Gwinn Ridge Trail
A quiet ridge loop through mixed hardwood forest with seasonal views and a descent-and-climb on the north side.
Route overview
Gwinn Ridge Trail in West Virginia.
The south branch follows the ridge edge before the route drops from the north side and climbs back to the starting point.
Trail facts
- Country
- United States
- Region
- West Virginia
- Distance
- 4.83 km
- Difficulty
- Hard
- Elevation gain
- Not published by official source
- Best season
- Check current official seasonal access and conditions
- Trail type
- Loop
Access and logistics
- Permits and access
- No entrance fee or ordinary individual day-hike permit. Same-day road and trail checks required.
Safety context
NPS warns the trail can be difficult to follow. Carry offline navigation and do not follow old roads or unmarked branches. Brooks Mountain Road is steep, narrow, locally trafficked, and not regularly plowed in winter. Check current official conditions, closures, weather and access rules before departure.
NPS warns the trail can be difficult to follow. Carry offline navigation and do not follow old roads or unmarked branches. Brooks Mountain Road is steep, narrow, locally trafficked, and not regularly plowed in winter.
Highlights
Gwinn Ridge, Sandstone area, hardwood forest, navigation, strenuous loop
Why find a buddy
Match on navigation competence, strenuous climbing pace, winter-road comfort, and turnaround strategy.
Primary source
Explore and prepare
Discover hikes by intent, read the hiking guides, review hiking safety, prepare a BuddyPack, or browse hiking plans.
Route conditions, access, services and transport can change. Verify time-sensitive information before departure.