominated by the Appalachian Mountains — the most significant range being the Allegheny Mountains that stretch from southern West Virginia into Maryland, Pennsylvania and Virginia.
The 2,184-mile-long Appalachian National Scenic Trail runs through part of West Virginia. Generally known as the Appalachian Trail or simply the AT, this marked hiking trail in the eastern United States extends between Springer Mountain in Georgia and Mount Katahdin in Maine.
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Morgantown, WV: Otter Creek Wilderness
By Rachel Sayers
Morgantown: Breathed Mountain Loop
This 16.2-mile overnighter in Dolly Sods Wilderness traverses a wild, isolated land more like northern Canada than the forests of West Virginia.
Morgantown: Otter Creek Trail
Chug 6.2 miles along an old railroad scar and a lively creek to a wetland glade bustling with wildlife and birds in Monongahela National Forest.
Morgantown: Ridge Trail Loop
This mellow 4-mile hike tours the rolling hills and lush, wildlife-filled wetlands that make up scenic Canaan Valley State Park.
Morgantown: Blackbird Knob Loop
Soak up views from open balds on this moderate 10.4-mile hike through a born-again wilderness once dotted with grazing sheep and WWII soldiers.
Bartow, WV: East Fork Trail
Drink in the Appalachian scenery along a cascading mountain river in the Monongahela National Forest.
Richwood, WV: Cranberry Wilderness
Tour proposed new acres for this idyllic preserve on a 9-mile loop bordered by the Cranberry and Williams Rivers.
Washington, DC: Halfmoon Mountain Loop
Climb 1,500 feet on this moderate 9.4-mile circuit.
Monongahela National Forest, WV: Cranberry Wilderness Loop
Circle an upland swamp rich with views, solitude, and wild edibles.
Morgantown, WV: Spruce Knob via Spring Ridge Trail
Climb to West Virginia's highest peak (and pass Seneca Falls) on this 11.5-mile point-to-point located in Spruce Knob-Seneca Rocks National Recreation Area.
Rip & Go: North Fork Mountain, Spruce Knob-Seneca Rocks National Recreation Area, WV
Climb sandstone outcroppings and spot raptors on this wildlife-packed ridgeline.
Backyard Everests: Spruce Knob
Stand atop The Mountain State's most famous peak.