The best walks and hikes in Raleigh County

Yes, Raleigh County has several options suitable for families and beginners. For a very accessible walk, consider the Island Loop Trail to Sandstone Falls, which features a boardwalk leading to views of the largest waterfall on the New River. Another great choice is the Little Beaver Lake loop from Daniels, an easy trail that circles the 18-acre lake within Little Beaver State Park.

The most prominent waterfall is Sandstone Falls, the largest on the New River. You can get excellent views from the accessible boardwalk trail in the Sandstone Falls area. For a different experience, the Glade Creek Trail follows the creek and features several smaller cascades and swimming holes along its path.

For a more strenuous outing, the region offers trails with significant distance and elevation. The Little Laurel Trail is a moderately difficult hike with over 1,100 feet (350 m) of elevation gain, taking you through dense forests. It offers a solid challenge and rewarding scenery within the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve.

Yes, dogs are generally welcome on trails in the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, including popular spots like Grandview, as long as they are on a leash no longer than 6 feet. However, rules can vary for state and county parks like Little Beaver State Park and Lake Stephens, so it's always best to check their specific regulations before you go.

Little Beaver State Park offers nearly 20 miles of trails through varied terrain. You can expect to hike through stands of virgin pine and oak, see seasonal wildflowers, and enjoy views of the 18-acre lake. Trails like the Beaver Creek Trail follow the creek and run above the lake, providing pleasant water views.

The Grandview area of the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve is famous for its dramatic vistas. The Grandview Rim & Castle Rock Trail provides spectacular views from 1,400 feet above the river, where you can see for miles along the gorge. The Turkey Spur Overlook in the same area also offers stunning panoramic views.

Absolutely. The Castle Rock Trail, which is part of the popular Grandview Rim loop, is renowned for taking hikers along the base of massive sandstone cliffs and under impressive rock overhangs. It's one of the best trails in the region for experiencing this type of geological feature up close.

Lake Stephens Park has around 20 miles of trails suitable for hiking and walking. The trails range from easy to moderate, winding through the hardwood forest that surrounds the 272-acre lake. These paths are a good option if you want to combine a hike with other activities like swimming, boating, or picnicking.

The Big Branch Trail loop is considered an easy hike. It's a relatively short loop of about 2 miles (3.2 km) with moderate elevation change, making it a great option for a quick and scenic walk through the forest in the New River Gorge area.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community. Reviewers often praise the dramatic scenery of the New River Gorge, particularly the stunning views from the Grandview overlooks. The variety of trails, from easy waterfall walks to challenging riverside treks, is also frequently mentioned as a major highlight.

Hiking is excellent year-round, but spring and fall offer the most pleasant weather. In late spring, typically May and June, the Grandview area is famous for its spectacular bloom of Catawba rhododendrons. Autumn provides brilliant fall foliage throughout the gorge. Summer is also popular, though it can be hot and humid, while winter offers a quieter experience but requires preparation for cold and potentially icy conditions.