Trail Running in West Virginia, WV

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  1. Canaan Valley Resort State Park offers several beautiful views, such as this cool, autumn sunrise.
    Canaan Valley Resort State Park - Trail Running

    Quiet and scenic, the 18 miles of trails here give runners of all abilities the perfect place to find peace while getting in a quick workout.

    Difficulty
    3 of 5 diamonds
    From Downtown
    124.9 miles
    Duration
    On average, most trails take less than an hour to complete. The more difficult trails, like the 2.5-mile Bald Knob Trail, can take longer depending on your experience level and weather.
  2. Passing one of the many of the groves of pine on the Woodland Loop Trail.
    Grandview Park- Trail Running

    Grandview Park, part of the New River Gorge National River, is easily accessible and offers runners 2 short trails that wind through a lush forest.

    Difficulty
    1 of 5 diamonds
    From Downtown
    45.8 miles
    Duration
    This is a great spot for a quick trail run, and should take around 20-30 minutes to complete.
  3. Brambles of briars line the edges of the Overlook Trail
    Bluestone State Park- Trail Running

    Bluestone’s reputation for brutal climbs and great hill workouts is no lie, but the park’s stunning views of Bluestone Lake make the effort well worth the reward.

    Difficulty
    4 of 5 diamonds
    From Downtown
    60.9 miles
    Duration
    Many trails here connect to other trails, making it possible for you to run a large loop, but most can be run as an out-and-back.
  4. The trails in Seneca Rocks offer a variety of experiences.
    Seneca Rocks - Trail Running

    This steep 2.6-mile trail run is worth the effort— the views of the valley from the top are spectacular.

    Difficulty
    3 of 5 diamonds
    From Downtown
    125.5 miles
    Duration
    While the trail isn’t long, it’s steep. Your time will depend on how comfortable you are running up hills.
  5. Trail Running along the beautiful ridge of the North Fork Mountain Trail in WV is quite the adventure.
    North Fork Mountain Trail - Trail Running

    Rocks, roots, rhododendron tunnels, and endless views of the surrounding countryside will have you grinning from ear-to-ear on this epicly challenging adventure run.

    Difficulty
    5 of 5 diamonds
    From Downtown
    85.4 miles
    Duration
    This could make a 2-day adventure run, so bring a headlamp just in case it takes longer than you expect—24 miles on a remote ridge is no easy undertaking. Give yourself up to 8 hours each day.
  6. The New River Gorge Bridge.
    New River Gorge - Trail Running

    Covering more than 70,000 acres along the New River, the New River Gorge National River has 6 different areas with a variety of trail types and distances, making it perfect for trail running.

    Difficulty
    3 of 5 diamonds
    From Downtown
    34.7 miles
    Duration
    Individual trails aren’t going to take you more than a couple hours (if that), but it’s possible to link up trails for a longer adventure.
  7. The Railroad Grade trail has many long rock gardens and exposed root beds as it nears its end.
    Little Beaver State Park - Trail Running

    Little Beaver State Park’s highly technical and steep singletrack trails are a challenge to even the most seasoned trail runners.

    Difficulty
    4 of 5 diamonds
    From Downtown
    50.0 miles
    Duration
    There are a variety of loops in the park, so time it will take you is dependent on which one you choose and how far you plan to go.
  8. View from Spruce Knob looking west in Monongahela National Forest
    Spruce Knob - Trail Running

    Run to the highest peak in West Virginia and take in the breathtaking panoramic views.

    Difficulty
    3 of 5 diamonds
    From Downtown
    143.7 miles
    Duration
    Spruce Knob can be explored in a day or a couple hours.
  9. The Mon River Trail South follows the Monongahela River and offers many scenic views.
    Prickett’s Fort State Park - Trail Running

    Prickett’s Fort is an impressive combination of historic attractions, scenic views, and well-paved, easy-to-navigate trails.

    Difficulty
    1 of 5 diamonds
    From Downtown
    114.4 miles
    Duration
    With the option to run up t0 40.4 miles out and back, you could spend 30 minutes running here or a whole day.
  10. This trail as Plum Orchard slowly rises to the top of Haystack Mountain.
    Plum Orchard Lake Wildlife Management Area - Trail Running

    A secluded setting and sweeping views make Plum Orchard a great spot for a quick run aside the pristine lake and wooded mountain ridges.

    Difficulty
    2 of 5 diamonds
    From Downtown
    33.8 miles
    Duration
    There are 2 trails totaling 4 miles. It will take you between 60 and 90 minutes to run both.
  11. Hawks Nest views.
    Hawks Nest State Park - Trail Running

    Hawks Nest State Park has several trail running opportunities for beginners and experienced runners who appreciate the outdoors and picturesque landscapes.

    Difficulty
    3 of 5 diamonds
    From Downtown
    30.4 miles
    Duration
    The GSYP trail takes about a half-hour to complete at 0.75 miles. If you elect to check out the Hawks Nest Rail Trail, this can add to your length of time—easily an additional hour for the average trail runner.
  12. Leaf covered trail on the Main Trail Loop
    McDonough Wildlife Refuge - Trail Running

    A perfect blend of convenience, accessibility, and options, McDonough Wildlife Refuge is the place to go if you want to get in a quick and easy trail run.

    Difficulty
    2 of 5 diamonds
    From Downtown
    67.1 miles
    Duration
    With 5 miles of trails, it’s unlikely that you could run here for more than a couple hours, but actual time will depend on which trail(s) you decide to take.
  13. The beginning section of the Glade, separating the meadow from the forested bog.
    Cranberry Glades Botanical Area - Trail Running

    Get up close to one of West Virginia’s natural wonders as you run along the Cranberry Glades boardwalk through the most southern tundra bog in the country.

