25 Most Beautiful Mountains In West Virginia
It’s no wonder West Virginia is often referred to as the Mountain State: You can see many mountains from almost anywhere in the state, and most people can easily access great mountain trails and off-road bike trails. Mountain is about two hours from major cities. Along West Virginia’s border with Virginia, you’ll find the beautiful Ridge-and-Valley province, where long mountain ranges punctuated by many rugged peaks provide nearly endless opportunities for hiking and mountain biking.
1 Seneca Rocks
Craggy and impressive, Seneca Rocks is a large spire of rock that rises above the surrounding forested landscape of Seneca Rocks National Recreation Area in Pendleton Country, West Virginia. The stones are composed of vertically layered quartzite with deep vertical cracks that provide an irresistible lure for climbers and were used as a training ground for the United States Mountain Forces during World War II. If you’re new to the sport, you can take a course in basic or advanced rock climbing techniques at the Seneca Rocks Climbing School. If summiting Seneca Rocks seems like too much hard work, you can enjoy the stunning views and scenery by hiking the moderately easy Seneca Rocks Trail to the spire’s base.
Two spruce knob
Reaching 4,863 feet above sea level, Spruce Knob is the summit of Spruce Mountain and the highest point in West Virginia. Surprisingly, you don’t have to be a rock climber or even put on hiking boots to enjoy seeing the views from this high point: the top of Spruce Knob can be reached by driving up a good mountain road and then taking a short walk. Walk up to the observation tower. If you prefer to explore the area on foot, you can choose between the Huckleberry Trail, Seneca Creek Trail, or Lumberjack Trail to reach the top. Camping enthusiasts can set up camp at Seneca Shadows Campground or Big Ben Camp Ground for a few days exploring the area.
3 Bear Rocks
Bear Rocks is one of the most frequently photographed landmarks in West Virginia and can be found in the Bear Rocks Reservation in the northern Dolly Sods Wilderness. The area around Bear Rock is particularly scenic, and all of the surrounding wilderness is the most popular hiking area in West Virginia. Hikers can explore the area’s natural beauty along the 2.4-mile Bear Rocks Trail (easy) or venture further south, where there are several hiking trails in the Dolly Sods Wilderness. You can expect to see plenty of unusual flora and fauna along the route while several established and backcountry campgrounds dot the courses.
4 Red Spruce Knob
The proximity of Highland Scenic Highway means you have very easy access to hike or climb Red Spruce Knob, one of the highest peaks in West Virginia’s Allegheny Mountains. The Red Spruce Knob trails will lead hikers through a very attractive wooded landscape, home to a wide variety of birds and endangered Virginia flying squirrels. You can walk the path year-round, and in winter, you can try skiing in the woods. Visitors who want to spend a few days in the area can set up camp at Tea Creek or Day Run campgrounds or try primitive camping in the backcountry.
5 Bickle Knob
Bickle Knob is another of West Virginia’s many 4,000+ peaks, occupying a high ridge overlooking the Otter Creek Wilderness in the Monongahela National Forest. Good news for non-hikers, you can access the peak along Forest Service Road (91A) and then take a short walk to the lookout tower, once used as a fire lookout. You can take the 5.2-mile Middle Point trail if you prefer to hike. Hikers who prefer a more challenging day can choose from other Otter Creek Wilderness trails requiring some route-finding skills. The entire area is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, and there are several options for camping,
6Rose Benchmark
The Rose Benchmark marks the highest point in Braxton County, West Virginia, topping out at 2,183 feet, giving it the distinction of being the 28th most elevated point in the state and putting it on the radar of all peak hunters. West Virginia. Unfortunately, the area is a hive of activity due to the number of invasive oil/gas wells, which means it’s not a particularly attractive area for hiking. If you want to add the Rose Benchmark to the list of peaks you’ve conquered, the highest point is easily accessible by car along Crites Mountain Road near the small town of Birch River. Once you’ve bagged your pick, you can visit nearby Lake Summersville for camping, hiking, and boating.
