You might think that a “stairway to nowhere” has all the makings of a good nightmare. But not this time — because we found an enchanted stairway to nowhere hidden in a historic West Virginia State Park and it takes you right up through a fairytale forest to some magical views of our little piece of almost heaven! Let’s explore one of the best hiking trails in West Virginia.

This spooky staircase to nowhere is one of several tucked deep in the woods along the 2-mile Patterson Trail at Carnifex Ferry Battlefield State Park near Summersville.

Ronnie “Porker” Lefler Jr./AllTrails

But there’s nothing eerie waiting at the top of these stairs after all.

Megan Ross/AllTrails

Instead, the views from the top of the staircases at Carnifex Ferry are pure magic.

Megan Ross/AllTrails

The Patterson Loop Trail meanders through enchanted woodlands featuring a variety of native trees and plants…

Megan Ross/AllTrails

…and past fascinating historical markers that detail the Civil War Battle of Carnifex Ferry…

Megan Ross/AllTrails This battle played a key role in facilitating West Virginia’s split with Virginia to become its own unique state — the 35th state of the Union.

…culminating in several picturesque overlooks of the Gauley River as it winds and tumbles through the rugged Appalachian Mountains of Nicholas County.

Ashley Winland/AllTrails The Gauley River flows 105 miles before merging with the New River to form the Kanawha River, which then joins the Ohio River, then the Mississippi River, before emptying into the Gulf of Mexico.

Bring the family, because, in addition, to the trails and educational signage, you’ll discover the historic Patterson House Museum, a playground, and several picnic areas.

Megan Ross/AllTrails

Make plans to climb the Carnifex staircases soon! They really are the stuff of dreams — good ones, we promise!

Robin Smith/AllTrails

See what it’s like to hike the Patterson Trail :

Ronnie “Porker” Lefler Jr./AllTrails

Megan Ross/AllTrails

This battle played a key role in facilitating West Virginia’s split with Virginia to become its own unique state — the 35th state of the Union.

Ashley Winland/AllTrails

The Gauley River flows 105 miles before merging with the New River to form the Kanawha River, which then joins the Ohio River, then the Mississippi River, before emptying into the Gulf of Mexico.

Robin Smith/AllTrails

Oh, and did we mention there’s a Civil War-era cannon?  Don’t miss any of the breathtaking panoramas and fascinating historical tidbits this park has to offer!

Have you visited Carnifex Ferry Battlefield State Park?  What interesting piece of history did you learn?  Which overlook view was your favorite?  We’d love for you to share your experience in the comments as well as your personal favorite hiking trails in West Virginia!  If you liked this trail, you’ll surely love these other wonderful and historic West Virginia hikes.

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Address: 1194 Carnifex Ferry Crossing, Summersville, WV 26651, USA

The OIYS Visitor Center

Natural Beauty and Hiking Trails in West Virginia February 16, 2023 William Suphan What are the most incredible natural attractions in West Virginia? The most incredible natural attractions in West Virginia include:

Dolly Sods. This nature spot in the Monongahela National Forest has beautiful white rocks and colorful bogs that are otherworldly. Ice Mountain. Large amounts of ice can be found here even in the middle of summer due to how the rocks draw in and cool the air. The Trough. This gorge has the Potomac River flowing through it and there is a train you can ride to take in the stellar views. Spruce Knob. This mountain is not only the highest peak in the state but in the entire Allegheny Mountain chain.

Find out more about the most incredible natural attractions in West Virginia.  What are the most scenic hiking trails in West Virginia? The most scenic hiking trails in West Virginia include:

Long Point Trail at Summersville Lake. There’s a huge rock outcropping that extends into the lake and the view from it is breathtaking. Grandview Overlook at the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve. Come here to see the rhododendrons bloom in the middle of summer. Campbell Falls at Camp Creek State Park. Not only is this hike gorgeous but it leads to a relaxing swimming hole. Glade Creek Trail. This is one of the most beautiful hikes in the state and the swimming hole has refreshing blue waters.

