Beech Glen Nature Trail

Kanawha State Forest
3.2 miles, easy
Trailhead at Polly Hollow picnic area

This gated-road trail follows a stream through Polly Hollow to a footpath and ascends to mossy sandstone cliffs and iron-ore formations. Wooded with a dense canopy, it provides an atmosphere of solitude. The trail intersects with Wildcat Ridge Trail, providing several loop routes back.

Drift Branch Trail

Panther State Forest
3 miles, difficult
Trailhead at Cowshed picnic area

Leading from Panther Creek's picnic area to a fire tower at the forest's highest point , 2,100 feet, this trail follows Drift Branch of Panther Creek through oak forest. Though all uphill with steep grades, the trail rewards hikers with panoramic views of Virginia, Kentucky, and West Virginia.

Guyandotte Beauty Trail

Chief Logan State Park
2.2 miles, difficult
Trailhead at picnic area

An old tram road follows Mud Lick Hollow to the park's activity area, passing an abandoned coal mine. The trail's namesake, the rare Guyandotte Beauty (Synandra hispudula), blooms in May. The trail ends at a wildlife exhibit featuring information on wild boar, red-tailed hawk, and bobcat.

Huntington Museum of Art
National Recreation Trail National Recreation Trail

Huntington
1.5 mile network, moderate
Trailhead at parking area

This nature-trail network ventures through an arboreal setting of streams, an Audobon bird sanctuary, and indigenous trees. An observation deck overlooks a ravine. The adjacent museum's brochure describes flora and fauna.

Kanawha Trace Trail

Barboursville
31.7 miles, easy to difficult
Trailhead at Woody Williams Bridge

A combination of scenic trails runs from Barboursville to Frazier's Bottom on Kanawha River, passing through forested areas, river valleys, and uplands that afford sweeping vistas. The terrain is broken with frequent ascents and descents. The trail locate crosses private property, and permission must be obtained before hiking (304-523-3408).

Lost Trail

Beech Fork State Park
5-mile loop, moderate to difficult
Trailhead at Moxley Branch camping area

This figure-eight trail parallels Beech Fork Lake's south shore. Its first loop is very hilly; its second, moderate and nearer the shore. Hardwoods, wildflowers, and songbirds fill its margins. Unlike many state park trails, Lost Trail is open to mountain bikes.

Martin Ridge and Sleepy Hollow Trails

Cabwaylingo State Forest
3.8-mile loop, moderate
Trailhead across from swimming area

Martin Ridge Trail follows old wagon and logging roads to the top of its namesake ridge, ascending through hardwood forests and passing rock overhangs. The descent on Sleepy Hollow Trail accesses caves and large rock formations, following a stream to a 50-foot waterfall.

Valley Falls Trails

Valley Falls State Park
12.6-mile network, easy to moderate

Six interconnecting trails range from .8-miles to 3.2-miles long. Steep ascents are brief. Most provide views of Great Falls of Tygart Valley River through winter. The Rocky Trail and lower portions of the Deer Trail provide the best views in summer. The trails cross wooded areas and opening and fields on small ridges. Deer and turkey are spotted frequently; bear, occasionally.

Weston-Gauley Bridge Turnpike Trail

Burnsville Lake
21 miles, easy to moderate
Trailhead at parking area

Following a Civil War-era turnpike between two of the region's largest lakes, this trail begins at Bulltown Historic District and stretches from Burnsville Lake to Stonewall Jackson Lake. The first 6 to 8 miles are developed, The trail crosses rolling hills, old farm fields, and forests. Ruts from pre-Civil War traffic are visible along the way, and oaks alive in the 1870s still stand.

Wine Cellar Nature Trail

Dunbar
.6-mile loop, easy
Trailhead at parking area

This paved trail winds through variety of tree and wildflower species, crossing a stream on footbridges and ending at three restored wine caves built in 1860s. A spur trail accesses a small fishing lake.