Ziler Trail is a 3.3 mile moderately trafficked loop trail located near Berkeley Springs, West Virginia that features a lake and is rated as difficult. The trail is primarily used for hiking and horses and is accessible year-round. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash.
November 28, 2020I would rate this a “moderate” trail, in terms of difficulty. I hiked this, counter-clockwise, in late November. Off-season, you will be required to park farther away, because the road access to the trailhead is gated/blocked. I walked 15 minutes from my parking spot near the gate to the trailhead behind the last cabin. If you’re hiking this from Nov-March, factor in the extra time to reach the trail. Also, in late November, the trail was covered in a thick carpet of dead leaves, and slippery underfoot... which is to be expected. My trekking poles came in handy, but I found myself often stepping into the tall grass alongside the trail for better traction. The view of the park and lakes was lovely through the bare trees. On a Saturday afternoon, I had the entire trail (Ziler’s Loop) to myself. I did see a couple of hikers farther along on the red blazed Central Trail. I imagine it is beautiful in spring when the rhododendrons are blooming.
November 1, 2020NOTE: This is for the Ziler Loop Trail (longer with blue/red blazes). Very pretty but poorly marked, trail. Walk behind the shelter near the summit for a decent view. The bottom half of the loop is where things get confusing. The red/blue blazes take you on the trail, as well as to the cabins. If you are walking counter-clockwise, try to bear left (except when you get to the intersection for the Ziler Trail - yellow blaze). Refer to the map on the park website since AlllTrails' data is incomplete.
October 28, 2020Great hike! At 5 months pregnant, i made it up the mountain clockwise. The trail is marked really well and the views this time of year are awesome, especially when you need the incentive to keep going up!
October 17, 2020Gorgeous park! Parking for this trail is along the road (by the “playground”) and right before the last cabin on this road. Walk towards the cabin and the trailhead is on the right. I did the trail clockwise and I’m glad I did. It was steep, but the switchbacks give you little breathers. There’s no actual view or overlook at the top but it’s a beautiful forest nonetheless. The trees are stunning right now.
October 16, 2020Nice trail with good incline. I thought views would be better but was on multi-state trip and wanted to get in another WV trail not far off the highway in MD. Good trail though as easy to get too and nice park as well. I read the trail was hard to follow, but not the case, very easy to follow and well marked.
October 16, 2020October 9, 2020It's good loop. The uphill is plenty steep and will get your heart beating. Some nice views along the ridge. There is sign for a spur to an sunset overlook. It would be a good hike to do to see the sunset over West Virginia. We did it on a Friday morning and had the whole park and trail to ourselves. Really nice.
October 5, 2020September 22, 2020August 22, 2020The trail is pretty. It is definitely a tough climb. I am not an experienced hiker. I thought other non experienced hikers should be prepared to see the park’s wildlife.
August 18, 2020August 7, 2020Great hike!! STEEP uphill, then good long downhills with steepish parts. Well maintained and marked while still keeping it natural. Tall grasses. Not so many good views but it was pleasant to walk through and only saw a few people.
July 30, 2020Great hike. According to the park trail map, it's an ancient path for Native Americans who used to cross Cacapon Mountain. It's steep and provides plenty of solitude.
July 26, 2020Steep incline at the start but worth it for the solitude. A bit rough when it is 90 degrees outside.
July 2, 2020May 26, 2020April 26, 2020Great Day of sunshine and cool temps
April 11, 2020March 7, 2020December 7, 2019Nice trail, well marked. Only issue is since its fall all the leaves are down making for some slippery sections. Good m sure its nicer in nicer weather
October 13, 2019July 1, 2019Strenuous hike up, but manageable for older kids: 13, 11, and 7. We took the Ziler Loop Trail from the Batt Picnic Shelter where the trail is clearly marked. Even though we took the less direct route up, it was still strenuous; some rock outcroppings and fern gardens make the walk up interesting enough. We can down the Ziler Trail switchbacks and back to the Ziler Loop Trail. More rock outcroppings and a few water crossings made a fun downhill. Water crossings would likely be more than a trickle in spring. Overall a good hike.
June 9, 2019June 3, 2019Nice hike- straight up- took the loop to the left to come down. Thanks to Sedona to help me find the beginning of the trail- wouldn’t have found it without that description.
