04/26/25

Wednesday I went out from Halfmoon Trail to the Halfmoon overlook.

Just a pinch over 9 miles in and out round trip.

Easy closed (soft footing) fireroad to Rocky Mountain trail with a rather easy climb up and back down.

Water crossing before/after the climb

Must cross a bridge at the start of the trail behind the closed fire gate.

Parking: outside of Wardensville, WV. Enough room to loop the trailer around.

The fire road portion of this ride is really pleasant. It is not a driven on fireroad and has mossed over in areas, with several small creeks crossing over.

This is a good place to move out. The grade is pretty low so it’s only slightly inclined.

It eventually crosses a wider more prominent creek. There is also a camping site on the left. The wider trail continues left and the smaller trail, which is not marked and is easy to miss is on the right.

Going right is a light but greater incline, going up along the side of the mountain. It’s a pleasant and enjoyable minor climb.

The trail reaches what appears to be the top of the mountain. The trail continues to the right. And there is a prominent trail breaking off to the left.

There is a visible signpost here.

There is a camping site here, and a nice view. There is another camping site down the trail to the left, in the direction of the overlook.

Baring left comes to another camping site on the right about a half mile ahead. This is also where German Wilson Trail connects from the right.

Continuing is still a pleasant trail, mildly climbing. It does get rocky as it elevates to the top. There is a rock outcropping along the ridge top on the right. Eventually the trail comes around the corner of the mountain. To the left is a large camping site with some small overlooks and a couple separate stone fire rings.

The trail continues to wrap to the right just a bit further. I tied Simon here and climbed the rocks on the right up to the overlook.

It’s an amazing view that photos just can’t do justice for. Not a large area to sit but there are a few small spots.

There is also what appears to be an old lookout tower’s base. I’m guessing. Initially it appears to be a pile of rocks until you note the mortar between stones.

The ride back down is pleasant and a mild easy descent.