Hiking in a Winter Wonderland

Who says you have to spend the winter all cooped up? Make the trek to a West Virginia state park instead!

This story was originally published in the January 2025 issue of Wonderful West Virginia. To subscribe, visit wonderfulwv.com.

Written by Devin Lacy

From fall colors to spring wildflowers, hiking in West Virginia can be a scenic adventure at any time of the year. But when the winter comes and snow covers the world in a white, chilly blanket of fresh powder, a simple hike turns into an excursion full of wonder and beauty.

“Every season offers a different perspective and unique experience,” says Valerie Chaney, chief naturalist for West Virginia State Parks. “In the winter, there’s a quiet stillness, and I find that to be a good time for reflection.”

Offering the opportunity to unplug, be in the moment, and connect with nature, West Virginia state parks are ideal destinations for outdoor recreation—especially hiking. Across 36 state parks, nine state forests, and three rail trails, there are over 1,200 miles of hiking trails to discover.

Blackwater Falls State Park

Well-known for its snow-day activities, Blackwater Fall State Park also features more than 20 miles of hiking trails that lead to some of the most scenic spots in the state, many of which are even more breathtaking in the winter. “There’s just something magical about walking in our forest in the snow,” says park Naturalist Paulita Cousin. “It’s hard to describe, but it’s a true winter wonderland.”

Personally, Cousin’s favorite place to hike at Blackwater Falls in the winter is Shay Trace Trail. The trail is less than a mile long and of moderate difficulty. It begins just past the lodge, at Shay Run, and ends at the base of the sled run warming hut, crossing the Red Spruce Trail, the Cabin Area road, and Cherry Lane Trail. Red Spruce and Cherry Lane hiking trails are shared with cross country skiers, so stay alert!

Other trails, like Lindy Point and Balsam Fir, are popular at any time of year but offer something extra special when the temperatures drop. And if you’re looking for a more accessible trail, Gentle Trail is an easy and short paved path that allows you to view the falls without worrying about uneven terrain or steps.

Cousin adds that the colder months are a good time of year to track wildlife, and it’s not unlikely to spot prints in the powder from animals such as squirrels, bobcats, coyotes, deer, and red and gray foxes. To learn more about how to spot the tracks of some of West Virginia’s winter wildlife, check out our story on page 16.

Kanawha State Forest

At Kanawha State Forest, it is easy to mourn the loss of the trees’ vibrant dress as autumn comes to a close. But, just on the other side of the seemingly endless gray is a blanket of snow waiting to fall over this iconic locale. And when it does, it’s a whole new world.

“There are some really beautiful spots to see, and we have a great selection of flora and fauna that is representative of the state,” says park Superintendent Clark Sanford. As one of the few forests left in West Virginia with old growth, the diversity in this forest is truly astounding, even in the cooler months.

One hike that Sanford recommends to enjoy the beauty of the forest is the Davis Creek Trail, a 2.25-mile trail following its namesake creek. An overall easy trail to hike—though some portions sneak up to a more moderate difficulty—Sanford says it’s great for spotting a wide range of plant and animal diversity in Kanawha State Forest.

Of the many unique things about this state forest, its old growth is one of the most special. “Approximately 1,350 acres of secondary old-growth forest can be found in the eastern portion of Kanawha State Forest,” says Sanford. It is made up of white, red, and chestnut oaks, as well as yellow poplar, that are over 300 years old and may be admired from the Wall Fork or Hoffman Hollow Interpretive trails.

The Spotted Salamander Trail is a great way to enjoy the park’s beauty from an easy, accessible trail. Paved and lined with braille interpretive signage and guideposts, this quarter-mile trail welcomes anyone and everyone for a winter walk.

Castle Rock Overlook comes highly recommended for forest hikers year ’round. If you’re looking for panoramic views of West Virginia in snow-covered glory, this is a spot for you. From the Nature Center, follow the CCC Snipe Trail, then the Mossy Rock Trail, to reach the overlook, a roughly 3.5-mile out-and-back hike rated at a moderate difficulty.

