All trails

1.25-mile loop from Auto Tour Stop 4 crossing the Cornfield, site of the ferocious early-morning fighting of September 17, 1862; interpretive markers explain one of the battle's bloodiest phases.

1.6-mile trail through the battlefield's quiet northern farm country, linking the Bloody Lane and Sherrick Farm trails past the Roulette, Parks and Newcomer farmsteads that stood during the 1862 battle.

1.6-mile loop from the visitor center passing the Mumma and Roulette Farms to the Sunken Road—the "Bloody Lane"—where Union assaults finally broke the Confederate center during midday fighting.

1.3-mile trail meandering through farm fields and woodlots on hilly terrain down to Burnside Bridge, passing the 194-acre farm owned by Joseph Sherrick Jr. during the Battle of Antietam.

1-mile loop crossing the historic Burnside Bridge over Antietam Creek, tracing the Union and Confederate movements around the stone bridge during the battle's late-afternoon fighting.

0.9-mile, mostly shaded loop from Auto Tour Stop 5 through the West Woods, where mid-morning fighting on September 17, 1862 produced some of the day's heaviest casualties.

Blue-blazed side trail climbing the west slope of South Mountain to meet the Appalachian Trail; the popular access route to Black Rock cliff—Maryland's best view—and Annapolis Rock. Steep, wooded ascent.

Three-quarter-mile self-guiding loop over open sand through the island's dune ecosystem, tracing shifting dunes and the effects of ocean wind and waves on barrier-island life.

Half-mile interpretive loop on an elevated boardwalk over the salt marsh along Sinepuxent Bay, with views of crabs, fish, wading birds and often the island's wild horses.

Half-mile self-guiding loop through maritime loblolly-pine forest that opens onto a boardwalk with viewing platforms over the salt marsh and Sinepuxent Bay.

The flat, level towpath running 184.5 miles along the Potomac from Georgetown, D.C. to Cumberland, Maryland, following the historic 19th-century canal past locks, lockhouses and aqueducts.

The most demanding Billy Goat section: a 1.7-mile cliffside boulder scramble above Mather Gorge just downstream of Great Falls, including a 50-ft rock face, with views of the frothy Potomac. Often a 3.7-mile loop via the towpath.

Wooded loop from the Great Falls Tavern area passing the ruins of the historic Maryland Mine and a wayside on post-Civil War gold mining; a ~3-mile forest alternative to the riverside trails at Great Falls, Maryland.

The westernmost and easiest Billy Goat section, 1.6 miles along the Potomac with no rock scrambles; commonly hiked as a ~2.6-mile loop with the C&O Canal towpath.

The middle Billy Goat section, 1.4 miles along the Potomac; easier than Section A with only one brief scramble, usually looped back via the C&O Canal towpath.

Climbs about 2 miles over Sorrell Ridge above the 3,118-ft Paw Paw Tunnel, the longest structure on the C&O Canal; pairs with the towpath through the brick-lined tunnel as a loop.

Short boardwalk footpath crossing bridges to Olmsted Island and the Great Falls Overlook, where the Potomac roars through the rocks above Mather Gorge; begins near the Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center.

Flat, easy forest-and-marsh trail running about 1.8 mi to the Chesapeake Bay beach below Calvert Cliffs, where visitors sift sand for Miocene fossils and fossilized shark teeth. Climbing the eroding cliffs is prohibited.

Yellow-blazed loop from the visitor center to the Hog Rock and Blue Ridge Summit overlooks, with a spur to 78-foot Cunningham Falls in the adjoining state park; mostly moderate with a few steep pitches.

Yellow-blazed loop from the visitor center climbing to Thurmont Vista, an eastern overlook above the town of Thurmont and the Monocacy Valley.

Short trail to a reconstructed Prohibition-era moonshine still, site of a deadly 1929 raid, interpreting Catoctin's whiskey-making history; roughly 0.6 mi round trip.

The blue-blazed Catoctin Trail, a long-distance ridge route linking Cunningham Falls State Park with Catoctin Mountain Park and Gambrill State Park across the Catoctin Mountains; this route is a designated National Recreation Trail.

A steep, strenuous yellow-blazed climb to Cat Rock, a quartzite outcrop at 1,560 feet with scenic views over the Catoctin Mountains; a rugged alternative to the park's gentle falls trails.

The shortest and easiest route to Cunningham Falls, a 78-foot cascading waterfall that is the largest in Maryland; a red-blazed, interpretive trail leading a half mile down to the base of the falls.

Purpose-built singletrack loop (red blazes) through mixed hardwood and conifer forest over rocky terrain, opened in 2023 for hikers and mountain bikers in western Maryland.

