WV/VA>GWNF>May 5-7

[dchadjohnson]

Hey all...planning a trip for early May to George Washington National Forest and could use some help finding a suitable trail. We will be backpacking, so need some decent camping areas, but would also like to do some fishing and hiking. Needs to be relatively low difficulty since my dad will be joining us. I've looked on AllTrails but can't seem to find a good hike that fits my parameters, so I thought I'd ask the collective. We prefer GWNF since there is no permit required, no fees, and campfires are allowed for the most part. Thanks for any input!

[Gunny85]

Laurel Fork of the Potomac, Park at the trail head for Bear Wallow Trail, it follows Bear Wallow Creek down to the Laurel Fork 3 miles. Easy walk. From there you can go down river a bit, some nice camp sites where Slabcakmp Run dumps into the Laurel Fork, some creek crossings necessary. Out and back unless you can shuttle. Brookies and Brown trout in the Laurel Fork, Brookies in Bear Wallow. If more distance is desired, Park at Locust Spring Picnic area, hike Locust Spring to Bear Wallow, Down Laurel Fork and back out on Buck Run. Don't try Slabcamp Run Trail, it is unmarked and very hard to find in places.

[dchadjohnson]

Thanks Gunny!