7 Trap Mountain
Fifty miles long and over 5 miles wide in places, Cheat Mountain, is an extremely tall and rugged mountain in the eastern part of West Virginia. Until the logging industry stripped the peak of its splendid forests, Cheat Mountain supported the largest red spruce forest south of Maine, but by 1960 it had been largely denuded. In 1960, the Cass Scenic Railroad State Park was established to protect the area, and reforestation has been an ongoing project. Today you can take the scenic train up to Bald Knob at the top of Cheat Mountain to admire the amazing views from the summit. Hikers can explore along the Cheat Mountain Ridge Trail, which is also good for snowshoeing in winter.
8 Back Allegheny Mountain
Running nearly parallel to the massive Cheat Mountain, Back Allegheny Mountain is also a very large mountain whose summit at Bald Knob reaches an elevation of 4,843 feet above sea level. Protected by the Monongahela National Forest, Back Allegheny Mountain is located in an environmentally sensitive area of large red spruce forests, home to various birds and wildlife. A short (but very steep) half-mile hike along the Bald Knob Trail will take you to the summit (one of the best places in West Virginia to watch a mountain sunset). Five miles south of Bald Knob, you can ski at Snowshoe Ski Area. The vast Monongahela National Forest offers various outdoor activities, including hiking, rock climbing, fishing, camping, and more.
9 Mount Port Crayon
Mount Port Crayon is the sixth-highest peak in West Virginia, located in the Roaring Plains Wilderness of the Monongahela National Forest. Peak Chasers will need a lot of determination to reach the top of Mount Port Crayon, one of the most inaccessible points in the state. To get to the summit, you must negotiate a steep 5-mile trail that includes long stretches of pure off-trail bushwhacking. It’s a great challenge for experienced hikers/scramblers, but beginners shouldn’t attempt it. Less experienced hikers, walkers, and bird watchers will find a variety of easier scenic trails in the vast Monongahela National Forest.
10 North Fork Mountain
North Fork Mountain is in the “High Alleghenies” of eastern West Virginia. The highest peak on the North Fork is Kile Knob at 4,588 feet, and there are three other lofty peaks, Panther Knob, Chimney Top, and Pike Knob, that is almost as high and will interest all Peak Chasers. The 24-mile North Fork Mountain Trail is widely recognized as one of the most scenic high-elevation trails in the state and deserves a spot on any hiking enthusiast’s bucket list. The views in all directions are amazing as you make your way to the various high points, and the trail is also suitable for energetic mountain bikers, trail runners, and backcountry campers.
Allegheny Mountain
The Allegheny Mountain is one of the best-known mountain ranges in the Allegheny Range, which is part of the Appalachian Mountains on the Virginia/West Virginia state line. You’ll find no fewer than 14 peaks along this ridge, the highest of which is Paddy Knob at 4,477 feet. A large part of the surrounding area is called the Paddy Knob Special Biological Area, and it is home to many rare and endangered bird species, such as the bald eagle and the mourning warbler. The remote and undeveloped area is a haven for hikers and wildlife watchers who enjoy solitude. The challenging Paddy Knob Trail, which climbs over 2,300 feet, will take you to the highest point on the ridge,
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Shavers Mountain
Shaver’s Mountain is another of West Virginia’s tall mountains in the Allegheny Range of eastern West Virginia. Shaver’s Mountain is truly special as it is nestled among exceptionally scenic natural wilderness areas: Otter Creek Wilderness and Gaudineer Scenic Area, which offer outdoor enthusiasts a wide range of hiking trails. The highest point on Shaver’s Mountain is Gaudineer Knob (4,460 feet), which is accessible by car along Forest Service Road 27A; There is a picnic site and restrooms at the summit. Hikers can explore many very scenic trails in the area, including the High Falls Trail, while campers can pitch their tent at Shaver’s Fork Campground or enjoy camping in the
Shenandoah Mountain
Shenandoah Mountain forms the easternmost part of the Allegheny Range, running for 73 miles along the Virginia and West Virginia border in the George Washington National Forest. Shenandoah Mountain has three notable peaks, namely Reddish Knob (4,387 feet), Flagpole Knob (4,383 feet), and Bald Knob (3,680 feet), which attract ardent Peak Baggers. At the same time, the entire area is very popular for practicing hiking and mountain biking. , trail running, and camping. You can reach the summit of Reddish Knob by mountain biking along an asphalt road or hiking to the top for incredible 360 views of the Shenandoah Valley. Many campsites in the valley and hiking trails, including a section of the famous Appalachian Trail.
