West Virginia Federal - Accessible Nature

New River Gorge National River

New River Gorge National River
“A rugged, whitewater river flowing northward through deep canyons, the New River is among the oldest rivers on the continent. The park encompasses over 70,000 acres of land along the New River, is rich in cultural and natural history, and offers an abundance of scenic and recreational opportunities.”
Here is their website. Canyon Rim Visitor Center, 304-465-0508, Sandstone Visitor Center 304-466-0417, Thurmond Depot (seasonal) 304-574-2115, Grandview Visitor Center (seasonal) 304-763-3715
Accessibility
Fayetteville Area Trails Map
Canon Rim Boardwalk 0.1 mile “This boardwalk offers scenic views of the gorge and New River Gorge Bridge. An easy walk on a fully accessible ramp leads to the first viewing point…
? There are three trails in the Fayetteville Area described as “easy”. They are the 1.2 mile Burnwood Trail, 1.1 mile Park Loop Trail, and the 1 mile Timber Ridge Trail. Call the Canyon Rim Visitor Center to learn if they are suitable for you.
Sandstone-Brooks Area Trails Map
Sandstone Falls Boardwalk 0.2 mile …crosses two bridges leading to islands and observation decks offering fantastic views of the falls and access to fishing areas.”
? The Island loop 0.5 mile is described as easy, but rocky. Better check with the Visitor Center to learn how difficult it is.

New River Gorge National River

New River Gorge National River
“A rugged, whitewater river flowing northward through deep canyons, the New River is among the oldest rivers on the continent. The park encompasses over 70,000 acres of land along the New River, is rich in cultural and natural history, and offers an abundance of scenic and recreational opportunities.
Here is their website. Canyon Rim Visitor Center, 304-465-0508, Sandstone Visitor Center 304-466-0417, Thurmond Depot (seasonal) 304-574-2115, Grandview Visitor Center (seasonal) 304-763-3715
Accessibility
Fayetteville Area Trails Map
Canon Rim Boardwalk 0.1 mile “This boardwalk offers scenic views of the gorge and New River Gorge Bridge. An easy walk on a fully accessible ramp leads to the first viewing point…”
? There are three trails in the Fayetteville Area described as “easy”. They are the 1.2 mile Burnwood Trail, 1.1 mile Park Loop Trail, and the 1 mile Timber Ridge Trail. Call the Canyon Rim Visitor Center to learn if they are suitable for you.
Sandstone-Brooks Area Trails Map
Sandstone Falls Boardwalk 0.2 mile …crosses two bridges leading to islands and observation decks offering fantastic views of the falls and access to fishing areas.”
? The Island loop 0.5 mile is described as easy, but rocky. Better check with the Visitor Center to learn how difficult it is.

Monongahela National Forest

Monongahela National Forest
Monongahela National Forest offers “scenic vistas, country roads, flowing streams and abundant plant and animal life…..It is one of the most ecologically diverse areas in the United States. Elevations range from just under 1,000 feet to 4,863 feet above sea level.”
Here is the Forest website. Phone 304-636-1800 Maps for Sale
Brochure and Map of Seneca Creek Backcountry
Lake Sherwood Area Brochure and Trails Map
Tea Creek Area Hiking Trails in Marlington Ranger District Map & Brochure
Falls of Hills Creek “The first 1700 feet of trail is paved and has a wheelchair accessible path to the upper falls viewing platform.” “This popular 114 acre area contains three waterfalls – 25 feet, 45 feet, and 63 feet. The lower falls, at 63 feet is the second highest waterfall in West Virginia.”
Whispering Spruce Trail #567 0.5 mile. “This nature trail winds through windblown rock where one can feel the sharp west wind blow. It then leads out to a point where giant boulders are scattered through an open field. Exceptional views to the east and west are seen beyond” “The wide hard graveled path has gentle slopes.”
Sherwood Lake Trail # 601 3.5 mile loop around Lake Sherwood. Judging from the topo map, this trail is pretty level. However, I haven’t found a difficulty rating. Call first.

George Washington and Jefferson National Forests

George Washington and Jefferson National Forests
“The Jefferson National Forest is comprised of lands located in Virginia, West Virginia and Kentucky. The George Washington National Forest is comprised of lands located in Virginia and West Virginia.” Both of these Forests are primarily in Virginia. I am putting this one post in the pages for all three states. There are a ton of trails, many of them described as easy. You might pick an area you want to visit and call the appropriate Ranger District for advice. Here are phone numbers for the eight Ranger Districts. Supervisor’s Office Phone 540-265-5100. Links to Maps Day Hikes National Forests Foundation Here is the Forests’ website.

Massanutten Storybook Trail in Lee Ranger District 0.5 miles described in Virginia Trail Guide. “…leads to a spectacular view overlooking the Blue Ridge Mountains and Shenandoah Valley. Learn from the interpretive signs of how the Massanutten Mountains were formed.”
Lions Tale Accessible Trail for the Visually Impaired in Lee Ranger District 0.5 mile interpretive loop. Waymarking.com Backpacker.com “Listen to the gentle ripples of Passage Creek, feel the refreshing water running from the flume, and smell the sweet aromas of sassafras and birch.”
Pandapas Pond Loop Trail Eastern Divide Ranger District 0.9 mile “The pond is situated in a hardwood forest. Rhododendron and flame azalea are abundant. … The trail encircles both the pond and the adjacent wetland.”
Fenwick Nature Walk Trail Eastern Divide Ranger District. 1.0 mile. “…hikers can walk through an Appalachian forest, cross Mill Creek, pass through swampy wetlands, and get a nice view of a scenic waterfall. Wildflowers are abundant during the spring.”
Virginias Walk Trail Eastern Divide Ranger District 1.30 miles. “This 1.3 mile nature trail meanders around White Rocks Campground.”
Rhododendron Trail James River Ranger District. 0.12 miles There is a “…wonderful view of the Rich Hole Wilderness at the end.”
Beartree Lake Trail Mount Rogers National Recreation Area 0.8 miles paved and gravel-surfaced trail which encircles Beartree Lake.
Jackson River Fishing Trail Warm Springs Ranger District 0.85 miles. Primarily used for fishing access to the Jackson River, the trail follows an old roadbed and has scenic views of the river.
Hidden Valley West Trail in Warm Springs Ranger District 1.08 miles. Follows the Jackson River downstream.