White-blazed trail linking the fishing pond to the stone foundation of the Dye School, a one-room schoolhouse from the late 1800s, past a historic stone wall and stream crossings.

Gambrill's longest trail, a yellow-blazed loop that mostly follows the Catoctin Mountain ridgeline from the High Knob area to the park's northern boundary, with a spur to a west-facing rock overlook of the valley.

The yellow-blazed Catoctin Trail, a roughly 26-mile point-to-point route, begins at Gambrill State Park and runs north through the Frederick watershed to Cunningham Falls and Catoctin Mountain Park.

White-blazed one-mile loop through oak forest at Gambrill, an easy, family-friendly walk near the High Knob picnic area and its stone overlook shelters.

Red-blazed connector loop linking Gambrill's campground with the wider trail network. A short, fairly easy woodland walk on Catoctin Mountain that suits families.

Black-blazed trail climbing Catoctin Mountain's wooded slopes to the High Knob overlooks, with sweeping views east over Frederick and west across the Middletown Valley.

Green-blazed loop with several steep slopes and little level ground, making it Gambrill's most challenging trail. It threads rocky, forested terrain on the flanks of Catoctin Mountain.

The park's longest and most popular loop, roughly 4.9 miles through South Mountain's oak-and-maple hardwood forest, finishing with a level walk along the shore of 42-acre Greenbrier Lake.

White-blazed trail tracing the Little Gunpowder Falls along the Baltimore-Harford county line, running through hardwood forest past old mill sites. Mostly gentle riverside walking with a few rocky climbs.

White-blazed trail hugging the Big Gunpowder Falls through the rocky, wooded Hereford Area below Prettyboy Dam. It forms the larger half of the classic North-South loop, one of the park's premier day hikes.

Long, easy riverside path through the park's Central Area, tracing the Big Gunpowder Falls near the U.S. Route 1 corridor. A well-loved, mostly flat walk through Maryland's largest state park.

The Gunpowder North Trail runs along the north bank of the Big Gunpowder Falls in the Hereford Area, closely following the river with scenic water views. Paired with the South Trail it makes the park's signature loop.

Mostly flat trail following the Big Gunpowder Falls in the Hereford Area, linking with the Sawmill Trail for a popular loop from the Masemore steel bridge. Level riverside walking with a short wooded climb.

Riverside trail through the Sweathouse Branch Wildlands, following the north side of Big Gunpowder Falls. It anchors the top-rated Sweathouse Branch and Wildlands loop, a 4.7-mile favorite passing a small waterfall.

Short, rocky climbing trail out of the Big Gunpowder valley near the U.S. Route 1 underpass in the Sweathouse Branch Wildlands. Often combined with the Sweathouse Trail to form a popular riverside loop.

The park's only maintained land trail, a roughly one-mile loop (the White Tail Fitness Trail) winding through hardwood forest and loblolly pine near the mainland campground; flat and easy with marsh-edge views.

Paved, nearly level rail-with-trail beside the Patapsco River from Avalon toward Ilchester. Passes the historic Swinging Bridge and the former Bloede Dam site; popular with families, cyclists and strollers.

Forested ridge trail on the Howard County side, paralleling the river and park road with rolling climbs. Often hiked as an out-and-back or looped with Cascade Falls in the Orange Grove/Avalon area.

Popular loop from the Orange Grove area to Cascade Falls, a multi-tiered waterfall on a Patapsco tributary. Several stream crossings and cascades; family-friendly and near the historic Swinging Bridge.

Rocky, root-laced woodland trail following Sawmill Branch to the Patapsco in the Hilton/Glen Artney area. Frequently linked with Grist Mill, Santee Branch and Cascade Falls into a longer loop.

Easy riverside trail in the McKeldin Area leading to the McKeldin Rapids, where the North Branch tumbles over rock ledges. Often combined with the Switchback Trail for a longer loop.

The park's main marked hiking trail, following the north bank of the upper Patuxent River through pine stands, mountain laurel, and a scenic rock garden; often walked as a riverside loop.

Roughly 0.7-mile nature loop at the Milburn Landing area (the Bald Cypress Nature Trail), threading pine groves, hardwoods and a bald cypress swamp along Cottingham Mill Run to a small swamp-overlook dock.

Easy waterfront loop following Point Lookout Creek along a corridor cleared in the early 1800s for an unbuilt railroad to Washington. It winds past reeds, pines and marsh near the park's Civil War prison-camp museum.

Prettyboy Reservoir's signature footpath, threading a shaded gorge of old eastern hemlocks along the Gunpowder Falls below the dam. Rooty, rocky and lightly marked; often extended into a longer loop. Hunting occurs fall through spring.