Backbone Mountain
Backbone Mountain is located in the central Appalachian mountain range, 39 miles from West Virginia to Maryland, where the mountain peak at Hoye-Crest (3,360 feet) is the highest place in Maryland. On the west side of the Virginia mountain, you’ll find beautiful Blackwater Falls State Park, which offers hikers and mountain bikers an extensive network of trails to explore Backbone Mountain. You can rent a cabin or pitch your tent at the campsite and spend a few days enjoying a wide variety of outdoor activities, including nature walks, bird watching, hiking, biking, fishing, and interpretive programs led by rangers for all ages.
Castle Mountain
Castle Mountain is a lofty ridge that runs between the North and South Branches of the Potomac River in Pendleton County, West Virginia, just over 7 miles from Spruce Knob, the highest peak in West Virginia. Castle Mountain reaches a very good elevation of 3,410 feet, and a hike to the summit will reward you with expansive views of the surrounding landscape and Spruce Knob to the north. To fully explore this beautiful mountain forest area, you can set up camp at Seneca Shadows Campground or Big Ben Campground and enjoy nature in the heart of West Virginia’s Appalachia.
great north Mountain
Located west of the famous Shenandoah Valley and east of the Allegheny Mountains, the Great North Mountain forms a 50-mile border between Virginia and West Virginia. Part of the Great North Mountain is located within the beautiful George Washington National Forest, which offers outdoor enthusiasts a playground for hiking, mountain biking, hunting, and wildlife viewing. You can explore an extensive network of trails, including part of the Tuscarora/Blue Ridge Trail, the Seven Springs Trail, and several others that lead to the impressive Big Schloss Peak. Campers will find several free campsites along the trails, and off-campus camping is also available.
LaurelMountain
Forming part of the Allegheny Mountains, Laurel Mountain (or Laurel Hill) is a 32-mile meandering ridge that runs between the Cheat River and the Tygart River Valley in the Ridge-and-Valley region of West Virginia. Outdoor enthusiasts who prefer solitude will be pleased to know that the Laurel Fork North and South Wilderness areas are relatively uncrowded and perfectly suited for backpacking and backcountry camping. The site offers more than 19 miles of exploring trails, and you can enjoy beautiful scenery, swimming pools, fishing, and bird watching along the route. If you’re a West Virginia pickaxe packer, you can add the benchmark Elliot Pickaxe (3,157 feet) to your list of conquests.
New Creek Mountain
New Creek Mountain is another of West Virginia’s long mountain ranges that are part of the Ridge-and-Valley Appalachian Range. New Creek Mountain reaches a height of 3,084 feet and draws hikers and wrestlers alike to explore Saddle Mountain (a saddle-shaped depression in the ridge best viewed from the nearby town of Skyline) and the impressive cliffs of New Creek Mountain. If you’re not up for hiking to the edges of the steep triangular gorge at New Creek Mountain Cliffs, you can take a scenic drive along the paved road that follows the banks of Patterson Creek.
