West Virginia\u00a0has a number of trails with minimal obstacles. \u00a0Some are very easy and others are wheelchair accessible. \u00a0Here are just a few of them.
\nThese links\u00a0were found through Internet search. \u00a0I would love to have some first-hand recommendations.\u00a0\u00a0With 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.<\/p>\n

<\/a>Federal<\/a>
\nState<\/a>
\nLocal<\/a>
\nPrivate<\/a>
\nMiscellaneous<\/a><\/p>\n

<\/a>Federal<\/h2>\n

• George Washington and Jefferson National Forests
  \n<\/strong>\u00a0“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.” \u00a0Both of these Forests are primarily in Virginia. \u00a0 I am putting this one post in the pages for all three states. \u00a0There are a ton of trails, many of them described as easy. \u00a0You might pick an area you want to visit and call the appropriate Ranger District for advice.\u00a0 \u00a0Here are phone numbers for the eight Ranger Districts<\/a>.\u00a0 Supervisor’s Office Phone 540-265-5100.\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0Links to Maps<\/a>\u00a0 Day Hikes<\/a>\u00a0 National Forests Foundation<\/a>\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Here is the Forests’\u00a0website.<\/a><\/p>\n

  \u00a0Massanutten Storybook Trail<\/a>\u00a0in Lee Ranger District \u00a00.5 miles described in \u00a0Virginia Trail Guide<\/a>. \u00a0“…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.”
  \nLions Tale Accessible Trail for the Visually Impaired<\/a>\u00a0in Lee Ranger District\u00a0 0.5 mile interpretive loop. Waymarking.com<\/a>\u00a0 Backpacker.com<\/a> “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.”
  \nPandapas Pond Loop Trail<\/a>\u00a0Eastern Divide Ranger District 0.9 mile \u00a0“The pond is situated in a hardwood forest. Rhododendron and flame azalea are abundant. …\u00a0The trail encircles both the pond and the adjacent wetland.”
  \nFenwick Nature Walk Trail<\/a> Eastern Divide Ranger District. 1.0 mile. \u00a0“…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.”
  \nVirginias Walk Trail<\/a> Eastern Divide Ranger District \u00a01.30 miles. \u00a0“This 1.3 mile nature trail meanders around White Rocks Campground.”
  \nRhododendron Trail <\/a>\u00a0James River Ranger District. \u00a00.12 miles \u00a0There is a “…wonderful view of the Rich Hole Wilderness at the end.”
  \nBeartree Lake Trail<\/a> Mount Rogers National Recreation Area \u00a00.8 miles paved and gravel-surfaced trail which encircles Beartree Lake.
  \nJackson River Fishing Trail<\/a> \u00a0Warm Springs Ranger District \u00a00.85 miles. Primarily used for fishing access to the Jackson River, the trail follows an old roadbed and has scenic views of the river.
  \n\u00a0Hidden Valley West Trail<\/a> \u00a0in Warm Springs Ranger District 1.08 miles. \u00a0Follows the Jackson River downstream.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/li>

• Monongahela National Forest
  \n<\/strong>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.”
  \n<\/strong>Here is the Forest website<\/a>.\u00a0 \u00a0Phone 304-636-1800 \u00a0 Maps for Sale<\/a>
  \nBrochure and Map of Seneca Creek Backcountry
  \n<\/a>Lake Sherwood Area Brochure and Trails Map
  \n<\/a>Tea Creek Area Hiking Trails in Marlington Ranger District \u00a0Map & Brochure<\/a>
  \nFalls of Hills Creek<\/a>\u00a0 “The first 1700 feet of trail is paved and has a wheelchair accessible path to the upper falls viewing platform.” \u00a0 “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.”
  \nWhispering Spruce Trail #567<\/a>\u00a0 0.5 mile. \u00a0“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” \u00a0“The wide hard graveled path has gentle slopes.”
  \nSherwood Lake Trail # 601 3.5 mile loop around Lake Sherwood. \u00a0Judging from the topo map, this trail is pretty level. \u00a0However, I haven’t found a difficulty rating. \u00a0Call first.<\/p>\n

