Hiking Audra State Park

Audra State Park sits between Buckhannon and Belington, WV, a little over twenty minutes from my house. With just over three miles of trails, the park isn't necessarily known for being a big hiking destination. The Alum Cave Trail, the main trail in the park, travels just under three miles. Despite the short distance, the trail is scenic and worth checking out if you are looking for a short, family friendly hike. Since it's fairly close to my house, I have hiked here twice, once last fall and again just a couple weeks ago.

The Alum Cave Trail is a loop. I recommend hiking it counterclockwise for the best build up of scenery and less climbing. The trail starts in a picnic area just up the road from the main parking lot, though you can also park in the picnic area. 

Azaleas blooming near the start of the hike

Closeup of an azalea blooming

The trail passes through a hardwood forest for most of its length. About a 1/4 mile after leaving the picnic area, the trail climbs gently and passes over a paved park road for a short distance. The trail drops back onto a dirt trail and passes several sections of storm damage with numerous downed trees.

Damaged trees

A toad enjoying the sun on a log

Ferns along the trail

The trail generally descends from the paved section. Occasionally the path travels along and under large rocks in the forest. Around the halfway point, the trail drops more steeply for a short distance as it makes its way to the Middle Fork River.

Passing along a large rock

Trillium

Passing between rocks

Another rocky passage

Once down along the river, the trail passes through several long sections of rhododendrons. Even though the river is just a few yards off the trail most of the time, the dense rhododendrons make reaching the water difficult. 

Dense rhododendrons

You will find a few places where the river can be reached more easily. When you find these spots, take the opportunity to check out the river. The Middle Fork River in this section is a beautiful, wild stream. Numerous rapids and rocks make up the river here.

Down on the banks of the Middle Fork River

Violet growing out of ferns in a rock

View downstream 

Upstream view

Bluets

The trail continues along the river for the rest of its length, but eventually climbs a little higher above the banks. Access to the remains challenging with the vegetation and sometimes steep banks. At times, openings in the forest provide nice views of the river. In the calmer sections, the water appears green.

Green water in the river

Vantage point above the river

After a somewhat steep, but short climb, the trail reaches a junction. Follow the right junction to the highlight of the hike. A set of steps drops you down to a boardwalk under an overhang. This is the Alum Cave. The boardwalk provides a neat perspective, with the wall of the cave off to the side and the overhang just above you. Water often seeps from overhead and down the wall.

Hiking under Alum Cave

Another view along the boardwalk

Looking back along the boardwalk

Junction after leaving the cave

After crossing the boardwalk, you reach another junction. One trail travels above the cave and one heads to the picnic area at the start of the hike. I take a right here and continue along the river. In about 1/10 of a mile, the trail starts passing another picnic area. Beyond the picnic area you reach a bathroom. A short trail behind the bathroom drops you back to river. In warmer months this is the swimming area for the park. Walk along the cement swimming area back to the parking lot. Above the swimming area, the river features some rapids and small cascades. In the warmer months, enjoy a dip in the river to cool off after your hike.

Rapids and cascades above the swimming area

If you want to just check out the Alum Cave boardwalk, you can start at the swimming area and reach the cave in about 1/3 of a mile. If you're able, I recommend hiking the full loop. The views along the river and rhododendron tunnels are worth the extra effort. On the upper half of the loop, the large rocks also make the hike interesting. Plus you never know what you might see on the full loop. My most recent hike here; I saw several wildflowers, a toad, and salamander

When I hiked the trail in the fall the water level in the river was quite low. I actually hiked along the banks of the river for an extended stretch, off trail. I could often reach the middle of the river to enjoy neat views over the water that would be hard to see otherwise.

View from midriver in the fall

Looking upriver in the fall

Another view from midriver

I followed the river bank with lower water levels last fall

Many of the hikes that I write about on my website are long or rugged.  It's been a while since I featured a shorter hike like this that is more family friendly and attainable by most people. Even short trips into nature are rewarding. And even though I post plenty of more difficult outings, I enjoy the outdoors on lots of shorter trips just like this one in Audra State Park. You don't have to take an epic adventure to appreciate nature and enjoy the outdoors.

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