South Branch Mountain
Located in West Virginia’s Nathaniel Mountain Wildlife Management Area, South Branch Mountain is one of the most prominent ridges in this mountainous area. The highest point along the ridge rises to 3,028 feet above sea level, and you can explore the area by taking a scenic drive along the Northwestern Turnpike in the Sunrise Summit Area. The Wildlife Management Area is heavily wooded and offers a network of interesting hiking trails and opportunities for wildlife viewing, hunting, trout fishing, swimming, kayaking, and camping. Part of the famous Appalachian National Scenic Trail is east of South Branch Mountain if you’re looking for a more challenging hiking experience. 25 Most Beautiful Mountains In West Virginia
Big Schloss
Named by German settlers for its resemblance to a castle, Big Schloss is a prominent rocky peak in the Great Northern Appalachian Range. The Mountain sits right on the Virginia/West Virginia border and offers hiking enthusiasts a choice of trails to reach the top. The most popular route to the summit is via the 4-mile Mill Mountain Trail from Wolf Gap. It is considered a moderate route and will reward you with wonderful views from the meeting, which is reached via a wooden bridge. You can set up camp at Wolf Gap Campground or bring your tent and enjoy a night of camping near the summit.
Nathaniel Mountain
Located in the heart of West Virginia’s Nathaniel Mountain Wildlife Management Area, Nathaniel Mountain reaches an elevation of 2,739 feet. He is one of three prominent ridges in this heavily forested, rolling landscape. The area surrounding the Mountain offers a wide diversity of activities for outdoor enthusiasts: you can spend your time walking or hiking a variety of trails or enjoying some excellent bird watching in the two wetlands, which are unique in one. The altitude is so high. Other activities include swimming, fishing, kayaking, hunting, mountain biking, and trail running. You can try primitive camping within the Wildlife Management Area or take your tent or RV to nearby Camp Wapocoma.
Patterson Creek Mountain
Forming the border between Mineral and Hampshire counties in West Virginia, Patterson Creek Mountain is a long, rolling ridge flanked by Patterson Creek. The highest point along the ridge is Charles Knob at 2,723 feet, and several more peaks are just waiting to be conquered. The Patterson Creek trail system is popular with hikers, mountain bikers, and even trail runners and attracts several annual marathon and mountain bike events. The adjacent Patterson Creek offers a variety of water activities, including swimming, trout fishing, canoeing, kayaking, and tubing. There are good backcountry camping and wildlife viewing opportunities and several catered campgrounds nearby.
Mill Creek Mountain
Although Mill Creek Mountain is by no means one of the tallest mountains in West Virginia, this long, undulating range, which is part of the Ridge-and-Valley Appalachians, is well worth exploring. You can tackle the highest 2,650-foot summit at High Knob or choose to walk along the ridge and explore some of the 12 other interesting discussions. Visitors to the area should visit Hanging Rocks, a perpendicular series of cliffs. They tower nearly 300 feet of sandstone above the South Branch Potomac River, which has carved a hole through Mill Creek Mountain. Outdoor activities include hiking, mountain biking, wildlife viewing, and camping.
Cacapon Mountain
Running northwest through Hampshire and Morgan counties in West Virginia’s eastern Panhandle, Cacapon Mountain reaches a height of 2,618 feet. Much of the scenic Mountain is within the Cacapon Resort State Park, which you can use as a base to explore the area: the resort offers cabins, bungalows, and an inn.
There is a 20-mile network of trails within the state park boundaries, ranging from gentle nature hikes to strenuous hikes, and non-hikers can enjoy fishing, horseback riding, boating, swimming, and mountain biking.
Sleepy Creek Mountain
Forming part of the Ridge-and-Valley Appalachians in the eastern Panhandle, Sleepy Creek Mountain and Third Hill Mountain include a blind valley home to Sleepy Creek Lake and Sleepy Creek Wildlife Management Area. Outdoor enthusiasts can set up a base camp at one of the wilderness area’s primitive campsites and spend a few days exploring all the outdoor activities, including hiking, walking, hunting and trapping, bird-watching wildlife, and fishing. Hiking enthusiasts and backpackers can head out along the 14.6-mile Tuscarora Trail from Sleepy Creek Lake and spend a night or two enjoying backcountry camping along the way.
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25 Most Beautiful Mountains In West Virginia