“Time spent among trees is never time wasted.” — Katrina Mayer
A Cool Morning in the Woods
It was one of those rare cool mornings in July after a long-held heat wave broke. The earthy summer scents of damp ground and musky moss filled the air. The crunch of detritus under our hiking shoes rose as the sounds of traffic on WV 34 faded into the background.
My dad and I were in our happy place, discovering new trails hidden in plain sight in the woods. However, it was clear from the start, we were not alone. Imprints of four-footed friends as well as knobby tire tracks indicated an array of outdoor enthusiasts were also enjoying these well-worn paths.
Discovering Meeks Mountain Trails
We arrived at Hurricane Park to hike Meeks Mountain Trails, a printed map of all the trails in hand. However, we were unsure where to start since this was our first visit. As luck would have it, we encountered a park worker who enthusiastically explained the trail system—including the way the trails were marked and the level of challenge for each trail. He recommended the red and white trail on our first visit and offered advice for future, more challenging, hikes.
A Community-Built Gem
Meeks Mountain Trails is a gem of a trail system close to home. With more than 34 miles of trails, it is a haven for hikers, runners, mountain bikers, and primitive campers alike. Despite being interconnected, the trails are well-marked, with varying degrees of difficulty and length. It is easy to dip in for a short hike, commit to a long trail run, or tackle a challenging mountain bike route.
According to the Meeks Mountain Trail Alliance website, the trail project began in 2018 with a desire to increase the health and well-being of the surrounding communities as well as increase opportunities for economic growth. Since then, over 600 volunteers have logged over 35,000 hours building and maintaining trails in cooperation with the city of Hurricane and private landowners, the Meeks family.
Our First Hike: The Red and White Trail
My dad and I followed the park worker’s advice and hiked the red and white trail–a gentle introduction to the Meeks Mountain Trails (MMT) system. This 3.2-mile trail offered us comfortable challenges, with exposed roots, rolling, rocky ascents and descents, a stream crossing, and switchbacks to keep things interesting. We thoroughly enjoyed the dappled morning sunlight as we made our way up, over, and around the trail. We marveled as a mountain biker powered up a sharp, twisting incline. A hesitant dog appeared to balk at the idea of crossing a stream while his running companion tried to coax the dog across, leaving us smiling.
Something for Everyone
The MMTA offers a wide array of trail lengths and challenges, from one mile to over ten miles. It appears to be one of those places in which the more you visit, the more complex and nuanced you can make your outdoor adventure. The trails are well-marked by a color-coded system, but it’s advisable to look over the trail map and descriptions of each trail, found on the MMTA website, before embarking on a Meeks Mountain Trails adventure.
There are trails for beginner-friendly walks, which is what the Hurricane Park employee described to us as family-friendly trails, appropriate for parents with younger children. There are more moderate for those looking to elevate their running, hiking, or biking game, and challenging trails for the more adventurous and skilled. What I most noticed was the diversity of plant life: ferns, moss, lichen, colorful mushrooms and wildflowers, fallen trees teeming with insect life, and deciduous trees of all types reaching for the heavens amidst rocks of varying sizes.
As my dad and I hiked, we marveled at the large amount of work hours it must have taken to not only build the trails, but also to maintain them. We admired the work of local scout troops who provided benches in several scenic spots along the path we trod. Most of all, we simply enjoyed the trail, feeling grateful for its existence so close to home.
Tips for a Great Visit
If you’ve never been to Meeks Mountain Trails, and you are considering visiting it for your next outdoor adventure, there are a few things to keep in mind. First of all, parking is free and easy to access as it is available at Hurricane City Park. The trailhead to all trails is only steps away from the parking lot. Restrooms are also available near the parking lot.
Before entering the trails, consider bringing:
- Tick and mosquito repellent
- Proper trail shoes or bike gear
- Water, snacks, or even a picnic lunch
- Flashlights and/or headlamps if hiking early or late
As a bonus, you can even support the MMTA by visiting their online shop to purchase official MM gear.
Sharing the Trail
Additionally, once out on the trail, as my dad and I learned, it is important to be aware of other hikers, runners, and mountain bikers. Maintaining appropriate etiquette allows all outdoor enthusiasts to share and enjoy the trails. This includes stepping aside for faster climbers and bikes, while offering a friendly wave or voiced greeting when passing by someone, especially when passing from behind as you don’t want to startle or scare a fellow adventurer. Lastly, remember to “leave no trace”: pack out whatever you pack in.
Finding Peace Close to Home
You don’t have to be a serious trail runner, hiker, or mountain biker to enjoy Meeks Mountain Trails. These community trails welcome all levels of adventure while giving every visitor the opportunity for peace, solitude, and healthy movement. Best of all, they are right here in our own backyard. Whether you move on two feet or two wheels, consider visiting Meeks Mountain Trails this fall. After all, in the words of John Muir, “Keep close to Nature’s heart . . .and break clear away, once in a while, and climb a mountain or spend a week in the woods. Wash your spirit clean.” This is exactly how I felt as we drove away from our morning spent in the heart of the woods.
Steph Simply 