Discover more about the most scenic hiking trails in West Virginia.   What are the most impressive natural wonders in West Virginia? The most impressive natural wonders in West Virginia include:

Seneca Rocks. These rocks are not only completely stunning but are quite popular with local rock climbers. The New River Gorge. This is one of the oldest rivers on the planet with stupendous views and amazing whitewater rafting. Seneca Caverns. Native Americans occupied these majestic caverns starting around the 1400s and the caves are intriguing. Sandstone Falls. This place is a hit with the locals and the natural beauty here is simply gorgeous.

Learn more about the most impressive natural wonders in West Virginia. 

The OIYS Visitor Center

Natural Beauty and Hiking Trails in West Virginia

February 16, 2023

William Suphan

What are the most incredible natural attractions in West Virginia? The most incredible natural attractions in West Virginia include:

Dolly Sods. This nature spot in the Monongahela National Forest has beautiful white rocks and colorful bogs that are otherworldly. Ice Mountain. Large amounts of ice can be found here even in the middle of summer due to how the rocks draw in and cool the air. The Trough. This gorge has the Potomac River flowing through it and there is a train you can ride to take in the stellar views. Spruce Knob. This mountain is not only the highest peak in the state but in the entire Allegheny Mountain chain.

Find out more about the most incredible natural attractions in West Virginia.  What are the most scenic hiking trails in West Virginia? The most scenic hiking trails in West Virginia include:

Long Point Trail at Summersville Lake. There’s a huge rock outcropping that extends into the lake and the view from it is breathtaking. Grandview Overlook at the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve. Come here to see the rhododendrons bloom in the middle of summer. Campbell Falls at Camp Creek State Park. Not only is this hike gorgeous but it leads to a relaxing swimming hole. Glade Creek Trail. This is one of the most beautiful hikes in the state and the swimming hole has refreshing blue waters.

Discover more about the most scenic hiking trails in West Virginia.   What are the most impressive natural wonders in West Virginia? The most impressive natural wonders in West Virginia include:

Seneca Rocks. These rocks are not only completely stunning but are quite popular with local rock climbers. The New River Gorge. This is one of the oldest rivers on the planet with stupendous views and amazing whitewater rafting. Seneca Caverns. Native Americans occupied these majestic caverns starting around the 1400s and the caves are intriguing. Sandstone Falls. This place is a hit with the locals and the natural beauty here is simply gorgeous.

Learn more about the most impressive natural wonders in West Virginia. 

The OIYS Visitor Center

The OIYS Visitor Center

The most incredible natural attractions in West Virginia include:

  • Dolly Sods. This nature spot in the Monongahela National Forest has beautiful white rocks and colorful bogs that are otherworldly.
  • Ice Mountain. Large amounts of ice can be found here even in the middle of summer due to how the rocks draw in and cool the air.
  • The Trough. This gorge has the Potomac River flowing through it and there is a train you can ride to take in the stellar views.
  • Spruce Knob. This mountain is not only the highest peak in the state but in the entire Allegheny Mountain chain.

Find out more about the most incredible natural attractions in West Virginia. 

What are the most scenic hiking trails in West Virginia?

The most scenic hiking trails in West Virginia include:

  • Long Point Trail at Summersville Lake. There’s a huge rock outcropping that extends into the lake and the view from it is breathtaking.
  • Grandview Overlook at the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve. Come here to see the rhododendrons bloom in the middle of summer.
  • Campbell Falls at Camp Creek State Park. Not only is this hike gorgeous but it leads to a relaxing swimming hole.
  • Glade Creek Trail. This is one of the most beautiful hikes in the state and the swimming hole has refreshing blue waters.

Discover more about the most scenic hiking trails in West Virginia.  

What are the most impressive natural wonders in West Virginia?

The most impressive natural wonders in West Virginia include:

  • Seneca Rocks. These rocks are not only completely stunning but are quite popular with local rock climbers.
  • The New River Gorge. This is one of the oldest rivers on the planet with stupendous views and amazing whitewater rafting.
  • Seneca Caverns. Native Americans occupied these majestic caverns starting around the 1400s and the caves are intriguing.
  • Sandstone Falls. This place is a hit with the locals and the natural beauty here is simply gorgeous.

Learn more about the most impressive natural wonders in West Virginia.