Category: West Virginia State

Beartown State Park
“Beartown State Park is a 110-acre natural area located on the eastern summit of Droop Mountain in northern Greenbrier County and a small portion of Pocahontas County. This park is known for its unusual rocky formations, massive boulders, overhanging cliffs and deep crevices.”
 Here is the Park website.   Phone 304-653-4254   Map
There is a 250 feet wheel chair accessible walkway to the viewing platform. The boardwalk through the park is 2300 feet, but has “numerous short flights of stairs.”

Blackwater Falls State Park
“Located in the Allegheny Mountains of Tucker County, Blackwater Falls State Park is named for the amber waters of Blackwater Falls, a 57-foot cascade tinted by the tannic acid of fallen hemlock and red spruce needles.”
Here is the Park website.   Map   Phone 304-259-5216     Trails Descriptions
There are a number of trails in this park rated for hiking as “beginner.”  I am not sure what this means, but probably pretty easy. Call ahead to be sure they don’t have stairs or other obstacles that could be too difficult for you.
Gentle Trail 0.25 mile  “..a short, paved accessible path to an observation deck overlooking Blackwater Falls.”

Droop Mountain Battlefield State Park
“Located in the Greenbrier River Valley north of Lewisburg, Droop Mountain Battlefield State Park is part of the Civil War Discovery Trail.”  There are hiking trails and “gorgeous scenic views of the Greenbrier River Valley.”
 Here is the Park website.   Phone  304-653-4254   Map  Trail Descriptions
Cranberry Bogs Trail 0.5 mile  “…the most popular trail in the park, winding through a mountain bog where interesting plants, tall pines, and wildlife can be seen.”  “…mostly level, easy walking.”
Old Soldier Trail 0.75 mile  ”…easy trail follows an old road grade which passes near the spot where Major Robert Augustus Bailey was shot while trying to rally his men around the Confederate Flag.”

Holly River State Park
“With 8,101 acres of dense forest, Holly River is West Virginia’s second largest state park. Located in a narrow valley in the Mountain Lakes region, the park is surrounded by heavily forested mountains, some reaching more than 2,800 feet in height.”
Here is the Park website.    Map   Phone  304-493-6353     Trail Descriptions
Laurel Fork Trail 0.5 mile

Nature’s Rock Garden Trail 0.5 mile “…this short, self-guided interpretive loop combines easy walking with a great variety of plant life. ”

North Bend State Park  
“Found among the Mid-Ohio Valley’s rolling hills, lakes and streams, North Bend State Park offers a multitude of recreational facilities in a beautiful pastoral setting. Named for the horseshoe curve of the North Fork of the Hughes River, this year-round park is lush with fishing streams, hiking trails and abundant wildlife.”
Here is the Park website.   Phone  304-643-2931   Park Trail Map   Trail Descriptions
Extra Mile Trail 0.6 mile round trip.  “A self-guided paved interpretive trail for the disabled.”
North Bend Rail Trail  72 miles  Map  “The North Bend Rail Trail is a multi-use recreational trail operated by West Virginia State Parks. Formerly an abandoned spur of the CSX system, the trail is part of the 5,500 mile coast-to-coast American Discovery Trail. Stretching 72 miles from I-77 near Parkersburg in Wood County to Wolf Summit in Harrison County, this scenic trail passes through 13 tunnels and crosses 36 bridges. Easily accessible from north/south Interstates 77 and 79, the trail nearly parallels US Route 50 east and west. ” rails-to-trails

Hawks Nest State Park  Phone  304-658-5212   Map   Trail Descriptions
Hawks Nest Rail Trail  “1.8 miles.  One way.  Easy. This gravel trail begins behind the Nature Center, follows Mill Creek, and ends near the town of Ansted.  Two bridges, waterfalls, and remains of a coal mine that operated through the 1920s can be seen along this trail that was once a railway for coal trains. ”
?  The 0.5 mile Fisherman’s Trail and the 0.5 mile Park Loop Trail are described as “easy”.  Call first to be sure how easy.

Little Beaver State Park
Little Beaver State Park is a 562-acre day-use park with nearly 20 miles of trails.  An 18-acre lake offers fishing year-round. From Outdoorsy: “The park maintains a paved Lake Front Trail suitable for handicapped use. Visitors with physical challenges will also appreciate the pier that offers handicap accessibility. ”
Here is the Park website.  Phone 304-763-2494 Trail Map  Trail Descriptions
Railroad Grade is 1.95 miles.  “The scenery ranges from deep woods to open meadows. Gentle loop trail that follows Laurel Run Creek.”
Lake Front Trail is s paved 1.1 mile loop trail around the lake front.

Kanawha State Forest
Seven miles south of Charleston, Kanawha State Forest is has an “extensive network of hiking and biking trails and has some of the state’s most popular picnic areas. The 9,300-acre forest is noted among naturalists for its diverse wildflower, tree and bird populations.”
Here is the Forest website.  Phone   304-558-3500  Trail Map
Spotted Salamander Trail  0.25 mile interpretive nature trail with signs in Braille.  Charleston Gazette-Mail article 9/12/2016  Facebook page
? CCC Snipe Trail is a 0.75 mile interpretive trail rated “easy”.  I suggest you call first to find out how easy it is.

Greenbrier River Trail State Park
“The Greenbrier River Trail is a 78-mile former railroad now used for hiking, biking and horseback riding. It is the longest trail of its kind in West Virginia. The trail provides many breathtaking views as it passes through several small towns, crosses 35 bridges, goes through two tunnels and cuts through some of West Virginia’s most remote areas.”  The … Trail runs parallel to the Greenbrier River, from the town of Caldwell to Cass Scenic Railroad State Park. Visitors may access the trail at numerous points along the way.”
Here is the Park website.   Phone  304-799-4078  Map from Bivy.  Friends’ Facebook page.  
“The Greenbrier River Trail is a 78-mile long rail trail operated by West Virginia State Park system.”  “The Greenbrier River Trail traverses one of the most remote areas in the state and lies adjacent to the Monongahela National Forest, Seneca State Forest and Watoga State Park. A trip along the trail is truly a “Wild and Wonderful” experience.””  The mostly hard-packed crushed-limestone surface trail is paved in some places.  I suggest you call ahead to be sure about where you can access this trail with a wheelchair.