Some of the Monongahela National Forest region’s most intriguing landscapes are best explored a few inches above the ground. These marshy boardwalk trails often lead into Appalachia’s unique bogs and wetlands, offering a close look at ecosystems you might otherwise pass by or sink a boot into!
Other boardwalk trails bring you to the edge of roaring waterfalls, canyon overlooks, or wind through stunning rock formations. On these hikes, slowing down is part of the appeal: look for unfamiliar plants, watch for wildlife, and take in the details beneath your feet. Short routes with gentle grades can make these outdoor outings perfect for families with young kids, while accessible boardwalk options offer more visitors a chance to explore.
Always remember to follow Leave No Trace principles when exploring our public lands, and please stay on the trail to protect yourself and these rare and sensitive ecosystems for future generations.
| Boardwalk | Trail Distance | ADA Option |
|---|---|---|
| Northland Interpretive Loop TrailLocation: Dolly Sods Scenic Area | 0.5 mi | No |
| Freeland Boardwalk TrailLocation: Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge | 0.4 mi | Yes |
| Abe & Deer Run Trail LoopLocation: Canaan Valley State Park | 2.1 mi | No |
| Cranberry Glades Boardwalk TrailLocation: Cranberry Glades Botanical Area | 0.5 mi | Yes |
| Tea Creek Interpretive TrailLocation: Tea Creek Backcountry | 1.2 mi | No |
| Cranesville Swamp BoardwalkLocation: Cranesville Swamp Preserve | 0.3 mi | No |
| Blackwater Falls Boardwalk TrailLocation: Blackwater Falls State Park | 0.6 mi | Yes |
| Falls of Hills Creek TrailLocation: Falls of Hills Creek Scenic Area | 1.5 mi | Yes |
| Beartown Boardwalk TrailLocation: Beartown State Park | 0.5 mi | Yes |
| Black Mountain Interpretive TrailLocation: Highland Scenic Highway | 0.25 mi | Yes |
| Lovers Lane Boardwalk TrailLocation: Webster Springs | 0.75 mi | Yes |
| Alum Cave TrailLocation: Audra State Park | 2.7 mi | No |
| Canyon Rim Boardwalk TrailLocation: New River Gorge National Park | 0.5 mi | Yes |
Wetland Boardwalk Hikes
Northland Interpretive Loop Trail
Step into Dolly Sods’ wild landscape on this roughly half-mile walk, where a short boardwalk overlooks Alder Run Bog. Nearby “rock rivers” reveal the aftermath of logging-era fires that burned away soil and exposed the stone beneath. The walk is short and easy, but a rocky rhododendron-lined approach makes it unsuitable for wheelchairs. Make it a mountain outing from Petersburg or Seneca Rocks via Forest Road 75, then continue north to the Bear Rocks Preserve or Fore Knobs Overlook for sweeping, family-friendly Allegheny Front views.
Freeland Boardwalk Trail
Find a little northern wilderness near Davis and Thomas on Canaan’s 0.4-mile ADA-accessible Freeland Boardwalk Trail. The route crosses wet fields and shrubland, passing a beaver pond and bubbling spring before reaching a stand of balsam fir, part of a plant community more typical of Canada than the eastern US. Its easy grade and wheelchair-friendly surface make this a rewarding place to slow down, watch for birds, and explore Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge. Pair the walk with Blackwater Falls, a longer hike on the Beall Trails, or a stop at the refuge visitor center for interactive events and guided nature hikes.
Abe & Deer Run Trail Loop
This trail is currently closed due to ongoing boardwalk repairs. Check back in to see when construction is complete!
Explore Canaan Valley Resort State Park’s quieter side by combining two trails for a loop on Deer Run and Abe Run, an easy 2.1-mile outing to build into your stay in Davis or Thomas. Boardwalk sections bring you into the wetlands flooded by local beavers, nature’s most persistent ecosystem engineers. Abe Run’s nursery trees offer a lesson in forest ecology, where the circle of life provides a foothold for new growth. Afterward, enjoy a short loop on the Blackwater River Trail or visit the park’s eastern ski side for a scenic chairlift ride to Bald Knob.
Cranberry Glades Boardwalk Trail
A 0.5-mile ADA-accessible boardwalk loop offers a window into Cranberry Glades’ network of 5 remarkable mountain bogs and accompanying wetlands, making it a memorable stop between adventures around Marlinton and Richwood. Hidden among the moss and cranberries, carnivorous sundews and pitcher plants supplement their diet with insects to survive this nutrient-poor environment. Interpretive signs help bring the tiny details into focus, from colorful crawfish to the glade’s feathered friends. Remember to stay on the boards to protect the fragile habitat, watch for slippery surfaces, and pair your visit with a scenic drive on the Highland Scenic Highway and a stop at the neighboring Cranberry Mountain Nature Center and Falls of Hills Creek National Scenic Area.
Tea Creek Interpretive Trail
Trade the Highland Scenic Highway’s sweeping views for a closer look at ecological succession on the 1.2-mile round-trip out-and-back Tea Creek Interpretive Trail near Marlinton. The path starts next to the Little Laurel Overlook and crosses Tea Creek Meadow before descending to a winding boardwalk through the wetlands. Bird blinds, interpretive signs, and benches invite an unhurried visit, while connections to the nearby Tea Creek and Gauley Base Backcountry allow for extended expeditions. Although the trail is mostly level, the entrance to the boardwalk area features a gradual slope, so allow time for the uphill hike when planning this short excursion.