  <\/div>\n<\/div><\/li>

• New River Gorge National River
  \n<\/strong>“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.”
  \n<\/strong>\u00a0 Here is their website<\/a>. \u00a0\u00a0Canyon Rim Visitor Center<\/a>, 304-465-0508, \u00a0 \u00a0Sandstone Visitor Center<\/a>\u00a0304-466-0417, \u00a0 \u00a0Thurmond Depot<\/a>\u00a0 (seasonal) 304-574-2115, \u00a0Grandview Visitor Center<\/a> (seasonal) 304-763-3715
  \nAccessibility<\/a>
  \nFayetteville Area Trails<\/a>\u00a0 Map<\/a>
  \nCanon Rim Boardwalk \u00a00.1 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…
  \n? <\/strong>There are three trails in the Fayetteville Area described as “easy”. \u00a0They are the 1.2 mile Burnwood Trail, \u00a01.1 mile Park Loop Trail, and the 1 mile Timber Ridge Trail. \u00a0 Call the Canyon Rim Visitor Center to learn if they are suitable for you.
  \nSandstone-Brooks Area Trails<\/a>\u00a0 Map<\/a>
  \n\u00a0Sandstone \u00a0Falls Boardwalk 0.2 mile …crosses two bridges leading to islands and observation decks offering fantastic views of the falls and access to fishing areas.”
  \n?\u00a0<\/strong>The Island loop 0.5 mile is described as easy, but rocky. \u00a0Better check with the Visitor Center to learn how difficult it is.<\/p>\n

   <\/p>\n<\/div><\/li>

• New River Gorge National River
  \n<\/strong>“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.
  \nHere is their website<\/a>.\u00a0 \u00a0Canyon Rim Visitor Center<\/a>, 304-465-0508, \u00a0 \u00a0Sandstone Visitor Center<\/a>\u00a0304-466-0417, \u00a0 \u00a0Thurmond Depot<\/a>\u00a0 (seasonal) 304-574-2115, \u00a0Grandview Visitor Center<\/a> (seasonal) 304-763-3715
  \nAccessibility<\/a>
  \nFayetteville Area Trails<\/a>\u00a0 Map<\/a>
  \nCanon Rim Boardwalk \u00a00.1 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…”
  \n? <\/strong>There are three trails in the Fayetteville Area described as “easy”. \u00a0They are the 1.2 mile Burnwood Trail, \u00a01.1 mile Park Loop Trail, and the 1 mile Timber Ridge Trail. \u00a0 Call the Canyon Rim Visitor Center to learn if they are suitable for you.
  \nSandstone-Brooks Area Trails<\/a>\u00a0 Map<\/a>
  \n\u00a0Sandstone \u00a0Falls Boardwalk 0.2 mile …crosses two bridges leading to islands and observation decks offering fantastic views of the falls and access to fishing areas.”
  \n?\u00a0<\/strong>The Island loop 0.5 mile is described as easy, but rocky. \u00a0Better check with the Visitor Center to learn how difficult it is.<\/p>\n

  <\/div>\n<\/div><\/li><\/ul>Back to top<\/a><\/p>\n

  <\/a>State<\/h2>\n

  • Beartown State Park
    \n<\/strong>“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.”
    \n<\/strong>\u00a0Here is the Park website<\/a>.\u00a0 \u00a0Phone 304-653-4254 \u00a0 Map<\/a>
    \nThere 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.”<\/p>\n

    <\/div>\n<\/div><\/li>

  • Blackwater Falls State Park
    \n<\/strong>“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.”
    \n<\/strong>Here is the Park website<\/a>. \u00a0\u00a0Map<\/a>\u00a0 \u00a0Phone 304-259-5216 \u00a0 \u00a0 Trails Descriptions<\/a>
    \nThere are a number of trails in this park rated for hiking as “beginner.” \u00a0I 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.
    \nGentle Trail 0.25 mile \u00a0“..a short, paved accessible path to an observation deck overlooking Blackwater Falls.”<\/p>\n

