Trip Planner: USA / West Virginia / Pocahontas County / Durbin / Gaudineer Scenic Area

Gaudineer Scenic Area, Durbin

4.4

#12 of 14 in Parks in Pocahontas County

Wildlife Area · Hidden Gem · Nature / Park

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The Gaudineer Scenic Area is a scenic area and National Natural Landmark in the Monongahela National Forest . It is situated just north of Gaudineer Knob of Shavers Mountain on the border of Randolph and Pocahontas Counties, West Virginia, USA, about northwest of the town of Durbin.
The GSA is located in the Greenbrier Ranger District of the MNF. It lies near the crest of Shavers Mountain immediately north of Gaudineer Knob, the mountain's highest peak at. The Scenic Area itself is at about. Its total land area is 140acre and approximately 50acre of the area is classified as virgin red spruce forest. Trees in this section range up to in diameter at chest height and are upwards of 300 years old. The remaining 90acre have only been subjected to selective timber harvesting, mostly for the task of removing broken limbs. The GSA contains—in addition to red spruce—excellent first and second-growth specimens of several native hardwoods, including red maple, sugar maple, yellow birch, and beech. Forest Service authorities estimate the total wood volume of the 140acre tract at. Arrange your visit to Gaudineer Scenic Area and discover more family-friendly attractions in Durbin using our Durbin trip planning tool.

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Gaudineer Scenic Area reviews

TripAdvisor traveler rating

11 reviews

Google

4.8

By MedIcally

This is off the beaten path, several miles off the main road, and as pristine as it gets. There is a short hike from the parking to the overlook. At the overlook there is nothing but quiet and beauty.... more

This is off the beaten path, several miles off the main road, and as pristine as it gets. There is a short hike from the parking to the overlook. At the overlook there is nothing but quiet and beauty.... more »
By X146UItammym

Very out of the way spot with a fairytale-like half mile walk through old red spruce woods. Thick moss on the ground. Picnic tables in little secluded spots. It was too cold today (October 18) to..... more

Very out of the way spot with a fairytale-like half mile walk through old red spruce woods. Thick moss on the ground. Picnic tables in little secluded spots. It was too cold today (October 18) to..... more »
By T5602VTrichardl

Awesome view on a clear day. Fascinating evolution of old-growth forest. Reminds one of how wild and wonderful West Virginia can be.

Awesome view on a clear day. Fascinating evolution of old-growth forest. Reminds one of how wild and wonderful West Virginia can be. more »

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Google

By Sarah

This and the Gaudineer Knob trail, that you come to first as you're driving up the gravel country road, are both great ways to connect with nature and learn something about how older trees die and regenerate themselves. Definitely something to stop and experience for yourself.

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By Christopher Field

Beautiful stop to stretch your legs on a quarter mile loop trail, but more importantly, to stretch your imagination and your soul. Bring a bite to eat, stay and sit still among the moss.

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By Burleigh Wall

The scenic trail is most definitely worth the drive. The loop itself is only a 1/4 mile. All flat terrain, with a WV scenic view halfway through. There is a lot of oxygen in this forrest , I find it relaxed breathing.

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By John King

This stand of trees, interspersed with "virgin" spruce and birch is underwhelming, at first glance. However, if you make the hike on the 1/2 mile loop, you will soon realize the incredible height of many of these trees. The deeper you get into this stand of trees it becomes evident how massive they are. Very worth the time and drive.

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By Jodi Devores

A very scenic drive, gorgeous forest and awesome views from the short easy trail.

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