Whether you’re coming to escape life, or to find it, Greater Parkersburg, West Virginia is that place. Nothing rejuvenates the soul like a walk in the woods. Lace up your hiking boots and grab a walking stick, this region’s trails are approachable for all skill levels and timeframes. Here are a few of our favorites:
- Fort Boreman Historical Park – Once a strategic Civil War fort for its far-reaching views, Fort Boreman Historical Park continues to offer unbelievable scenic overlooks of the Ohio and Little Kanawha Rivers. The park boasts several looping trails, including an ADA accessible trail.
- Mountwood Park – Mountwood Park offers a seemingly endless array of hiking options. Meticulously maintained trails pass through both eastern hardwood forest and open areas, along pleasant creeks and lakeshore, and atop stony ridges. Hike 1 to 30 miles.
- McDonough Wildlife Refuge – Enjoy a short hike with the family close to town! McDonough is a popular location year-round with hiking trails ranging from 0.5 miles to 2.0 miles in length. You’ll pass by duck marshes and overlooks as you wind your way through the woods.
- North Bend State Park – If you’re looking for the entire fall getaway package, North Bend State Park offers stunning fall foliage, a lodge, camping sites, and 14 hiking trails with a total of 20 miles available for all skill levels.
- North Bend Rail Trail – One of West Virginia’s most unique parks, the North Bend Rail Trail stretches 72 miles through 13 tunnels, rural countryside and several historic sites with mountain biking, hiking, and horseback riding. Formerly an abandoned spur of the CSX system, the trail is part of the 5,500 mile coast-to-coast American Discovery Trail.