White-blazed main loop climbing to the King and Queen Seat, towering rock outcrops rising nearly 190 ft above Deer Creek with sweeping valley views. A popular scramble and rock-climbing spot.

Short, easy trail from Falling Branch to Kilgore Falls, Maryland's second-tallest free-falling waterfall at roughly 17 ft. Rock-hops Falling Branch to reach the base of the falls and its plunge pool.

Challenging climb up Evitts Mountain, gaining about 1,000 ft to the stone-wall and caved-in well ruins of 1730s settler Evitt's homesite. Rock-hops a cascading stream through hemlock, mountain laurel and rhododendron.

Short, scenic climb to an overlook of the mile-long gorge cut by Rocky Gap Run below Lake Habeeb. The signature quick hike at Rocky Gap for a view down the canyon.

Blue-blazed long-distance natural-surface trail following Great Seneca Creek roughly 16.5 miles from the C&O Canal near the Potomac up to MD-355; a wooded, foot-traffic route with creek views and abundant wildlife.

Orange-blazed 5.8-mile trail connecting the Clopper Lake area to the Schaeffer Farm trails, running along a wooded ridge with vistas toward Seneca Creek; popular with hikers, trail runners and mountain bikers.

Yellow-blazed 7.5-mile trail linking Black Rock Mill to the C&O Canal, hugging the rim of the Seneca Creek river valley with views across the water; a quieter, wooded route through the lower park.

Blue-blazed 3.7-mile loop encircling Clopper Lake through woodland and open fields, crossing several stream bridges; the park's most popular hike, with continuous water views, waterfowl watching and fishing access.

Red-blazed loop through Soldiers Delight's rare serpentine barrens: open grassland and stunted oaks on chromium-rich soil, near an overlook at one of Baltimore County's highest points.

Trail to the historic Choate chromite mine, a fenced 19th-century adit from Isaac Tyson's serpentine-barrens operations that once supplied much of the world's chromium; often looped with the Serpentine Trail.

A blue-blazed loop of about 5 miles from the West View lot over Sugarloaf's northern peaks, with views from White Rocks and the Bill Lambert Overlook. Rocky, rooted footing with several short, steep pitches.

A white-blazed loop of about 2.5 miles circling the base of Sugarloaf Mountain through mixed forest, often combined with the summit trails for a fuller tour of the mountain's overlooks.

The green-blazed summit trail climbing from the East View parking area to the top of Sugarloaf Mountain, the shortest and steepest route to the summit overlooks. Named for Stronghold's first superintendent.

Green-blazed trail from the Deer Creek Picnic Area with river and creek views and stands of large trees. Mostly flat but rocky and moderately steep near the end; crosses the Deer Creek trestle bridge.

Red-blazed ridge trail running high above the Susquehanna River, sharing its route with the long-distance Mason-Dixon Trail. Moderate to difficult, with bluff-top river views.

White-blazed loop climbing through hardwood forest across the historic Land of Promise tract above the Susquehanna River. Links with the Rock Run area trails for a longer circuit.

Yellow-blazed loop through the Rock Run Historic Area, passing the 1794 Rock Run Grist Mill, the Jersey Toll House and the Carter-Archer Mansion near the Susquehanna River.

Longest trail at Tuckahoe State Park, a blue-blazed point-to-point route along Tuckahoe Creek through hardwood forest, split by Adkins Arboretum. Nearly flat with creek crossings, wildflowers and birding; shared with bikes and horses.

Yellow-blazed trail hugging Tuckahoe Creek beneath clay bluffs that are rare on Maryland's flat Eastern Shore. Rocky footing and steep drop-offs along the water; often hiked as a loop with the Tuckahoe Valley Trail.

The Appalachian Trail crosses South Mountain through the park, passing the 1827 stone tower on Monument Knob, the first monument completed to George Washington. A steady climb to the summit; a noted fall hawk-migration lookout.

NOVA Parks' longest natural-surface trail, a point-to-point route along Bull Run and the Occoquan River linking four parks. Blue-blazed dirt with boardwalks, stream crossings and rolling hills; a popular long-distance day hike near DC.

Loop at Bull Run Regional Park through one of the East Coast's largest Virginia bluebell displays, over 150 acres carpeting the Bull Run and Cub Run floodplains. Mostly flat dirt with boardwalk; peak bloom in mid-April.

Orange-blazed trail, one of Douthat's longest, following Stony Run past a rhododendron-shrouded cascade and climbing toward Middle Mountain; frequently linked with the Tuscarora Overlook.

