Cathedral State Park Old-Growth Trail is a premier hiking destination in Preston County, West Virginia, covering 3.0 miles with 300ft of elevation gain. Stats: 3.0 miles, 300ft gain, Easy. Type: Loop. Surface: Dirt. Time: 1-2 hours. Fee: Free. Dogs: Yes. Permit: No. Wildlife: white-tailed deer, black bears, pileated woodpeckers, barred owls, salamanders. Best seasons: Spring for wildflowers beneath the old-growth canopy; fall for cathedral-like light through the leaves. Cathedral State Park protects the largest remaining stand of old-growth eastern hemlock in WV — trees up to 21 feet in circumference and over 300 years old. Walking beneath the canopy feels genuinely sacred. Pack plenty of water and layers. Mountain weather in the southern Appalachians can change rapidly — always check the forecast. Leave No Trace: stay on trail, pack out all waste, respect wildlife.