    <\/div>\n<\/div><\/li>

  • Droop Mountain Battlefield State Park
    \n<\/strong>“Located in the Greenbrier River Valley north of Lewisburg, Droop Mountain Battlefield State Park is part of the Civil War Discovery Trail.”\u00a0 There are hiking trails and “gorgeous scenic views of the Greenbrier River Valley.”
    \n<\/strong>\u00a0Here is the Park website<\/a>.\u00a0 \u00a0Phone \u00a0304-653-4254 \u00a0 Map<\/a> \u00a0Trail Descriptions<\/a>
    \nCranberry Bogs Trail 0.5 mile \u00a0“…the most popular trail in the park, winding through a mountain bog where interesting plants, tall pines, and wildlife can be seen.” \u00a0“…mostly level, easy walking.”
    \n<\/a>Old Soldier Trail 0.75 mile\u00a0 ”…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.”<\/p>\n

    <\/div>\n<\/div><\/li>

  • Greenbrier River Trail State Park
    \n<\/strong>“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\u2019s most remote areas.”\u00a0 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.”
    \n<\/strong>Here is the Park website<\/a>. \u00a0 Phone\u00a0 304-799-4078\u00a0 Map<\/a> from Bivy.\u00a0 Friends’ Facebook page<\/a>.\u00a0\u00a0
    \n“<\/strong>The Greenbrier River Trail is a 78-mile long rail trail operated by West Virginia State Park system.” \u00a0“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<\/a> and Watoga State Park<\/a>. A trip along the trail is truly a \u201cWild and Wonderful\u201d experience.””\u00a0 The mostly hard-packed crushed-limestone surface trail is paved in some places.\u00a0 I suggest you call ahead to be sure about where you can access this trail with a wheelchair.<\/p>\n

    <\/div>\n<\/div><\/li>

  • Hawks Nest State Park<\/a>\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong>Phone \u00a0304-658-5212 \u00a0 Map<\/a> \u00a0\u00a0Trail Descriptions<\/a>
    \n<\/a>Hawks Nest Rail Trail \u00a0“1.8 miles.\u00a0 One way.\u00a0 Easy. This gravel trail begins behind the Nature Center, follows Mill Creek, and ends near the town of Ansted.\u00a0 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. ”
    \n?<\/strong> \u00a0The 0.5 mile Fisherman’s Trail and the 0.5 mile Park Loop Trail are described as “easy”. \u00a0Call first to be sure how easy.<\/p>\n

    <\/div>\n<\/div><\/li>

  • Holly River State Park
    \n<\/strong>“With 8,101 acres of dense forest, Holly River is West Virginia\u2019s 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.”
    \nHere is the Park website<\/a>.\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0Map<\/a>\u00a0\u00a0 Phone \u00a0304-493-6353 \u00a0 \u00a0 Trail Descriptions<\/a>
    \nLaurel Fork Trail 0.5 mile<\/p>\n

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

    <\/div>\n<\/div><\/li>

  • Kanawha State Forest
    \n<\/strong>Seven miles south of Charleston, Kanawha State Forest is has an “extensive network of hiking and biking trails and has some of the state\u2019s most popular picnic areas. The 9,300-acre forest is noted among naturalists for its diverse wildflower, tree and bird populations.”
    \n<\/strong>Here is the Forest website<\/a>.\u00a0 Phone \u00a0 304-558-3500 \u00a0Trail Map<\/a>
    \nSpotted Salamander Trail\u00a0 0.25 mile interpretive nature trail with signs in Braille.\u00a0 Charleston Gazette-Mail article 9\/12\/2016<\/a>\u00a0 Facebook page<\/a>
    \n? <\/strong>CCC Snipe Trail is a 0.75 mile interpretive trail rated “easy”. \u00a0I suggest you call first to find out how easy it is.<\/p>\n

