West Virginia has plenty of amazing places to hike, but some of the lesser-known spots are the state’s most beautiful natural areas. This underrated hike takes you along the ridges of North Fork Mountain in Grant and Pendleton counties.

You’ll find some of the best views in West Virginia on North Fork Mountain.

WikiMedia Common/Brian M. Powell The mountain reaches 4,588 feet at its highest elevation, creating stunning views of the valleys below.

The trail travels alongside quartzite cliffs studded with beautiful pine trees.

WikiMedia Common/Wyatt Greene Most of the nearby mountains host a majority of spruce trees, but North Fork Mountain has a drier climate, and you’ll find different vegetation and animal life.

The mountain overlooks Germany Valley and Smoke Hole Canyon.

WikiMedia Common/Jarek Tuszyński Hikers who travel here say the views are unforgettable.

The full trail is 24 miles, so if you want to see it all, you may want to pack gear to camp for a day or two.

WikiMedia Common/Brian M. Powell Imagine having this view from your campsite!

The trail is an especially beautiful spot for a fall hike.

Forest Wander We’ll see those leaves changing soon!

The trail gradually slopes upward from South to North, with a few difficult climbing areas. There are small parking areas on either end of the trail, and if you hike the whole way, you’ll want to have a car on each end. To the south, the parking is along route 33, and to the north, the parking is along Smoke Hole Road.

WikiMedia Common/Brian M. Powell

The mountain reaches 4,588 feet at its highest elevation, creating stunning views of the valleys below.

WikiMedia Common/Wyatt Greene

Most of the nearby mountains host a majority of spruce trees, but North Fork Mountain has a drier climate, and you’ll find different vegetation and animal life.

WikiMedia Common/Jarek Tuszyński

Hikers who travel here say the views are unforgettable.

Imagine having this view from your campsite!

Forest Wander

We’ll see those leaves changing soon!

Do you have just a limited time to hike in West Virginia? If you only do 5 hikes in the state, make them these.

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