Capon

Capon is a moderate out-and-back hike of about 4.5 miles in the Lee Ranger District of the George Washington and Jefferson National Forest in West Virginia. The trail starts at roughly 1,427 feet and reaches a high point of about 1,807 feet, with a total climb of about 1,165 feet for the round trip. The steepest stretch comes early, around the 0.3-mile mark, where the grade reaches about 23%. The trail is on natural surface and is open to both horses and bikes, according to Forest Service records. That makes it a flexible option for riders and equestrians as well as hikers. For comfortable weather, aim for late spring or early fall. Typical averages from a nearby weather station at Wardensville run to highs around 73°F in May and 78°F in September, though that station sits well below the trail, so temperatures on the higher ground run cooler. Several other outings lie close by. The Tuscarora - Pond Run Trail for mountain biking is about 1.2 miles away, and the Tuscarora - County Line and Bucktail hikes are each within about 1.5 miles. Paddlers can reach the Cacapon River, about 3.2 miles off.