In 2025, Governor Patrick Morrisey launched the Mountaineer Mile to encourage West Virginians to walk at least one mile a day. There are designated Mountaineer Mile trails in each state park with hiking trails as well as some state forests and preserves.
Many trails are a portion of a longer trail – at the half-mile mark, a sign lets hikers know to turn around to finish their mile walk. The chosen trails are not too steep or technical, making them perfect for all skill levels.
The director of West Virginia State Parks, Brett McMillion said, “Hiking is the number one gateway activity to get folks in the great outdoors.”
Consider going the extra mile on one of my favorite Mountaineer Mile trails below.
Babcock State Park – Lake View Trail
The 1-mile Lake View Trail circles Boley Lake. It is labeled as easy, but there were several extended climbs, so I consider it a low-moderate hike.
Its first quarter mile is the best for actual lake views, plus it is the easiest and widest part of the trail.
Beartown State Park – Beartown Boardwalk
Beartown has a half-mile boardwalk through a maze of Droop (or Pottsville) Sandstone, so to get the full mile you would need to walk it twice.
There are dozens of steps along the boardwalk; however, there is a universally accessible path to an overlook.
Brush Creek State Park/Nature Preserve – Brush Creek Falls Trail
The Mountaineer Mile follows the trail to Brush Creek Falls and continues 300 yards beyond the waterfall to the turnaround point.
While there are some climbs at the beginning and end of the trail, for the most part, the terrain is level.
Canaan Valley Resort State Park – Blackwater River Trail
This 1-mile loop winds through the woods following Blackwater River. A couple of short spur trails allow visitors to get closer to the water.
Little Beaver State Park – Lake Front Trail
Lake Front Trail was the first official Mountaineer Mile trail. This 1.1-mile loop circles the lake starting at the dam and spillway.
It is mostly flat and technically universally accessible – there are slight elevation changes and narrow areas.
Summersville Lake State Park – Pirates Cove Trail
Pirates Cove Trail starts with a gentle slope and multiple switchbacks. Though there are several turns, ample signage and blazes made sure I never felt lost.
During my visit, pops of color from berries and wildflowers along the trail made me smile.
There are more trails to explore the beauty of Wild and Wonderful West Virginia. From gentle loops in local parks to scenic trails winding through state forests, each mile beckons you to step outside, breathe the mountain air, and connect with “Almost Heaven” one footstep at a time.
The boardwalk through the droop sandstone is beautiful. I love the way it meanders through.