Climbs shaded Blue Suck Hollow past small cascades to Blue Suck Falls, the park's signature waterfall about 1.5 mi in, then continues toward Tuscarora Overlook; steep, rocky switchbacks.

Yellow-blazed ridge trail running over the crest of Beards Mountain with forest and mountain views; the backbone of a popular loop of roughly 5 miles.

Blue-blazed trail behind the main office climbing from Beards Gap toward the Allegheny ridge through a rocky, cascade-lined gorge with tilting bluff lines; a steep, difficult route.

Yellow-blazed trail linking the Stony Run and Blue Suck Falls trails to Tuscarora Overlook, a high viewpoint with a stone shelter cabin and 180-degree views of Beards Mountain and the Alleghenies.

Short self-guided interpretive nature trail near the campground and lake, with numbered stations on the park's forest ecology; an easy family walk.

Multi-use loop of about 3.3 miles climbing to Little Mountain Falls, a small cascade, and passing two scenic overlooks; a DCR-featured hike shared with mountain bikers and horseback riders.

The park's longest trail, a wide sand-and-pavement route from the Narrows to the 64th Street entrance through maritime forest, cypress swamp and salt marsh with boardwalks. The only trail open to bikes; flat and popular for cycling.

Sandy foot trail tracing the shore of Broad Bay and Long Creek through maritime forest and salt marsh. Rated one of the park's best birding routes; packed sand with small hills, connecting to the Osprey Trail. No bikes.

Wooded loop through low-lying maritime forest named for the wild osmanthus (devilwood) shrubs along it. Mostly flat dirt, popular with joggers and hikers; foot traffic only.

Singletrack spur off the Long Creek Trail running along the tidal beach of Broad Bay, with sections that flood at high tide. Sandy footing and bay views popular for birding; foot traffic only.

First Landing's signature loop, winding through bald-cypress swamp on dirt path and boardwalk with observation platforms. Shaded and nearly flat; foot traffic only, no bikes. Starts at the Trail Center.

Flat, wide historic roadbed once used to reach the town of Matildaville. An easy walk through the woods, good for birding and a gentle alternative to the rocky River Trail.

The park’s signature hike, skirting the clifftops above Mather Gorge with spectacular views of the Potomac’s rapids. Rocky, uneven footing with some scrambling.

Scenic streamside trail following Difficult Run through a rocky gorge to its confluence with the Potomac. Narrow with rocky sections; anchors a popular loop with the River and Ridge trails.

Passes the stone ruins of Matildaville, a town founded in 1790 and abandoned by the 1830s, near the Patowmack Canal. Gently hilly with winter glimpses of Mather Gorge.

Self-guided loop of the August 1862 Second Battle of Manassas, passing the Unfinished Railroad Deep Cut, Brawner Farm and Groveton Confederate Cemetery. Longer, mostly level route through fields and woods.

Self-guided loop of the July 1861 First Battle of Manassas, the war's first major clash, tracing the fighting from the Stone Bridge feint to Matthews Hill and Henry Hill. Mostly flat with numerous wayside exhibits.

Loop circling Brawner Farm, where the Second Battle of Manassas opened on Aug 28, 1862. Passes the restored farmhouse interpretive center overlooking the fields of the Gibbon-Jackson clash.

Popular loop from the Henry Hill Visitor Center across the open fields where Thomas J. Jackson earned the name 'Stonewall' during First Manassas. Passes cannons, monuments and the reconstructed Henry House.

Loop to the Deep Cut of the Unfinished Railroad, where Confederates repelled massed Union assaults on Aug 30, 1862. Passes wayside exhibits, an artillery display and the 1865 Second Manassas Monument.

Loop along Bull Run to the historic Stone Bridge, an escape route for retreating Union troops in both battles. Follows the creek through woods; laid out as a counterclockwise cell-phone audio tour.

The park's longest trail, winding through mature forest across the Mason Neck peninsula toward the adjacent national wildlife refuge. Quiet, moderately rolling woodland hiking.

Flat, forested spur leading to a wooden observation blind with benches overlooking Kane's Creek, built for watching the peninsula's nesting bald eagles.

Easy interpretive loop carrying a long boardwalk over the park's freshwater marsh along Belmont Bay. A prime spot for viewing bald eagles, herons and waterfowl in a protected Potomac watershed.

Shady, gently hilly forest trail to Kane's Creek and Belmont Bay, part of a protected area where dozens of bald eagles roost year-round. A core route of the Mason Neck eagle-watching hikes.

Easy trail from Blowing Springs Campground tracing an old railroad grade up the Back Creek gorge in George Washington National Forest, passing a low falls and swimming hole; noted for spring wildflowers.

