Outside Magazine recently released a list of the best hikes in every state. Which hike do you think they picked for West Virginia? Which hike would you pick? Usually, at least in our experience, areas like Harpers Ferry or the New River Gorge (which we love and agree are gorgeous!) get featured in such national lists… but not this time.

This time, on this particular list, a 16.5-mile loop through the Monongahela Forest made the cut.
Patrick Stroup/Alltrails
It passes through beautiful woods and alongside pristine mountain waterfalls.
Patrick Stroup/Alltrails
It treats hikers to panoramic views of the mighty Appalachian Mountains.
Patrick Stroup/Alltrails

Related Stories

Rent An ATV In West Virginia And Go Off-Roading Through Hills And Hollers Of The Hatfield-McCoy Trail System

Rent An ATV In West Virginia And Go Off-Roading Through Hills And Hollers Of The Hatfield-McCoy Trail System

 3 Enchanting Forest Hikes In West Virginia That Are Beautifully Green Even In Winter

3 Enchanting Forest Hikes In West Virginia That Are Beautifully Green Even In Winter

 These 5 Trails In West Virginia Will Lead You To Extraordinary Ruins

These 5 Trails In West Virginia Will Lead You To Extraordinary Ruins
Along the way are multiple scenic stops for camping or picnicking or photographing.
Nic Manfredi/Alltrails
Can you guess yet from these clues and pictures which hike Outdoor Magazine named as the best in West Virginia?
Patrick Stroup/Alltrails
It's the Spruce Knob/Seneca Creek loop. The magazine notes: "This 16.5-mile circuit offers pockets of deciduous and Pacific Northwest–like evergreen canopies, secluded waterfalls, meadows, and panoramic views of West Virginia’s Monongahela National Forest. You can rest at Judy Springs, one of the most scenic campsites in the region. For the cherry on top, go in mid-October, when the air is crisp and the leaves are at peak color."
Patrick Stroup/Alltrails
We'd like to add that, while October is breathtaking, so are the wildflowers in summer and the rugged outline of the bare mountain slopes in early winter.... so expect to enjoy this hike in many seasons of the year!
Have you ever laced up your hiking boots and traversed all or part of this loop through some of the prettiest mountain terrain in the state? Do you agree that it deserves a spot on a list of best hikes in West Virginia?
Patrick Stroup/Alltrails

We’re so glad this hike is getting a little of the attention it deserves; check out a map of this area on Alltrails here. Note that there are several loops you can make of varying lengths, and the trail shown doesn’t actually close the loop, but it still provides a good starting point for planning your hike!

As mentioned, this loop trail connects the beautiful Seneca Creek area with Spruce Knob, which, if you didn’t know, is the highest point in the state! To learn more about this peak and what you can expect to find when you reach it, head over to this article.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Related Articles

Explore West Virginia

Featured Addresses
Seneca Creek Trail, Western, WV 26814, USA