    Difficulty
    1 of 5 diamonds
    From Downtown
    73.0 miles
    Duration
    It will take you about 30 minutes or less to make an entire 1-mile loop, and that includes time for stopping to read the informative signs about the unique ecosystem and to take in views of the wetlands.
  14. The Falls Trail is littered with numerous long rock gardens and rugged root beds.
    Twin Falls Resort State Park - Trail Running

    Trail running gets rugged along the rocky singletrack. It’s perfect for intermediate runners looking for a technical twist.

    Difficulty
    3 of 5 diamonds
    From Downtown
    52.6 miles
    Duration
    You can run for a couple of hours or a whole day.
  15. A fall day in Kanawha State Forest.
    Kanawha State Forest - Trail Running

    Just miles from West Virginia’s capital city of Charleston, Kanawha State Forest has more than 25 miles of trails for runners of all levels to explore.

    Difficulty
    2 of 5 diamonds
    From Downtown
    5.1 miles
    Duration
    Most trails are between 1-2 miles in length.
  16. The Otter Creek Wilderness entrance along the Dryfork River delivers visitors into the majesty of Otter Creek.
    Otter Creek Wilderness Area - Trail Running

    Whether you’re passing through bogs, over streams, or slogging uphill, Otter Creek’s intimidating terrain will challenge any serious trail runner.

    Difficulty
    3 of 5 diamonds
    From Downtown
    116.0 miles
    Duration
  17. Beauty Abounds on Trails Near Blackwater Falls.
    Blackwater Falls State Park - Trail Running

    One of the most photographed spots in West Virginia, Blackwater Falls State Park, guarantees runners scenic trails, waterfalls, and beautiful views.

    Difficulty
    3 of 5 diamonds
    From Downtown
    125.3 miles
    Duration
    Most of the trails are less than 3 miles and won’t take you more than an hour.
  18. Babcock State Park
    Babcock State Park - Trail Running

    Babcock State Park is a trail runner's dream destination, with a variety of beautiful trails to explore.

    Difficulty
    3 of 5 diamonds
    From Downtown
    44.1 miles
    Duration
    Time will depend on which trail(s) you choose, and how much mileage you’d like to put in. One of the most popular routes is a great 6.5-mile loop, but there are shorter options if you don’t want to go as far.
  19. What remains of the once elegant Thornhill mansion
    Mountwood Park - Trail Running

    The 2,600-acre Mountwood Park is the perfect blend of outdoor recreation and history.

    Difficulty
    3 of 5 diamonds
    From Downtown
    64.3 miles
    Duration
    With over two dozen trails within the park and more than fifty miles total, time needed is dependent on the trail chosen.With 24 trails and a variety of distances to choose from, you can spend an hour to a full day at the park.
  20. The Dolly Sods Wilderness area offers spectacular views of the natural mountain landscape.
    Dolly Sods Wilderness Area - Trail Running

    If the running along the miles and miles of trails in the Dolly Sods Wilderness doesn’t take your breath away, then the beauty of this area’s unique landscape will. Be sure to pack your camera.

    Difficulty
    3 of 5 diamonds
    From Downtown
    133.8 miles
    Duration
    The trails at Dolly Sods can be explored in 2 hours or 2 days. People regularly camp here to enjoy several trails over the course of a couple days.
  21. Coopers Rock State Forest- Welcome
    Coopers Rock State Forest - Trail Running

    The variety of terrain and the amazing views make Coopers Rock State Forest a perfect spot for trail runners to get in an easy run or a hardcore workout.

    Difficulty
    3 of 5 diamonds
    From Downtown
    133.1 miles
    Duration
    There are several different trails and loop options, but on average, you can run the individual trails in about an hour. You can also link up the different trails for longer loops.
  22. Pinnacle Rock State Park.
    Pinnacle Rock State Park - Trail Running

    Although it’s one of the smallest parks in the West Virginia State Park system, runners will love the wide, winding switchbacks and amazing panoramic views at Pinnacle Rock.

    Difficulty
    3 of 5 diamonds
    From Downtown
    70.9 miles
    Duration
    There are 2 loops at the park that you can run individually or combine. Each loop will take you about 45-60 minutes, or about 1.5-2 hours together.
  23. Camp Creek State Park.
    Camp Creek State Park - Trail Running

    Wide paths and gradual climbs make Camp Creek a perfect location for both beginner and intermediate trail runners to work on technique and build stamina.

    Difficulty
    2 of 5 diamonds
    From Downtown
    63.8 miles
    Duration
    Individual trails range from less than 1 mile to an 8.7-mile loop, so plan to spend anywhere from 30 minutes to 2+ hours at the park. Every trail can be completed individually or combined for a large loop.
  24. The Law Hollow Trail is a great way to link up with many of the trails on the right side of the park and is a one long, steady, and most importantly, fun descent.
    Pipestem Resort State Park - Trail Running

    Wide trails, gentle ascents with quick descents, and tranquil scenery make this trail running spot a local favorite for beginner and intermediate runners.

    Difficulty
    2 of 5 diamonds
    From Downtown
    65.6 miles
    Duration
    This is a great spot to go out for a quick run, or combine trails to run for several hours. Take the the Law Hollow Trail to the Lake Shore Trail for a great loop with scenic views that can be finished in roughly 1 hour and 15 minutes.
  25. Big views of the New River Gorge atop Babcock State Park
    Fayetteville, WV-Babcock St. Park Trail Running

    The trails at Babcock State Park are mostly singletrack with lots of rocks, roots, and hills.

    Difficulty
    3 of 5 diamonds
    From Downtown
    44.1 miles
    Duration
    Time will depend on which trail(s) you choose, and how much mileage you’d like to put in. One of the most popular routes is a great 6.5-mile loop, but there are shorter options if you don’t want to go as far.
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