Cranberry Glades Botanical Area Is A Scenic Outdoor Spot In West Virginia That's A Nature Lover’s Dream Come True
By Michelle|Published February 05, 2020
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Michelle
Author
Michelle's life is a colorful map of exploration and adventure. From the iconic streets of New York to the sunny shores of Florida, the jagged coast of Maine to the rugged terrain of Montana, she's been fortunate to call some of America's most beautiful states home. Beyond the U.S., Michelle's wanderlust has taken her on a motorcycle journey through India, led her to teach English in Hanoi, and saw her studying Spanish in Guatemala. Michelle graduated with a communications degree from the S. I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University and in addition to a career in advertising has worked with OnlyInYourState since 2016, where her love for travel and storytelling converges. Alongside writing and exploring, Michelle finds joy in photography, staying active, and time with her family.
For questions, comments and inquiries please email: mstarin@onlyinyourstate.com.
West Virginia is a nature lover’s dream and that’s why we’re happy to have so much beauty and wonder surrounding us. But that doesn’t mean all the trails are obvious and that the motivation is easy to find. In the winter it can be harder to get ourselves to strap on boots to explore, but we have a feeling this beautiful area might change that.
One of our favorite year-round trails in the state, the Falls of Hills Creek trail in the Cranberry Glades Botanical Area, can be found within the Monongahela National Forest. You’ll find it about an hour north of Lewisburg. People love this trail for the views, but also because it’s maintained so beautifully.
Let’s start things off! After arriving at the trailhead you’ll find an information kiosk to educate visitors about what lies ahead. To get there head towards Hillsboro. Just off the Highland Scenic Highway, you’ll find the parking area on Hills Creek Falls Road.
Each of the falls are lovely, but Middle Falls is a favorite. It’s the second on the route and features 45-feet of water spilling over rocks in view of the observation deck.
There are a number of stairs, so this is best for folks who are comfortable going up and down them. And, of course, extra caution in the winter is necessary.
The entire trail system here is absolutely beautiful. From the footbridges to the streams that run along the route, you’ll be mesmerized throughout your journey.
The trailhead is located in Hillsboro. To get directions from your location here’s a Google Maps link to the parking area just off the Highlands Scenic Highway. You can learn more about the trail system here.
