The best walks and hikes around Richwood

Yes, the area offers several accessible options perfect for families. The Koi Pond loop from Washington Township is a short, gentle walk. For a unique experience, consider the Cranberry Glades Botanical Area, which features a flat, half-mile boardwalk trail through a bog ecosystem that is fascinating for all ages.

Dogs are generally welcome on trails in the Monongahela National Forest, provided they are on a leash. The Cranberry Tri-Rivers Rail Trail is a great option for a long walk with your dog. However, please be aware that dogs are not permitted in the Cranberry Glades Botanical Area to protect the fragile ecosystem.

The Falls of Hills Creek is a must-see, featuring a series of three waterfalls—one of which is among the highest in West Virginia. A trail with stairs and boardwalks descends alongside the creek, offering spectacular views of each cascade. It's a popular spot, so expect to see other visitors.

Richwood is the gateway to the Cranberry Wilderness and Cranberry Backcountry, which together offer over 135 miles of trails for serious backpackers. This rugged area features challenging terrain, remote streams, and dense forests, providing a true wilderness experience for multi-day trips.

The hiking around Richwood is characterized by the lush, dense forests of the Appalachian Mountains. You'll find trails that follow the scenic Cranberry, Cherry, and Gauley Rivers, routes that climb to panoramic mountain overlooks along the Highland Scenic Highway, and paths through unique ecosystems like the bogs of Cranberry Glades.

The Cranberry Tri-Rivers Rail Trail is an excellent choice for a flat, easy walk. This 16-mile trail follows a former railroad grade, making it mostly level as it winds alongside the Cranberry, Cherry, and Gauley rivers. It's suitable for all fitness levels.

Trails in the Cranberry Wilderness are rugged and maintained to a primitive standard to preserve the wild character of the area. Expect stream crossings without bridges, steep sections, and potentially overgrown paths. It's essential to have good navigation skills and be prepared for challenging conditions.

For breathtaking panoramic views, head to the Highland Scenic Highway. This 43-mile scenic byway features four overlooks with stunning vistas of the surrounding mountains and valleys. These overlooks can serve as starting points for shorter hikes that reward you with expansive scenery without a strenuous climb.

Yes, many of the trails in the Cranberry Wilderness and Backcountry lead to secluded streams and swimming holes that are perfect for a refreshing dip on a hot day. Summit Lake also offers a designated swimming area and is a popular spot for cooling off after a hike.

For a day hike, you should carry the essentials: plenty of water, snacks, a map and compass (cell service is unreliable), a first-aid kit, and rain gear. The weather can change quickly in the mountains. Sturdy hiking shoes are a must, as many trails are rocky and uneven.

The difficulty varies greatly. You can find everything from easy, flat rail trails to extremely strenuous and remote backcountry routes. The Washington Lake – Holly Tract loop from Washington Township is a good example of an easy walk, while the trails in the Cranberry Wilderness are for experienced hikers only.

The trails in the area are well-regarded by the komoot community. Hikers often praise the sense of solitude and immersion in nature found within the Monongahela National Forest, especially the wild and scenic river valleys.