Have you ever explored the West Virginia Botanic Garden? It’s a free, outdoor garden and trail system (including loop trails) located in Morgantown, West Virginia, and it’s a good spot to spend the day year-round. That’s right, there’s hiking to be done and beautiful scenery to enjoy here no matter what the time of year.
In the spring, come here to enjoy colorful blooms, from the earliest crocuses to the later rhododendrons and more.
In the fall, the forest transforms into shades of gold, orange, red, and brown, and in winter, with many of the trees bare and the ground plants dormant, the park's sculptures shine: carved trees, fairy houses, willowy statues.
When you do visit, start with the Reservoir Loop Trail. This trail is one of the best ways to experience the West Virginia Botanic Garden to its fullest, no matter the season.
The Reservoir Loop Trail circles through the park around Tibbs Run Reservoir. The crushed stone loop trail is ADA accessible from both the Education and Event Center and the lower parking area.
The trail also serves as the gateway to many of the other trails and features hidden among the trees in this botanic park, including the Long Walk Garden, Hammock Haven, the Wetland Boardwalk, and the Woodland Trails.
Don't miss the expansive view of the reservoir basin visible to hikers from the dam breach area near the Education and Event Center.
Interpretive signs line the trail, offering even more of an immersive experience for day hikers. The Reservoir Loop Trail itself is under a mile in length, but it can easily be made longer by adding on any number of the Core Gardens or the Woodland Trails that this trail connects to.
All told, there are seven marked trails and nine gardens in the West Virginia Botanic Garden, most of which are reached via the Reservoir Loop.
To learn more or plan a trip to this beautiful area so that you can hike on this year-round loop trail, visit the West Virginia Botanic Garden on the web. You can also find the garden on Facebook. Would you like to learn more about some of West Virginia’s best loop trails? Here’s another one of our favorite hiking loops through the Mountain State
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
