The best running trails in West Virginia

Komoot offers over 80 diverse running routes across West Virginia, catering to various skill levels. You'll find everything from easy, flat paths to challenging mountain ascents, allowing you to explore the state's stunning natural beauty.

Yes, West Virginia offers several easy running options perfect for beginners. For example, the Endless Wall Trail loop from Fayette is an easy 2.7-mile path through the scenic New River Gorge area. Many rail trails also provide gentler, less strenuous surfaces.

West Virginia, known as the 'Mountain State,' offers incredibly varied terrain. You can expect everything from flat, paved rail trails and crushed stone paths to rugged mountain routes with significant elevation changes. The landscape features lush forests, deep river gorges, and open meadows, providing diverse running experiences.

Absolutely! West Virginia is rich in natural beauty. The New River Gorge area, for instance, is known for its scenic vistas and features trails like the Endless Wall Trail, which offers breathtaking views. Blackwater Falls State Park is renowned for its tranquil beauty and cascading waterfalls, offering wooded trails for running.

Yes, many of West Virginia's running routes are designed as loops, offering a convenient way to start and finish in the same location. Examples include the Maryland Heights and C&O Canal Loop and the Coopers Rock Overlook loop from Coopers Rock State Forest, providing varied distances and difficulties.

The running routes in West Virginia are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 2.9 stars. Runners often praise the stunning natural scenery, the variety of terrain, and the opportunity to explore deep river gorges and Appalachian mountains.

Yes, near Morgantown, you can enjoy the Core Arboretum – Caperton Trail loop. This 8.5-mile trail combines arboretum paths with riverfront sections, offering a pleasant and accessible running experience. Additionally, Coopers Rock State Forest, located nearby, features 50 miles of trails with views of the Cheat River Gorge.

West Virginia is home to extensive rail trail systems, which are excellent for long-distance running due to their generally flat grades. The North Bend Rail Trail, part of the American Discovery Trail, offers a lengthy trek through railroad history and mountainous scenery. The Allegheny Highlands Trail also provides a 25-mile stretch with panoramic views.

While running in West Virginia, you could encounter iconic natural features like the New River Gorge, one of the oldest rivers on Earth, or the impressive quartzite fins of Seneca Rocks in Monongahela National Forest. Many trails also lead through lush forests, past cascading waterfalls, and offer views from high peaks like Spruce Knob.

Yes, several areas offer running opportunities near water. For example, the Wilderness, Triple Creek, and Lake View Loop provides scenic views of a lake. You can also find trails around Lake Sherwood Recreation Area and Coopers Rock State Forest Pond, offering refreshing waterside runs.

Spring and fall are generally considered the best times for jogging in West Virginia, offering mild temperatures and vibrant scenery. Spring brings blooming rhododendrons and lush greenery, while fall showcases spectacular foliage. Summer can be warm and humid, but higher elevations offer cooler conditions. Winter running is possible, especially on lower-elevation rail trails, but requires appropriate gear for snow and ice.

Experienced runners will find plenty of challenging options in West Virginia's mountainous terrain. Routes like the Maryland Heights and C&O Canal Loop, at 12.9 miles with significant elevation gain, offer a demanding workout. The state's national forests and state parks feature numerous trails with steep climbs and rugged surfaces, perfect for pushing your limits.