Out-and-back from Wolf Gap in George Washington National Forest to Big Schloss, a white-sandstone outcrop on Great North Mountain with roughly 270-degree views over Trout Run Valley on the VA/WV line.

Easy, well-marked loop around Beaver Lake in Pocahontas State Park with near-continuous lake views and a waterfall at the CCC-built dam; the park's most popular hiking trail.

The park's longest trail, following the South Fork of Quantico Creek past small cascades and rocky sections through hardwood forest; part of it carries the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail.

Follows the North Fork of Quantico Creek through mixed hardwood forest and passes the Cabin Branch Pyrite Mine site; pairs with the South Valley Trail for a loop along both forks of the creek.

A short trail dropping to Quantico Cascades, where the South Fork of Quantico Creek tumbles over rock ledges; often walked as a detour off the valley trails to reach the falls.

Short spur descending to the ruins of the Cabin Branch Pyrite Mine, which operated 1889-1920 above Quantico Creek; hikers see foundations of the machine shop, engine room, and boiler house.

Gravel fire road dropping from Fishers Gap on Skyline Drive; it forms part of the popular Rose River Falls loop, which passes the 67-ft Rose River Falls and its cascades.

Gravel fire road on the Berry Hollow side of Old Rag Mountain; with Berry Hollow Road and the Saddle Trail it forms the gentler, non-scramble route to Old Rag's 3,284-ft summit.

Rugged South District route through Riprap Hollow past Chimney Rock and Calvary Rock overlooks to a streamside swimming hole; usually hiked as a ~9.8-mile loop with Wildcat Ridge and the Appalachian Trail.

Descends White Oak Canyon past a series of six waterfalls (35-86 ft) with swimming holes, one of Shenandoah's most popular canyons; hiked to the upper falls from Skyline Drive or up from the lower boundary trailhead.

Climbs to an overlook on the east rim of the Big Devils Stairs gorge with the creek cascading far below; often combined with the Bluff Trail and Appalachian Trail as a loop in the north district.

Steady, shaded climb from Skyline Drive (mile 46.5) to the 4,051-ft summit of Hawksbill Mountain, the highest peak in Shenandoah, with sweeping views of the Blue Ridge and Shenandoah Valley.

Steep descent from Skyline Drive (mile 50.7) to Dark Hollow Falls, a 70-ft cascade dropping over basalt ledges; one of the park's closest and most popular waterfall hikes.

Easy loop off the Appalachian Trail to the cliff-top summit of Stony Man (4,011 ft), Shenandoah's second-highest peak, with west-facing views over Luray and the Shenandoah Valley.

Short hike to a true greenstone rock scramble near Skyline Drive mile 56.4, using hands and feet over ancient lava boulders to reach a 360-degree summit view of the valley and Piedmont.

The Appalachian Trail runs the Blue Ridge crest along the park's western edge, linking the North Ridge, South Ridge and Ambassador Whitehouse trails into the signature Sky Meadows loop.

Blue-blazed trail through fields and past ponds in the Lost Mountain area; pairs with the Lost Mountain Trail to form a roughly 4-mile pastoral loop with westward views.

Yellow-blazed trail in the quieter Lost Mountain area east of Route 17, climbing to a westerly overlook on Lost Mountain; often paired with Rolling Meadows for a loop of about 4 miles.

Blue-blazed climb through cow pasture and forest to the Blue Ridge crest and Appalachian Trail; one of the park's steeper, rockier trails and the ascent leg of the classic loop.

Blue-blazed ridge trail forming the return leg of the main loop, passing three viewpoints: the Historic Area Overlook, South Ridge Overlook and a spur to George's Overlook.

Light-blue-blazed trail off the Appalachian Trail leading to the Piedmont Memorial (Whitehouse) Overlook, a stone-terraced viewpoint over the valley; part of the popular Sky Meadows loop.

Short but steep climb from the historic farm up open hillside meadow to the Piedmont Overlook, with sweeping views over the Crooked Run Valley and Piedmont; the park's signature view.

The park’s longest trail, looping through hardwood forest with a boardwalk across tidal marsh and wildlife habitat above the Potomac. The most elevation gain of the park’s trails.

Moderate woodland trail with rolling terrain and benches, winding to Laurel Point through forest above the Potomac. Popular for birding and walking.

The park’s most popular trail, descending through forest and tidal marsh to Fossil Beach on the Potomac, where visitors sift for Miocene shark teeth and fossil shells.

Paved multi-use trail running along both banks of the Anacostia River, connecting neighborhoods from the National Mall area to Bladensburg, Maryland; mostly flat riverfront with wooded stretches, marsh and parks.