    <\/div>\n<\/div><\/li>

  • Little Beaver State Park
    \n<\/strong>Little Beaver State Park is a 562-acre day-use park with nearly 20 miles of trails.\u00a0 An 18-acre lake offers fishing year-round. From Outdoorsy<\/a>: “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. ”
    \nHere is the Park website<\/a>.\u00a0 Phone 304-763-2494 Trail Map<\/a>\u00a0 Trail Descriptions<\/a>
    \nRailroad Grade is 1.95 miles. \u00a0“The scenery ranges from deep woods to open meadows. Gentle loop trail that follows Laurel Run Creek.”
    \n<\/a>Lake Front Trail is s paved 1.1 mile loop trail around the lake front.<\/p>\n

    <\/div>\n<\/div><\/li>

  • North Bend State Park\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong>
    \n“Found among the Mid-Ohio Valley\u2019s 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.”
    \nHere is the Park website<\/a>.\u00a0 \u00a0Phone \u00a0304-643-2931 \u00a0 Park Trail Map<\/a>\u00a0 \u00a0Trail Descriptions<\/a>
    \nExtra Mile Trail 0.6 mile round trip. \u00a0“A self-guided paved interpretive trail for the disabled.”
    \nNorth Bend Rail Trail<\/a> \u00a072 miles \u00a0Map<\/a> \u00a0“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<\/a><\/p>\n

    <\/div>\n<\/div><\/li><\/ul>Back to top<\/a><\/p>\n

    <\/a>Local<\/h2>\n

    Back to top<\/a><\/p>\n

    <\/a>Private<\/h2>\n

    • Cranesville Swamp Preserve
      \n<\/strong>The Cranesville Swamp Preserve\u00a0lies in Preston County West Virginia and Garrett County, Maryland.\u00a0 \u00a0 It is a 1,774 acre boreal bog which is a remnant of the Ice Age.\u00a0 There are\u00a0many plants and animals not usually found this far south in North America.\u00a0 \u00a0There are five trails, including a 1,500 foot boardwalk.\u00a0 \u00a0I haven’t found any information as to whether you could get on the boardwalk in a wheelchair.\u00a0 Here are the websites for Maryland\/District of Columbia and for West Virginia.\u00a0\u00a0Nature Conservancy MD\/DC<\/a>\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Nature Conservancy WV<\/a>
      \nTrail Guide<\/a>\u00a0 \u00a0 Brochure<\/a>\u00a0 \u00a0 Phone WV 304-637-0160 \u00a0 Phone MD\/DC 301-897-8570
      \n? <\/strong>“Although all trails are fewer than two miles and not difficult to walk, hiking boots are recommended as some trails may be muddy.”<\/p>\n

      <\/div>\n<\/div><\/li><\/ul>Back to top<\/a><\/p>\n

      <\/a>Miscellaneous<\/h2>\n

      • Best Wheelchair Friendly Trails in West Virginia\u00a0<\/strong>from AllTrails.com<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/li>

      • Blooming Schedule for West Virginia<\/a> by Maurice Brooks \u00a0This great resource is on the website for the Monongahela National Forest, see above under Federal.
        \n“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.”<\/p>\n<\/div><\/li>

      • This\u00a0Guide to Accessible Recreation in West Virginia<\/a>\u00a0is provided by West Virginia University.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/li>

      • The Rails-to-Trails Conservancy<\/a> lists wheelchair accessible trails in West Virginia.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/li><\/ul> Back to top<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

        West Virginia\u00a0has a number of trails with minimal obstacles. \u00a0Some are very easy and others are wheelchair accessible. \u00a0Here are just a few of them. These links\u00a0were found through Internet search. \u00a0I would love to have some first-hand recommendations.\u00a0\u00a0With your help, we can share our knowledge with disabled people everywhere and also increase awareness of … Continue reading Rails-to-Trails – West Virginia<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_exactmetrics_skip_tracking":false,"_exactmetrics_sitenote_active":false,"_exactmetrics_sitenote_note":"","_exactmetrics_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-63","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.accessiblenature.info\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/63","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.accessiblenature.info\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.accessiblenature.info\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.accessiblenature.info\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.accessiblenature.info\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=63"}],"version-history":[{"count":11,"href":"https:\/\/www.accessiblenature.info\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/63\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5888,"href":"https:\/\/www.accessiblenature.info\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/63\/revisions\/5888"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.accessiblenature.info\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=63"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}