West Virginia is a mountainous state, and a forested one. In fact, according to some reports, West Virginia is the third most forested state in the nation! However, much of the old-growth forest in West Virginia has been logged, making it harder than you might expect to find a stand of virgin forest. There are a few left, though, and you explore one by hiking the Virgin Hemlock Trail on the edge of Chestnut Ridge Park near Coopers Rock State Forest. Come along as we explore this stunning natural environment that will leave you wanting for more!

Our adventure starts just outside of of the town of Bruceton Mills here in West Virginia.
Falling Squirrel / AllTrails
It is here that you will find this old-growth forest containing trees that are over 300 years old along the Hemlock Trail (otherwise known as the Virgin Hemlock Trail).
This forested path loops through the hemlocks...
Phil Brown/Google Maps
... then along a beautiful creek filled with pools and small waterfalls.
The 1.7-mile loop isn't very steep, but it does gain a little more than 200 feet of elevation.
Miranda Signorelli / AllTrails
Some of it goes through picturesque scenery including along a staircase.

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As far as trails in West Virginia go, it's a quiet footpath, not usually busy with other hikers.
Clinton Fisher / AllTrails
But those who do hike the Hemlock Trail in WV have nothing but good things to say about this beautiful part of the Mountaineer State.
This trail can be hiked year-round, and it is dog friendly.
Christine Kent / AllTrails
But be careful in all seasons as portions of the trail can be wet and slick during inclement weather.
As in most old-growth forests, there's significant biological diversity on the forest floor under these virgin hemlock trees.
Dustin Logan / Alltrails
Come prepared to encounter a variety of verdant plant life such as mosses, ferns, wildflowers, undergrowth species, and more, in addition to the massive trunks and spires of these century-old trees.
The trailhead is located right off of Route 73 at the end of the pull-off used for parking, and it is marked with a sign.
Falling Squirrel / AllTrails
Most experienced hikers prefer to travel counter-clockwise around this loop to start with the water views and then take advantage of the shade of the forest at the end of the hike rather than the beginning.

To double-check trail directions and current conditions, visit the Virgin Hemlock Trail page on AllTrails. You can also make a getaway of it by camping in the year-round campground that’s also located in Chestnut Ridge Park! If you’d like to explore other trails in West Virginia, you can find some great hikes by checking out AllTrails+.

Have you ever been to this West Virginia trail? If so, what was your favorite part? We’d love to read about your experience in the comments section below!

If you’re still in the mood for more West Virginia adventures, take a look at this video about the abandoned town of Thurmond:

 

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More to Explore

More West Virginia Adventures

Lysa Allman-Baldwin | July 14, 2023

Where can we find historic sites in West Virginia?

  • Carnifex Ferry State Park in Summersville is one of the oldest state parks in the United States and the site of several American Civil War Battles.
  • In Bethany you’ll find the Alexander Campbell House, a mansion built in 1793 and named after an early minister in the Restoration/Christianity Movement.
  • The Pearl S. Buck House in Hillsboro is named after the first American writer to win a Nobel Prize for Literature and a Pulitzer Prize.

Read on to learn more about some of the many other interesting historic sites in West Virginia.

What are some other great hiking trails in West Virginia?

  • The Endless Wall Trail near Lansing offers spectacular views as it runs adjacent to the New River Gorge National River.
  • Located near the confluence of Seneca Creek, the Seneca Rocks Trail is a popular destination for hikers and rock climbers.
  • The Big Schloss Trail in Kaymoor leads hikers to a now historic abandoned coal mine.

Read on to learn more about some of the many other wonderful hiking trails in West Virginia,

Where can we find state parks in West Virginia?

  • Audra State Park in Buckhannon features the remnants of an old gristmill.
  • Located in Davis, Blackwater Falls State Park features a 62-foot-tall waterfall, lots of hiking trails, and a campground.
  • Over in Hinton, Bluestone State Park expands some 2,154 acres and is a popular place for camping.

Read on to learn more about some of the many other exciting state parks in West Virginia.

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Hemlock Trail, Bruceton Mills, WV 26525, USA