Paved 7-mile rail-trail on the former B&O Georgetown Branch, running from Georgetown in Washington, D.C., along the Potomac to Bethesda, Maryland. A flat, popular route for walking, running and cycling.

One of Rock Creek Park's two main hiking trails, a blue-blazed path following Rock Creek through the wooded valley on the east side. Paired with the Western Ridge Trail it forms the park's classic loop.

One of Rock Creek Park's two main hiking trails, a green-blazed route along the wooded western uplands from the Nature Center. Paired with the Valley Trail it forms the park's classic loop of about 10 miles.

Paved National Recreation Trail threading Alapocas Run along the Brandywine, linking to Rockwood and Bellevue parks past dramatic rock faces, woodlands and the Blue Ball Barn.

Paved riverside path along Brandywine Creek past the Blue Rocks, Delaware’s only public rock-climbing cliff, with views of granite bluffs, the creek and small waterfalls.

Easy crushed-stone path along Brandywine Creek, shared by hikers, cyclists and horseback riders. Flat and family-friendly, running the length of the park's valley floor near the creek.

Wooded trail climbing from Brandywine Creek through a grove of evergreens with rocky footing and stream crossings. A steady, somewhat steep climb; a quieter route on the park's east side.

Trail hugging the east bank of Brandywine Creek from the Pennsylvania line down to the Rockland Road trailhead. Scenic waterside walking, often linked with other trails into the popular Brandywine river loop.

Linear trail along steep, rocky slopes on the east side of Brandywine Creek. Packed-earth footing with gradual grades that steepen near the creek banks; a short but scenic east-side route.

A crushed-stone rail-trail on a 19th-century railroad bed connecting the beach towns of Lewes and Rehoboth Beach, running through hardwood forest, open farm fields and wetland boardwalk sections.

Flat crushed-stone path and elevated boardwalk skirting the 900-acre Gordons Pond saltwater lagoon between Rehoboth Beach and the Cape Henlopen dunes; prime birdwatching for herons, ospreys and bald eagles.

An easy ~2.6-mile loop through the forested, shifting sand dunes at Cape Henlopen near Lewes, showcasing the park's slowly migrating 'walking dunes'.

A nearly 7-mile loop tracing the wooded, wetland shoreline of Lums Pond; mostly level with bridges and boardwalk sections, and shared by hikers and cyclists.

Perimeter loop around Trap Pond with pondside views of its bald-cypress swamp, the northernmost natural stand of bald cypress in the U.S. Formerly the Loblolly Trail, renamed for trails advocate Bob Venables.

Short crushed-stone nature trail through hardwood forest of loblolly pine, bald cypress and its namesake American holly; a scenic alternative to the park's longer loops.

White Clay Creek State Park's most popular hike, a wooded loop through mixed hardwood forest and meadow edges in the park's Chestnut Hill area near Newark, with gentle climbs and good spring wildflowers.

A forested loop, often combined with the Tri-State Trail, leading to the Tri-State Marker where Pennsylvania, Maryland and Delaware meet and the Arc Corner Monument, with tall wildlife observation stands.

Rail-trail on the bed of the former Mann's Creek Railway toward Sewell, running narrow along a cliff above the creek with occasional boulder detours. Gentle grade open to hikers and mountain bikers.

Follows the old Mann's Creek narrow-gauge railroad grade downhill through remote gorge wilderness toward the vanished town of Sewell, passing waterfalls. Rugged and remote; links Babcock's main area with Camp Washington-Carver.

Ridge trail following a clifftop line above Manns Creek with three overlooks. Often combined with the Rocky and Narrow Gauge trails and Sewell Road into a loop. Trailheads sit near Cabin 5 and the Manns Creek Overlook.

Short but steep climb behind the Glade Creek Grist Mill through boulders and ladder-style rock steps to a gazebo overlook above the Glade Creek valley. Rhododendron-lined with rough terrain and scenic vistas.

Short walk to a small natural arch weathered from Nuttall sandstone, a rarity in the region. The moss-covered span is easy to pass through and can be combined with the Mountain Heath Trail.

Moderate trail descending through hemlock, mountain laurel and rhododendron; commonly hiked as a route down to the Blackwater Falls overlook.

Somewhat challenging trail through hemlock and hardwood forest to Balanced Rock, a large sandstone boulder perched atop a narrow pedestal rock.

Short forested trail from near the lodge crossing a footbridge over Shays Run at Elakala Falls, the first of a series of waterfalls dropping about 35 feet into the Blackwater Canyon.

Moderate spur trail to Pase (Pace) Point, an overlook of the North Fork of the Blackwater River gorge.

