Beech Fork State Park - Hiking

Review

Intro

Beech Fork is a popular place for locals near Huntington, WV. With lots of things to do and a close proximity to the highway, it’s the perfect place to spend a summer afternoon with family or friends. The park covers more than 3,000 acres and hiking trails wind through the entire property.

What Makes It Great

Park crews have recently made some improvements to the trails, extending their lengths and stabilizing the ground. As of the beginning of 2016, they have updated the Overlook Trail and the park’s Lost Trail, but the work is ongoing. Park crews are adding layers of rock and stone to the existing trails to make them more even, and they have also been adding new switchbacks to make the uphill climbs easier.

Luckily, these improvements have given the trails complete makeovers, with special care to preserve the surrounding greenery and landscape. All of the trails are easy to navigate, even if you are a first-time hiker. The 2.5-mile Overlook Trail is by far the most popular in the park, and the easy-to-moderate climb has beautiful views of the lake and surrounding wilderness. If you are looking for something lengthier, try the 5-mile Mary Davis Trail.

Who is Going to Love It

This entire park is designed for beginners. The trails are all easy to moderate with little elevation gain, and the renovations will continue to enhance the experience. Beech Fork is a great place to visit with the family, especially for folks who enjoy camping, fishing, or any other outdoor activity.

Directions, Parking, & Regulations

There are plenty of places to park, even at trailheads. Watch for deer on the roads.