Twin Falls Resort State Park

For Tammy Cooper, a naturalist at Twin Falls Resort State Park, choosing the best winter hiking option is not an easy feat. “The Falls Trail is definitely a pick. Also Huckleberry Trail, as it passes by the Pioneer Farm, and it is pretty awesome to see the farm in a winterscape,” she says. Like a scene from a Hallmark movie, or maybe a Thomas Kincaid painting, this special state park attraction is a sight you won’t want to miss when the snow begins to fall. A moderately challenging hike, Huckleberry Trail takes you along the farm’s boundary in a 1.3-mile loop.

What falls must melt, at least when it is snow that’s falling! The two waterfalls that give Twin Falls its name—Black Fork and Marsh Fork falls—are known to experience an uptick in their typical cascade throughout the winter as snow melt feeds their flow. The Falls Trail allows you to see these beauties in action. A portion of the path is paved, taking you up to Marsh Fork Falls. From there, the trail follows the water to Black Fork Falls before looping back to the start—a roughly 1.25-mile hike.

“Hiking in the winter is a unique experience that contrasts with other seasons,” Cooper adds, sharing the characteristics that makes these hikes so special in her eyes: the quiet serenity of a calm landscape; the crisp, clear air; the stark beauty laid out before you; and the stunning snow and ice formations waiting to be discovered.

Wise Words for Winter Wanderers

Winter hikes are beautiful, but they also bring their own set of unique challenges. By planning ahead and staying smart on the trail, you can adventure out prepared and confident.

Plan your trip before leaving. Look at trail maps and plan your route ahead of time. Heed warnings regarding potential obstacles that may be more difficult to spot or navigate in the snow. Be sure to check for potential trail closures that might impact your journey.

Expect lower visibility. That blanket of snow is beautiful, but it might introduce a few new challenges to your average hike. Blowing snow, shorter daylight hours, and snow-covered paths and blaze signs can make it difficult to navigate a trail as you normally would.

Choose comfortable—and waterproof—attire. Waterproof shoes are a must-have when hiking in the winter, keeping your feet comfortable on your journey. Packing extra clothes, if possible, can help you stay dry and warm if your clothing becomes wet from sweat or melting snow.

Dress in layers. Maintaining a safe temperature is important. Layers are the best way for you to do this, as they allow you to take off—or put back on—a layer or two as outside temperatures and your activity level fluctuate.

Find a hiking buddy. Trails may not be as actively hiked in the winter as they would be in the warmer months, so hike with a friend or group. If you are planning on walking the trails alone, make sure someone is aware of where you’ll be hiking, when you’ll be heading out, and when you plan on returning.

Pack smart. As you would with any hike at any time of the year, make sure you have the essentials like a map or GPS, food and water, a first aid kit, and a light source.

Watoga State Park

Near Marlinton, Watoga State Park—the largest in the state—has many miles of hiking opportunities across its 10,100 acres. The park boasts over 40 miles of trails as well as access to the Greenbrier River Trail. And when asked which of the trails he would recommend for a cold-weather jaunt, Naturalist Tim Lavender suggested Monongaseneka Trail.

“This Civilian Conservation Corps–built trail climbs 2.5 miles from Island Lick to a mountaintop overlook with Greenbrier River views. As part of their work building trails, the CCC had to remove and shift rock, which included building retaining walls,” he says. “They also planted many native trees and plants, such as mountain laurel, creating natural landscaping.” The peaceful, moderate trail stretches uphill across 2.5 miles through the park, winding along the Greenbrier River and giving hikers the opportunity to discover Jeff Hollow and, soon after, the ridgetop. The views are sure to be magical as you take in the region from your vantage point.

If you’re new to hiking in the winter months and would like to learn how it’s done from one of the experts, the ultimate opportunity awaits you—it just might be your New Year’s resolution. Watoga State Park is one of many parks and forests offering a New Year’s Day tradition and nationwide initiative known as the First Day Hike this year. These guided experiences led by park staff are free, and participants even receive a commemorative patch after completing the excursion. Blackwater Falls, Cacapon Resort, North Bend, Pipestem Resort, Twin Falls Resort, and Tygart Lake state parks, as well as Kanawha State Forest, will host First Day Hikes on January 1, 2025, along with Watoga. Additional sites may be added at a later date. Visit WVstateparks.com/calendar for details.

Frequent Wonderful West Virginia contributor Dawn Nolan contributed to this story.