Cranesville Swamp Boardwalk
Straddling the West Virginia–Maryland line, this Nature Conservancy preserve makes a rewarding detour north of Thomas and Davis, just outside the Mon Forest region. A miniature version of Canaan Valley and Cranberry Glades, Cranesville Swamp’s surrounding hills trap cold air and moisture, creating a “frost pocket” that supports tamarack, red spruce, and cranberry far south of their usual strongholds. The 1,500-foot boardwalk connects the preserve’s five short trails, but remember to bring waterproof footwear, as rising water levels sometimes leave portions of the trails wet or submerged.
Waterfall & Overlook Boardwalk Trails
Boardwalk trails do more than help us explore West Virginia’s wild and wonderful wetlands! The Monongahela National Forest region is also home to several boardwalk trails that offer stunning waterfall views or let you traverse unique geological features!
Blackwater Falls Boardwalk Trail
Hear the roar of Blackwater Falls just minutes from Davis and Thomas. Located on the 0.6-mile round-trip out-and-back Blackwater Falls Trail, the main boardwalk starts just outside the park’s visitors center and descends more than 200 steps to an observation deck beside the cascade; take your time on damp boards and save energy for the climb back. For wheelchair-accessible views, choose the quarter-mile paved Gentle Trail on the opposite side of the Blackwater Canyon near the state park lodge. The falls’ amber color comes from tannins released by fallen hemlock and red spruce needles, a forest-sized version of steeping tea. Extend the outing with canyon views at Pendleton Point’s drive up overlook or a short hike on the Lindy Point Trail.
Falls of Hills Creek Trail
Three of West Virginia’s most impressive waterfalls reward the descent at Falls of Hills Creek, a dramatic outing from Richwood near Cranberry Glades and the Highland Scenic Highway. The cascades drop 25, 45, and 63 feet as the creek tumbles through a steep mountain hollow. The first 1,700 feet of trail provides a paved, wheelchair-accessible route to the upper viewing platform. Beyond it, a network of boardwalks, bridges, and hundreds of stairs makes the roughly 1.5-mile round trip moderately strenuous on the return. Use handrails, watch for slick steps, and leave time to rest.
Beartown Boardwalk Trail
Wander a stone labyrinth at Beartown, where a 0.5-mile boardwalk loop weaves between massive boulders, overhangs, and deep crevices. The park’s name reflects both the rocks’ potential as bear dens and the narrow passages’ resemblance to streets viewed from above. Stairs along the route mean the full walk isn’t wheelchair accessible, and damp boards warrant careful footing; however, a 0.1-mile ADA-accessible boardwalk overlook is available at the trail’s eastern edge. South of Marlinton and north of White Sulfur Springs, Beartown pairs well with a short hike to the Droop Mountain Battlefield State Park overlook tower or a weekend camping trip at Watoga State Park. While it’s best to plan around the park’s April–October season, visitors can park at the gate during the winter months and walk along the road to the trail.
Black Mountain Interpretive Trail
Highland Scenic Highway
At Big Spruce Overlook, 4,550 feet up and the highest point on the Highland Scenic Highway, a short, ADA-accessible boardwalk tells the story of the logging and fire that shaped this red spruce forest a century ago. The walk is easy and brief, designed as a quick stop between overlooks rather than a full hike, though the connecting Black Mountain Trail continues 2.2 miles for hikers who want more distance and can be combined with a Cranberry Wilderness trail of the same name for a full 5-mile loop between the two overlooks. Views open across the Williams River Valley below. The overlook sits along Route 150, midway between Richwood and Marlinton.
Lovers Lane Boardwalk Trail
Follow the Back Fork of the Elk River through Webster Springs on Lover’s Lane, an inviting stop for travelers staying in nearby Cowen. First built in 1875 to connect the town of Webster Springs with a hotel and gristmill, the walkway earned its romantic name in the 1890s by frequent weddings and riverside courtships. Today’s rebuilt boardwalk includes benches, rain shelters, and river overlooks, with connections to two swinging bridges. For wheelchair entry, use the Bell Street access.
Alum Cave Trail
Follow Audra State Park’s 2.7-mile Alum Cave Trail to its standout feature: a boardwalk tucked beneath a sandstone overhang cut out by the Middle Fork River below. The park, now iconic for its countless swimming holes, occupies former logging land that later became a 4-H camp before opening to the public in 1950. Beyond the boardwalk, expect natural trail surfaces, so watch your footing around wet rocks and roots. Make Audra a day trip from Elkins, with time for a riverside picnic after the walk.
Canyon Rim Boardwalk Trail
Take in the New River Gorge National Park Bridge from Canyon Rim’s accessible upper overlook, reached by a short ramped walk from the visitor center. For another perspective, descend 178 steps to the lower deck, allowing energy for the climb back. Completed in 1977, the bridge cut a winding 40-minute gorge crossing to under a minute. Located near Fayetteville, outside the Mon Forest region, this stop fits a broader road trip linking New River Gorge with White Sulphur Springs or Richwood.
