I like to hike and I’m always looking for new places to go. Last week, I decided to look for a new trail so I could get outside and enjoy our great fall weather. I recently downloaded the AllTrails Pro app, complements of WV Tourism, and one of its features is to locate trails near your current location. Imagine my surprise when it suggested a trail I’d never heard of, one located just off the Goshen Road exit, in Mon County.

Toms Run Preserve is managed by the West Virginia Land Trust. Truthfully, I’d never heard of that either so I had to do the Google thing. The WVLT, a statewide nonprofit which started in 1994, serves the purpose of protecting the water quality and recreational access at West Virginia’s natural lands and scenic areas. The organization has permanently protected nearly 20,000 acres of land statewide since it was formed.

Part of the trail I hiked was well marked. The blazes were bright and easy to find, marking Elizabeth’s Loop and the Hollenhorst Trail. Once I ventured onto the Morris Loop trail, I didn’t see a single blaze. The trail, though leaf covered, was pretty well delineated but there were a couple of times that I didn’t know which way to go. The hiking app I was using, however, is super nifty! After the trail map is downloaded, the app will alert you if you venture off your designated route. It shows you, in real time, exactly where you are on the trail and points you in the direction you need to go. Being just a few steps beyond normal, I am extremely challenged by direction and worry about getting lost. I will never hike without the AllTrails app again.