Be mild:
Parks in
Mountaineer Country, WV
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The seven-county region in North Central West Virginia boasts hundreds of miles of developed trails weaving through state parks and forests, free to the public.
Audra State Park
Audra State Park is a hidden gem nestled just south of Philippi, WV, on the border of Barbour and Upshur Counties. Originally established by the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad, this 335-acre park offers wooded trails, scenic campgrounds, and the serene beauty of the Middle Fork River along the Alum Cave Trail loop. Perfect for families and weekend adventurers, Audra State Park is open year-round and offers plenty of outdoor fun and amenities.
Monongahela National Forest
The Monongahela National Forest is the largest national forest in West Virginia, spanning nearly one million acres across multiple counties. With 23 campgrounds, 17 picnic areas, and over 500 miles of hiking trails, it’s a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, families, and casual hikers alike. From scenic views to hidden gems, this forest offers a chance to make lasting memories. Whether you’re snapping family pictures, roasting s’mores by the campfire, or exploring the trails, Monongahela National Forest is a must-visit for everyone.
Tygart Lake State Park
Tygart Lake State Park is located in Taylor County, just south of Grafton, WV. The Lake itself stretches across 10 miles, covering a total area of 1,750 acres. Tygart Lake is open to swimming, fishing, and boating, with the Marina open season taking place between May and September. Come enjoy the State Park April through October though! There are no horsepower limits for boats looking to set out on Tygart Lake, and there are no restricted hours for jet skis. The forest surrounding the lake is filled with five trails perfect for walking, hiking and exploring nature.
Valley Falls State Park
Valley Falls State Park is one of two West Virginia State Parks that follow the Tygart Valley River along the border of Marion and Taylor Counties. Located just south of Fairmont, WV, Valley Falls was originally the site of a lumber and grist mill community, who used the river’s current to power their machinery and support their infrastructure.
Explore Some of Mountaineer Country's Milder Options
Flatwater Stand-Up Paddleboarding, Canoeing, and Kayaking
Fans of stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), canoeing, and kayaking highly praise Mountaineer Country for its ideal rivers, lakes, and waterways. From secluded spots to popular hangouts, the area is renowned for its crystal-clear mountain streams and long, lazy rivers, offering endless opportunities for water enthusiasts.
Hiking
West Virginia is considered one of the best states for hiking. Almost Heaven catalogs more than 450 identified trails traversing the state with varying terrain and with something for hikers of all skill levels.
Biking
Cycling through Mountaineer Country’s picturesque landscapes, you will find paved and gravel roads that connect with charming eateries and bits of this region’s history.
Birding
Mountaineer Country’s eco-diversity—high mountain bogs, forests of various ages, abundant farmland, and waterways—make for great birding year-round.
Parks
The seven-county region in North Central West Virginia boasts hundreds of miles of developed trails weaving through state parks and forests, free to the public.
Plan YOUR NEXT MOUNTAINEER COUNTRY VISIT
Are you ready for a WILD! adventure? Plan your trip to North Central West Virginia, where fun and educational activities await visitors of all ages. Enjoy local parks and playgrounds or dive into indoor attractions. Build your own itinerary, use one of our special interest day trips, or take a check-in challenge. You can also share your itinerary with friends. Save money during your visit with valuable discount coupons built into the app.
Plan your trip to Mountaineer Country today using the VMCCVB Trip Planner App, available for free in the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store. Browse the area’s local hotels, gear shops, restaurants and scenic overlooks to create your perfect wilderness excursion.
And because we all know that every good trip has a story, we invite you to share your outdoor adventure story with us! Share pictures from your Mountaineer Country adventure with us by using #VisitMountaineerCountry and #MountaineerCountryYes on your social media posts!
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