Short, mostly level trail through spruce and rhododendron to Lindy Point, a rock promontory with one of the park's most popular and scenic panoramic views into the Blackwater Canyon.

The park's longest trail at about 1.1 miles, winding beneath old-growth eastern hemlocks and crossing Rhine Creek on several footbridges within a National Natural Landmark virgin forest.

Short 0.2-mile path leading beneath the park's tallest old-growth hemlocks—some roughly 90 feet tall and up to 350–500 years old—a favorite walk in this virgin forest National Natural Landmark.

Longer forest trail running from the old Sand Springs homestead down toward the archery range, popular with both hikers and mountain bikers.

Easy interpretive trail through a grove of old-growth eastern hemlocks over 300 years old, following a stream off WV 73.

Rocky trail descending then climbing to the Raven Rock outcrop, a dramatic overlook of the Cheat River Canyon. Sturdy footwear recommended for the rugged footing.

Cliff-edge trail along the rim of the Cheat River Canyon, threading massive rock formations and rhododendron. Connects the overlook/concession area to Rock City.

Winds through 'Rock City,' a maze of house-sized sandstone boulders below the main overlook. Easy-to-moderate footing among rhododendron and towering rock formations.

Mostly level trail with a few steep pitches leading to the Henry Clay Iron Furnace, a large stone stack used for iron-making in the 1830s.

Follows an old forest roadbed down the North Fork of the Cranberry River to the North Fork Shelter, passing streamside campsites and native brook-trout water. A key leg of the wilderness's longer loops.

The main spine of the Cranberry Wilderness and backbone of the classic backpacking loop, running the high plateau through red spruce and northern hardwoods. Rough, unblazed and often muddy; GPS recommended.

Follows the Middle Fork of the Williams River through the northern Cranberry Wilderness, with cascading streams, small waterfalls and moss-covered spruce woods. A central leg of the classic backpacking loop.

A ridgetop trail dropping from the Highland Scenic Highway westward into the Cranberry Wilderness to the South Fork of the Cranberry River, one of the main eastern gateways into the backcountry.

The main artery through the Dolly Sods backcountry, following Red Creek through its canyon past waterfalls, swimming holes, and multiple creek crossings; central to most loop backpacking routes here.

Popular trail crossing open meadows and boggy heath and fording Red Creek to climb to Blackbird Knob; a common access route into the Dolly Sods backcountry from Forest Road 75.

Follows an old railroad grade across the boggy beaver-meadow flats of the northern Sods; a key link on the Bear Rocks loop, frequently muddy but rich in open wetland and meadow scenery.

Descends along Big Stonecoal Run through spruce and hardwood forest past a series of cascades and Big Stonecoal Falls, linking the high plateau with the Red Creek valley.

Runs from the Dolly Sods picnic area along the plateau edge to the Rohrbaugh Cliffs, sandstone overlooks with sweeping views into the Red Creek canyon; passes meadows, spruce, and beaver dams.

Climbs onto a rocky spine on the eastern rim of Dolly Sods, reaching the Lions Head outcrop with panoramic views; the ridgetop runs near 4,000 feet through stunted spruce and rock fields.

Traverses the open high-elevation heath plains of the northern Sods near the iconic Bear Rocks overlook, crossing wind-swept meadows, bogs, and huckleberry barrens above 4,000 feet.

Climbs Elk Ridge to the Civil War Stone Fort and artillery batteries on Maryland Heights, passing Naval Battery ruins. Steep and rocky; often combined with the overlook route.

Blue-blazed loop reached via the Appalachian Trail, climbing Loudoun Heights to Split Rock with views of Harpers Ferry and the river confluence. Passes Civil War earthworks.

Red-blazed route up Elk Ridge to the Maryland Heights Overlook, the iconic clifftop view over Harpers Ferry and the Shenandoah-Potomac confluence. Steep, rocky climb; the park’s signature hike.

Easy loop through the ruins of Virginius Island, a 19th-century industrial community on the Shenandoah, with mill and factory foundations reclaimed by the river.

The Appalachian Trail through historic Harpers Ferry, climbing from Lower Town past Jefferson Rock and the Appalachian Trail Conservancy headquarters, the trail’s symbolic midpoint.

Short battlefield loop on Bolivar Heights, site of the 1862 Confederate siege and Union surrender, with open views across the Shenandoah Valley to the surrounding heights.

Moderate trail leading to Mystic Falls, a secluded 'hidden' waterfall in Holly River State Park.

Trail from the campground entrance that parallels Big Run and passes beneath Tecumseh Falls before climbing to a primitive camping area; the falls is reached on a roughly 2.2-mile round trip.

