West Virginia has a number of trails with minimal obstacles. Some are very easy and others are wheelchair accessible. Here are just a few of them.
These links were found through Internet search. I would love to have some first-hand recommendations. With your help, we can share our knowledge with disabled people everywhere and also increase awareness of the need for more accessibility. Please e-mail me with your suggestions using the form in the sidebar.
Federal
State
Local
Private
Miscellaneous
Federal
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.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.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
“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.
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.”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.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.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 mileNature’s Rock Garden Trail 0.5 mile “…this short, self-guided interpretive loop combines easy walking with a great variety of plant life. ”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.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.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
Local
Private
Cranesville Swamp Preserve
The Cranesville Swamp Preserve lies in Preston County West Virginia and Garrett County, Maryland. It is a 1,774 acre boreal bog which is a remnant of the Ice Age. There are many plants and animals not usually found this far south in North America. There are five trails, including a 1,500 foot boardwalk. I haven’t found any information as to whether you could get on the boardwalk in a wheelchair. Here are the websites for Maryland/District of Columbia and for West Virginia. Nature Conservancy MD/DC Nature Conservancy WV
Trail Guide Brochure Phone WV 304-637-0160 Phone MD/DC 301-897-8570
? “Although all trails are fewer than two miles and not difficult to walk, hiking boots are recommended as some trails may be muddy.”
Miscellaneous
Best Wheelchair Friendly Trails in West Virginia from AllTrails.com
Blooming Schedule for West Virginia by Maurice Brooks This great resource is on the website for the Monongahela National Forest, see above under Federal.
“This is a brief catalog of some of our favorite plant displays in West Virginia. It suggests times to see them, and how to get there. Dates given are only suggestive; in any given year vagaries of weather can upset any natural calendar by a week or more…I know of no other area in West Virginia which displays so many botanical climaxes as Dolly Sods. There will be frequent references to it. I have tried, however, to cover the state a little more thoroughly, and to follow a chronological pattern from spring to late autumn.”This Guide to Accessible Recreation in West Virginia is provided by West Virginia University.
The Rails-to-Trails Conservancy lists wheelchair accessible trails in West Virginia.