The best walks and hikes in Hampshire County

This stretch of the Tuscarora Trail winds through George Washington National Forest, covering a vast expanse of hardwood forest that spans the spine of Great North Mountain. Along the way, you'll traverse rugged ridgelines, quiet hollows, and occasional rocky outcrops with panoramic views across the surrounding valleys. Remote and lightly traveled, this section of the trail offers a deep sense of solitude and connection to the stunning Appalachian landscape.

Eagle Rock Overlook sits on a high ridgeline just north of Dry Gap in the George Washington National Forest. From this rocky outcrop at roughly 2,800 feet, you get fantastic panoramic views to the east and south that stretch across the Shenandoah Valley, Capon Valley, and on a clear day, all the way into the Blue Ridge Mountains. It's the perfect spot to take a break, capture some photos, and take a moment to appreciate the incredible scenery.

The Paw Paw Tunnel is an engineering marvel along the C&O Canal, built to avoid constructing six miles of canal along the river. Work began in 1836, but labor disputes, funding issues, and the challenges of tunneling through shale delayed completion for 14 years. Finally opening in 1850, the 3,118-foot tunnel has faced ongoing rockslides throughout its history. Today, visitors can explore the tunnel with a flashlight to spot historical features like weep holes and rub rails. If riding your bike through its best to have a headlamp and to be cautious in the dark. Afterward, the two-mile Tunnel Hill Trail offers stunning views of the Paw Paw Bends.

The Paw Paw Tunnel was constructed over 14 years, and in effort to save 6 miles of construction, is located in a place of steep, rocky terrain. This proved to be challenging for creation and use of the tunnel. Delays of construction can be attributed to both violence among the workers and a general underestimation of the difficult nature of the project, and the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal Company was nearly bankrupted by the end.

The Ziler Loop is a 5-mile loop trail known for its challenging inclines. Hikers are rewarded with stunning views from the top of Cacapon Mountain, the highest point in the eastern panhandle of West Virginia.

If you are looking for a weekend getaway at a resort with great views and activities for everyone, give consideration to Capacon Resort State Park. Open year-round, the park covers over 6,000 wooded acres and offers several options for lodging. Visitors may participate in activities such as hiking, mountain biking, fishing, golfing, horseback riding, and more. The park was initially constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the late 1930s, but additions and renovations continued throughout the decades.

The Potomac River stretches 405 miles and crosses the borders of four states (Virginia, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Maryland). Aside from simply being nice to look at, the river is rich in local history and provides recreational opportunities such as rafting, kayaking, and fishing. The Potomac River is the fourth largest river along the Atlantic coast.

The Paw Paw Tunnel was constructed over 14 years, and in effort to save 6 miles of construction, is located in a place of steep, rocky terrain. This proved to be challenging for creation and use of the tunnel. Delays of construction can be attributed to both violence among the workers and a general underestimation of the difficult nature of the project, and the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal Company was nearly bankrupted by the end. The tunnel was primarily used by canal boats until the closure of the C&O company in 1924. Now, it is appreciated by visitors for its product of impressive engineering nestled in the topography of the park's natural scenic beauty.