I stopped by recently for a little adventure :)…read more I've been here more times than I can count and at all times of the day and the night, but I never get tired of this place. The peace and tranquility here is off the charts. It was a beautiful day, the temperature was about 68, and the sky was perfect. Every time I leave here I go a different way out to try and get lost, but after about two hours of exploring and finding some cool new roads and places, I made it back onto US-33 off of Glady Fork Rd by The Lodge in Alpena. What a great place to relax and unwind and learn news roads in and out. I have always loved this whole area and I always will. I'll be seeing you again very soon Spruce Knob :D

Road was super curving and some was gravel . We stopped at a overlook and even though the light…read morewas going away it was a great view. I def wish we had more time and better light to appreciate it. We saw so many deer which i loved seeing. in the end light was going too fast we made it to the lake but didn't make it to the top because sun was going down. driving those roads in low light was a bit scary. I know my husband really had wanted to be heading home much earlier and not be driving those roads in the dark. But once he realized I was wanting more exploring he went with it. I really would like to return. I wish we had spent more time in WV and skipped skyline drive. I have fell in love with WV. He kept wanting to move on to SKyline drive and down to Gatlinburg. I was wanting all WV.

Tony and I were driving South on RT 26 from Bruceton Mills to Kingwood in WV. I saw a sign about…read moreVirginia 1847 Iron Works Furnace part of the River of Promise Trail. Located on the Banks of Muddy Creek that flows into the Cheat River. The park is Free to enjoy with Free parking along the road. Across the street is abandoned road side picnic area and shelters from the 40s to the 60s. Once we went down the steps to the abandoned iron furnace works, I saw an amazing waterfall along the rocks The falls were gorgeous. I will definitely go here again. If you swim, it's not super deep but enough room to get wet and enjoy but remember No Lifeguard...

This is a very impressive, 53 foot waterfall located in Swallow Falls State Park. It can be found…read moreon the Swallow Falls Canyon Trail and can be viewed both from above, via a nice overlook, or from water level by heading down the stairs to the trail. It's a beautiful view!

NOTE: Not sure why this listing is called "North Fork Mountain Inn" but this is not the correct…read morename or address (I've requested Yelp moderators to update it so hopefully they will do that soon). The trail is called "North Fork Mountain Trail" and you can navigate to the correct place using Google Maps! For the most part, this hike is all about endurance. From the start to the top (where the overlook is), it's about 3.1 miles and ~2000 feet of elevation. The beginning can be a bit challenging with a lot of loose rocks/pebbles, but then it turns into a smoother path of dead pine leaves/hay (not really sure what it is). The trail is pretty ugly during this time of the year (transition from winter to spring) since leaves have not had the time to grow on trees yet. So lots of dead looking trees and depressing views even if you come on a day where the sky is clear with some clouds and sunlight. The only good part about this is that this means there weren't many bugs! Later on, you'll climb up bigger stones that are more cemented to the ground with lots of branches you can grab onto to hoist yourself up if needed. Also, there are some nasty, green thorn branches that sticks out in the most inconvenient way. If you're not careful, you could get pricked which kinda stings a bit. Overall, pretty uphill and can be pretty tiring - make sure to bring a liter of water to drink here and there to help with any cramping you might feel. Definitely take breaks - there's really no shame in that. I walk a lot on the daily and still had to take many breaks throughout the hike because I'm not used to walking on rocky paths and going uphill. The last 200-300 meters before the overlook is quite challenging as it is an incredibly steep uphill (300-400 feet of elevation?). Right before you enter this last part is a small man-made, stacked rock pyramid. One of my friends and I took several breaks while going up this terror trail because we were so exhausted. When you think you got to the top, you actually have to rock climb a bit before going to the overlook. Take your time to climb up the rocks if you haven't done it before. If you're not an experienced hiker/rock climber, you probably shouldn't go by yourself. Nearly two hours later (and 15 or so breaks), we made it to the overlook, which was incredibly breathtaking and beautiful. I don't know how else to describe the scenes with my simple vocabulary terms, so I attached some photos. It was worth the climb in the end (even if I didn't think so while I was hiking up). We came on a great day where the weather was in the 70s, skies were clear, and the sun wasn't too strong. You can take time to sit for a bit and eat, take lots of pictures, etc. The hike isn't a loop, so the way down is going backwards. Much easier compared to going up (obviously), but be careful going down because it can be pretty slippery. Again, the hike is more about endurance and not much technical skill (except climbing the rocks to get to the overlook). It's a bit challenging, but overall a pretty short one (6.2 miles total) with amazing views! My friends and I thoroughly enjoyed the hike - also doesn't have many people because it's not a tourist trap trail.

Absolutely beautiful and relaxing! The hostess' are both very kind and welcoming. The breakfast was…read morefabulous and also was able to have dinner at the lodge which was out of this world! Our room was so cozy and comfortable. Very clean. We have a beautiful view out the private balcony. The second night we wanted to switch rooms to have access to the jacuzzi tub in the larger room and they accommodated us so well! Can't recommend this any more. Lots of outdoor activities to take advantage of and a nice relaxing lodge to spend your evenings

Great experience. Somewhat difficult getting to the base of the falls. Road to the falls, which…read morepasses Albert and Kennedy falls is rough at times. Worth the trip. You can also expand your hike several miles past Douglass falls and there are additional smaller falls as you transition into the Blackwater canyon.

Excellent falls and historic site of the mining place; it is a bit on the wild side in terms of…read moregetting down to the waterfall.

