State and National Parks Offer Great Hiking

There is great hiking all over Fayette County. To get oriented, start at the National Park Service’s Canyon Rim Visitor Center, just about five minutes from your cabin.  They have great maps and a friendly, knowledgeable ranger staff. Or stop by Water Stone Outdoors in Fayetteville and pick up a copy of Steve Cater’s New River Gorge Trail Guide. The staff here is always able to recommend a hike for you as well.

Long Point Hiking Trail (Best Hike Ever!)

Less than two miles of rolling hiking each way takes you to the most dramatic overlook in the gorge. Best view of the Big Bridge possible. Head out there for happy hour. Bring some food, a blanket and your favorite beverage and just kick back and take it all in!

Kaymoor Mine Hiking Trail

Another winner, especially if you are interested in the area’s coal mining history, is the Kaymoor Mine Trail. It’s less than two miles from the trailhead to this old mining site. The old structures and signs give you a taste of the past. A beefy set of 800 stairs takes you down to the river and the rest of the mine site.

Skyline Hiking Trail

Babcock State Park, 20 minutes from Fayetteville, has much to offer hikers. Stop by their visitor center for a copy of their trail map. Check out the Skyline Trail if you are looking for dramatic views. Summersville Lake also has some nice hiking/biking trails that take you out to some good overlooks/jumping spots.