Steep climb to the 2,480-foot Potato Knob summit in Holly River State Park through rhododendron and mountain laurel, rewarding hikers with a commanding view over the park; the route also passes a Tenskwatawa Falls viewpoint.

A 26-mile rail-trail on the former West Virginia Central & Pittsburg Railway from Elkins to Parsons, climbing gently into the Monongahela National Forest with small-town, farmland and riverside scenery.

A remote 22-mile rail-trail between Glady and Durbin following the West Fork of the Greenbrier River through the Monongahela National Forest, with historic trestles, quiet river views and backcountry campsites.

A rail-grade trail descending Blackwater Canyon from Thomas to Hendricks, dropping roughly 1,300 ft along the Blackwater River past cascades and old logging and mining relics. Rocky, rugged footing in places.

The main access route into Roaring Plains West Wilderness, following Flat Rock Run past small waterfalls on an old railroad grade before climbing steeply into red spruce and hemlock highlands near Dolly Sods.

West Virginia's longest hiking trail, running roughly 330 miles from the Mason-Dixon Line to the Appalachian Trail on Peters Mountain. Its heart traverses the remote ridgelines of the Monongahela National Forest.

Clifftop trail along the Endless Wall, zig-zagging the gorge rim with expansive views of the New River nearly 1,000 ft below. Crosses Fern Creek to Diamond Point Overlook; passes vantage points over the park's climbing routes.

Mostly level rim trail atop the gorge at Grandview, linking the Main Overlook to Turkey Spur Overlook roughly 1,400 ft above the New River. Turns rockier near the end; among the park's premier long-range viewpoints.

Wooded out-and-back to Long Point, a bare rock promontory about 800 ft above the river giving the park's most famous head-on view of the New River Gorge Bridge. The final 0.2 mi drops steeply over roots and rock.

Wooded trail connecting the Kaymoor Top area to the Long Point Trail, with steep sections and a small stream crossing. A climbing-access spur descends to Butcher Branch Falls, a tiered sandstone cascade.

Unpaved loop branching from the Sandstone Falls boardwalk, circling a river island beside the falls through the Appalachian flatrock community with close riverside views of the New River's whitewater.

Short but strenuous loop beneath towering, fortress-like sandstone cliffs at Grandview, passing exposed coal seams and narrow, rocky ledges. Connects the Main Overlook area with the Grandview Rim Trail.

Steep descent to the historic Kaymoor coal mine, dropping via rocky switchbacks then 821 wooden steps to the coke ovens and processing plant near river level. The climb back out is strenuous; hiking poles advised.

Accessible boardwalk crossing two bridges to islands and observation decks at Sandstone Falls, the New River's largest waterfall, spanning roughly 1,500 ft and dropping 10-25 ft. Threads a rare Appalachian flatrock plant community.

72-mile crushed-limestone rail-trail on the former B&O line across north-central WV, running through 10 tunnels and over 36 bridges, including the reputedly haunted Silver Run Tunnel. Part of the American Discovery Trail.

Follows the Bluestone River along the floor of the gorge past small waterfalls and wildlife; reaching it involves wading and the park's aerial tramway down into the canyon.

About a 3-mile loop climbing to gorge views and the Raven Rock overlook above the Bluestone River canyon in Pipestem Resort State Park.

Steep 0.7-mile descent from the Canyon Rim Center to Heritage Point, a massive sandstone outcrop overlooking the Bluestone River Gorge some 500 feet below.

Steep, switchbacking trail from the Seneca Rocks Discovery Center that climbs to a wooden observation platform below the crags, with sweeping views over the North Fork Valley and the Tuscarora quartzite fins.

Follows upper Seneca Creek through spruce forest and mountain meadows with many creek crossings, passing Seneca Falls; forms the heart of the classic Spruce Knob-Seneca Creek backpacking loop.

A ridge-crest trail running through red spruce forest and huckleberry heath along the high plateau near Spruce Knob; a longer, quieter route toward West Virginia's highpoint with sweeping ridge views.

A flat, family-friendly loop following the shore of 25-acre Spruce Knob Lake, the highest lake in West Virginia at 3,840 feet; passes pine woods, wildflower shorelines, and boardwalks, with a bald eagle nest on the far side.

A gentle half-mile loop circling the summit of Spruce Knob, at 4,863 feet the highest point in West Virginia; passes a stone observation tower with panoramic views and interpretive signs on the high country.

A short shoreline trail from the Tygart Lake Lodge area along the hilly lakeshore to the Tygart Dam, ending at an overlook of the dam and Tygart Lake.