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Backcountry Trails

backcountry hiking trails at snowshoe mountain
hiking at snowshoe mountain
With 11,000 acres at our disposal, you better believe we’ve got some trails worth hiking. That’s like 17 square miles of unspoiled wilderness complete with unique flora, scenic overlooks and challenging rock scrambles. Much like our ski slopes, our hiking options range from easy to difficult, so whatever your ability level, grab a map from the Depot or the Adventure Outpost and explore Snowshoe’s backcountry.
TRAIL RECOMMENDATIONS

Shavers Lake Trail
We recommend this trail for an exceptional family experience. It follows the contours of our lake and offers a unique view of the basin slopes from the far side. You will walk past the dam and our compressor house, where you may spot a flock of geese or a family of active beavers.
To access: Ride down the Ballhooter Lift, take a right as you exit and look for a large green “hiking only” sign at the trailhead.

Bail-Out
Not for the faint of heart, we recommend this difficult trail for hard core hikers only. It is a steep cardio workout!
To access: To hike this trail uphill, follow the Shaver's Lake Trail to the far end of the dam, cross it and look ahead for the “Bail Out” exit sign. To hike this trail downhill, hike the Cheat Mountain Ridge Trail to the Fire Tower Trail and take a left at the “Bail Out” sign.

Cheat Mountain Ridge Trail
(Notice: Authorized motorized vehicles do travel along the Cheat Mountain Ridge Trail so stay alert!)
This fun hike follows a wide, graveled fire road with some rolling terrain that leads to our Backcountry Hut. There’s a great view of the Greenbrier River mid-way through the trail if you need a rest. Or, you can always enjoy the peace and quiet from the porch swing when you arrive at the Backcountry Hut.
To access: Drive or hike the mountain top walking path to the Top of The World parking lot. Walk toward Sawmill Village and take the gravel road that bears right before the arched gatehouse. Pass through a yellow gate and look for the Cheat Mountain Ridge trailhead after 200 yards on your left. We restrict the use of public vehicles on this trail, so you may see a cable and closed sign there for that purpose, but the trail is open to hikers and bikers.

6,000 Steps
Originally named by one of our trail crew who reportedly counted his steps while clearing it, this trail utilizes part of a former rail grade from the timber days on Cheat Mountain. Keep your eyes peeled and you may see some items left behind by the loggers. Oh, and this trail runs through the middle of a spruce forest, so not only is the scenery cool, but so is the fresh mountain air. This is a great trail for a warm summer day.
To access: Hike out the Cheat Mountain Ridge trail and take a left at the junction for 6,000 steps.

MONONGAHELA NATIONAL FOREST
If you want to venture off the Mountain, ask our adventure staff about hiking in the “Mon” National Forest. If you thought 11,000 acres was a lot, wait until you see 1 million.
Backcountry trails are not patrolled and cell service may not be available. Plan your adventure ahead of time, never travel alone and always inform a friend of your route plan and expected return time.