This waterfall is the fourth in the series at Swallow Falls State Park on the Youghiogheny River…read more On the loop walk this is the fourth falls and the slightly longer walk in the groves of the virgin hemlock trees. These lovely groves of Virgin Hemlocks are lovely and remind me of pine trees but super tall. I have to admit, I used my off here because of the dense forest and wet like conditions with all the ferns and trees so thick that its like a dark canopy in there. I still got bit by a mosquito so be careful with any kids, make sure everyone is covered in OFF or some sort of Deet. There is no barriers at the tops of the falls so also take warning and be careful with any pets and kids. Rocks are slippery and you can go over. You are allowed to Wade in the river and the bottom of the falls but the water is strong and swift so be extra careful This park is free to enjoy so ENJOY!!! Be sure to see all four waterfalls in this lovely park!!!

This is the smallest waterfall in Swallow Falls State Park, accessible via the Swallow Falls Canyon…read moreTrail, but it is so scenic and picturesque! The setting, off the side from the strength and noise of the river, also made it feel very peaceful and relaxing as the water trickled gently into the pond-like area below it. It was also closer to the towering trees of the old growth forest, so the backdrop was wonderful. It seemed to invite a quieter, more contemplative reaction than its larger, noisier cousin waterfalls in the park, and I was glad that we had ended up heading around the loop trail in the direction that ended us here. Beautiful!

What an amazing trail for, walking running or bike riding. No motorized vehicles allowed. I ran…read morethis for the 1st time the other day. In my 6 miles I only came across 2 couples and 1 individual. The trail is about a peaceful a place you can find. Except of a the hill to reach the the head, the actual parts of the path I was on was flat. Running beside the West fork river, this once 14 miles of once railroad track is now paved and semi paved path, surrounded by mountains. If you like an outdoor walk, run or bike ride with no hills this is for you

Seneca Rocks Trail. A number of years ago, my husband and I visited the educational Discovery…read moreCenter for the Seneca Rocks National Recreation Area, and got a great view of the Seneca Rocks from the parking lot. But, it was late in the day on a Sunday and we had a long drive ahead of us, so we decided not to attempt to hike up the trail, but we put it as yet another item on our bucket list. We returned to the area in Sept, 2025, specifically to attempt to do the hike. No concerns as to whether my husband would be able to do it, but I have to admit that I was apprehensive as to whether I could! The brochures say that it's 1.5 miles each way (up, and then back down) and you gain almost 850' in elevation. And, did I mention that I'm in my 60s, NOT a regular hiker, and with a medical condition that affects my balance? Nonetheless, my husband and I donned our hiking boots, put on some sunscreen, packed a picnic lunch, snacks, and water, and my hiking stick -- and we were on our way! The trail is wide and well-maintained and, as others have mentioned, has steep sections, especially in the switchbacks towards the top. It's a steady climb up, and my Fitbit registered some intense exercise, but my heart rate never reached its peak category. Given my balance issues, having my walking stick and an occasional hand from my husband, especially on the descent in steep areas with roots or stones, were helpful. I tried not to be discouraged by the two very fit runners who raced by us, recognizing that the majority of hikers and dogs on leash were panting at least to some degree! There are occasional benches, especially towards the bottom, and signs pointing out ecological features. There's an observation deck at the top, with gorgeous views of the valley below, as well as shaded benches to enjoy our picnic lunch. You can't see the rocks from the observation deck. However, some hikers scramble over some additional rocks for more views though signage warns that this can be dangerous. I'm happy to report that my husband and I both completed the hike, and we are now able to cross that item off of our joint bucket list. We celebrated our accomplishment by getting some ice cream at Yokum's, just down the street! Admission to the Seneca Rocks National Recreation Area and parking is free. Staff in the Discovery Center are exceptionally helpful. There are picnic tables and restrooms at the base, and the Seneca Shadows Campground is about a mile down the street.

Literally a quick trip ( sadly), recommended by a friend, en route from Cass to Elkins…read more Absolutely beautiful and would have loved to have hiked this beauty. Hope to return one day ( Florida resident), preferably again in the fall to see the colors. Nature center sadly closed because of the government shut down.

An amazing set of Falls. See the Lower falls if you can…read more This is one of the best sights along the entire drive. There are 3 different sights to see at this stop. There are upper, middle and lower falls. Let's start at the beginning. There is a parking lot for about 30 cars directly off the road. There is a set of restrooms in the parking lot across from the trailhead. The trailhead has a solid pathway of switchbacks that leads to an observation point to the upper falls viewpoint. For people that want to shortcut the windy path, there is a straighter trail that goes directly down the hill to the first viewpoint. From there, there is a boardwalk with lots of steps that leads down the a bridge that crosses the river. Then more boardwalk and a steel set of stair to two platforms to view the middle falls. More boardwalk along the river and a large wooden stair platform leads to the lower falls. If you get a chance, you should see all three as each is unique and all are beautiful as much as the walk is enjoyable. Just remember, walking down is easy and you have to walk back up to return to the parking lot. Well worth the walk. Enjoy.

This was an unexpected find on my trip to WV. The trail was nice, if a little strenuous for this…read morefatman, and the water falls (plural) were lovely. It is a well developed trail with lots of stairs, including an actual stairwell to get you to the bottom of the falls. If you are mobile and in the area you should visit, just give yourself some time on the hike back if your a big person like myself.

One of the best views in Virginia and one of the easier places to get too. Would definitely go againread more

This place is absolutely beautiful. It has 360 degree views. The only down side is the road getting…read morethere is VERY narrow. About 1/3 of the drive is a one lane road with infrequent pull off areas to let other cars pass. Also, the higher you get the tougher the road gets with gravel and pot holes.