Alum Cave Trail Loop

Hikers seeking an “almost heaven” West Virginia trail should head to Audra State Park. Here, adventurers will be treated to a unique and scenic trail named, Alum Cave Trail.

Located near Buckhannon in the northcentral part of the state, Audra State Park is a mostly forested park with the picturesque Middle Fork River running through it. Beginning at the parking area near the river, hikers will see a large sign with a park map. Maps may not be available to carry along, so be sure to have your OnX trail map ready. Across from the parking lot is a sign noting, “Authorized vehicles only beyond this point.” A small sign below it points to Alum Cave Trail.

The path is paved here, but be prepared the majority of the trail is rocky and may have a lot of fallen leaves. After passing by a small picnic area, adventurers will find the trail leads to some lovely views of the river and mountain. Along the way, a natural large stone wall dominates one side of the trail. Next, hikers will reach an unusual man-made feature along the trail, a well-crafted and well-maintained wooden boardwalk. Hikers can marvel as they walk along the raised boardwalk underneath a massive rock overhang. Known as Alum Cave, this is the trail’s namesake.

Why is it named Alum Cave? Look closely and see deposits of alum found along the cave-like walls. Alum is considered a chemical compound, any of a group of hydrated double salts. Alums have a wide variety of uses. They are used in pickling and in baking powder. They are also used in fire extinguishers and as astringents in medicine.

When exiting the boardwalk, be sure to walk around the large boulders for a great view of the river before climbing the steep set of wooden steps. Near the top of the stairs, there’s a Y. Hikers can loop back for a short hike or continue along the trail for a beautiful woodland hike alongside the river before making a sharp turn and heading uphill. Near the top of the climb, hikers may notice the mountain on the opposite side of the river now appears nearly straight across from them. A gradual downhill will lead to a large picnic area, then on to a parking area by a picnic pavilion and then hikers may return via the road to the lower parking lot to complete this beautiful and unusual loop trail.

Restrooms are available in the picnic areas. Portable toilets are located in the parking lot.