11 Totally Kid-Friendly Hikes In West Virginia That Are 1 Mile And Under

The bridge leading across Fourpole Creek at Ritter Park In Huntington will lead you straight to the famous rose garden, but if you turn left after the first bridge, a series of short trails will take you into the woods, but not so far that you can get lost. A short hike for your short tyke. Read more about Ritter Park.

This state park is an amazing place to take the little one. The half-mile boardwalk trail is easy to navigate and filled with amazing views as it passes through both lush forests and impressive rock faces, some a deep green color due to moss growth. Interesting fact: the series of rock faces you pass between are actually massive cracks in a single formation that broke apart a very long time ago. Learn more about Beartown State Park.

This area, part of the Dolly Sods area of Monongahela National Forest, is comprised of many rocks that shifted down from Canada during the Pleistocene Epoch between 2.6 million years ago and 11,700 years ago. Bear Rocks sits at an overlook of this larger area that deposited these foreign rocks, along with foreign fauna and flora, so long ago. The hike is short and the view is breathtaking. We bet you'll agree that this is one the most scenic hikes in West Virginia. Check out more about Bear Rocks Preserve.

This park is largely comprised of short trails. Of its 15 trails, 10 of them are 1 mile or under. These include the Canton Rim Trail, North Side Trail, Lake View Trail and Long Branch Trail. These beautiful trails offer views of Bluestone River Gorge, Mountain Creek Lodge, forests and arboretums. Find out more about Pipestem Resort State Park.

This park and campground offers 14 trails to hike, but if you are taking the little ones with you, stick to the Mash Fork Falls Trail, Waldron Spur Trail and the Horse Bypass Trail. The park has a large campground and several picnic areas along the trail system. See more about Camp Creek State Park.

This is the perfect park for kids because all the trail here are short, marked at 1 mile or less. You will be able to view gorgeous stands of virgin hemlock and if you come in July, the rhododendrons will be in full bloom. This park is the states largest old-growth forest, filled with ancient trees. It just might become your new favorite easy hike in West Virginia. Read more about Cathedral State Park.

Beech Fork is a great park for families, both for camping and recreation. If you want to take your kids on a short hike, the Nature Trail loop is the way to go. Also great for kids is a boat ride on the lake or an afternoon at the park's small beach. Learn more about Beech Fork State Park.

The short trail to Lindy Point is a must for a great scenic view. Located at Blackwater Falls State Park, Lindy Point overlooks Blackwater Canyon, probably the most impressive view of our state you are likely to find. It is one of the largest canyons in the state, stretching eight miles from the town of Davis to the confluence of Blackwater River and the Dry Fork tributary. Check out more about Lindy Point.

These falls are another destination at Blackwater Falls worthy of its own entry. Elakala is actually a series of four waterfalls along Shays Run. The waterfalls range in height from 15 feet to 40 feet. All descend into Blackwater canyon. The first two waterfalls are relatively easy to access, the other two, not so much. But the kids are sure to enjoy the accessible ones. Find out more about Elakala Falls.

The third trail in Blackwater Falls leads to the "Great Falls," one of the most impressive and oft-photographed spots in West Virginia. The falls, which sit at the head of Blackwater Canyon, are 62 feet high, spilling over a cliff comprised of Connoquenessing sandstone, an ancient rock formation dating back about 300 million years. See more about Blackwater Falls State Park.

Like Beartown State Park, this is another boardwalk trail. Leading to the largest waterfall on the New River, this quarter mile trail crosses two bridges that lead to multiple observation decks and islands where you can view these impressive falls. The trail is also ADA accessible, so it is literally designed for everyone. Easy and one of the most scenic hikes in West Virginia? Nothing wrong with that! Read more about hiking at Sandstone Falls.