Arguably, the entire state of West Virginia could be called “off the beaten path.”  We’re the Mountain State, after all – the only state completely within the Appalachian Region. We’re one of America’s best hidden treasures. But even within our rural, remote state, there are some destinations that are even more out of the way than others. And one of them is the Hanging Rock Raptor Observatory.

The Hanging Rock Raptor Observatory. Do you know it? It's an old fire tower located in Monroe County, West Virginia, just minutes from the West Virginia - Virginia state border.
Hanging Rock Raptor Observatory / Facebook
It's perched on top of Peters Mountain between Waitville and Gap Mills, and it's only accessible by a narrow, winding mountain road (Limestone Hill Road).
Hanging Rock Raptor Observatory / Facebook
It's also located along the Allegheny Trail, a 330-mile, north-south trail that spans West Virginia from the Pennsylvania border all the way to just beyond the raptor observatory.
Hanging Rock Raptor Observatory / Facebook
And even though this little spot is located off the beaten path, it's well worth the journey, by car and by foot, to find it. But don't take our word for it. Let the pictures do the talking.
Hanging Rock Raptor Observatory / Facebook

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From the parking lot, head up the mountain through the woods. It's a magical, wonderful woods accessible in at least parts of every season, full of mossy green rocks, rugged sandstone boulders, and gnarly, weathered trees.
Hanging Rock Raptor Observatory / Facebook
And then, just when you start to feel like you've been climbing forever, you'll round the corner, spot the tower, climb the steps, and drink in this view.
Hanging Rock Raptor Observatory / Facebook
(The trail is really only just under a mile in length, but it does climb 350 feet in elevation.)
Keep an eye out for the birds for which the Hanging Rock Raptor Observatory was named - they love to hang out along this ridge.
Hanging Rock Raptor Observatory / Facebook
Isn't this a view worth tracking down? We sure think so!
Google/Dorothy Walker

To learn more about the Hanging Rock Raptor Observatory or see more pictures of this beautiful old fire tower, the mountainous terrain that it presides over, and the wildlife that visits it so regularly each season, head over to the observatory’s website or Facebook page. And if you need a lunch to bring with you to this out of the way destination, swing by the deli at Cheese ‘N’ More in Gap Mills.

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Hanging Rock Raptor Observatory, Union, WV, USA