Log cabins, a period-style building, and a museum dedicated to pioneer life from 1796 to the early 20th century define Watters Smith Memorial State Park in Harrison County. The park also offers opportunities for hiking, biking, picnicking, and birdwatching. This brings together a range of interests: getting active on the trails, taking a break in the greenery, or exploring a long span of history.
Trails Between River and Forest
The Harrison North Rail Trail is a 7-mile public walking and biking trail between Spelter and the North View neighborhood of Clarksburg. It follows the West Fork River through densely wooded terrain, with occasional views of the water. One trailhead is on North 25th Street in Clarksburg, and another is two miles farther north at Fall Run. Parking is not marked, and surface conditions may change.
The Harrison South Rail-Trail runs parallel to the West Fork River, Browns Creek, and County Road 25. This offers a different way to orient yourself than the route described for the North Trail: here, several parallel landmarks are mentioned, while there, the trail follows the river through wooded terrain and connects two places.
The North Bend Rail Trail is also connected to Harrison County: the county is its eastern terminus. The section in the county has four bridges and a tunnel; one trailhead is in Salem. This makes it possible to choose a trail based on specific features, such as its stated length, landscape, or structures along the route.
History to Read and Explore
Waldomore preserves historical and genealogical materials for Clarksburg, Harrison County, and North Central West Virginia. Visitors and researchers can use the second-floor Research Room Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; check the hours before you travel. The collection brings together local history and family research, while the Research Room provides a specific place for both interests.
The Clarksburg History Museum houses one of the largest private collections of military memorabilia in West Virginia. Tours for school and community groups are available by prior arrangement. The West Virginia CCC Museum offers a different historical perspective: it is located in the old Quiet Dell schoolhouse in Harrison County, near Interstate 79 Exit 115, and covers the history of the Civilian Conservation Corps from its founding in 1933 through the program’s gradual end in June 1942. Because it is staffed by volunteers, calling before your visit is recommended.
Christ Episcopal Church is the oldest religious institution in Harrison County to have continuously served the same denomination and is a recognized landmark in West Virginia. The Robinson Grand Theater opened on February 7, 1913. Today, the Robinson Grand Performing Arts Center offers a diverse program of events for people of all ages, as well as for businesses, schools, and local organizations. Together, these places showcase different aspects of cultural life: religious continuity, theater history, and a broad range of events.
Festivals and Recreation
The West Virginia Italian Heritage Festival began in Clarksburg in 1979 and continues to take place over Labor Day weekend. The festival includes live cooking demonstrations by local chefs and home cooks; a special parade honors surviving immigrants. Check the exact dates for the current year before your trip. History, demonstrations, and the parade give the festival several distinct highlights rather than reducing it to a single feature.
For a different kind of recreation, Veteran's Memorial Park includes the 18-hole River Bend Miniature Golf Course. The Clarksburg Dog Park is also in the park: its fenced area lets dogs run off leash. These specific amenities complement the trails and museums with mini golf and a dedicated dog park.
Getting There and Getting Around
North Central West Virginia Airport is in Bridgeport, serves Clarksburg, and is served by Allegiant and United Express. Since flight connections can change, check the current service before booking. The airport is also located in the I-79 High Tech Corridor, providing access between Charleston, Morgantown, and Pittsburgh. Harrison has specific nature and cultural destinations to help you plan your trip.
Explore more destinations: Clarksburg, Bridgeport, Enterprise, Mingo County, Mercer County, Monroe County, Marshall County, Wood.
For the broader travel overview: West Virginia.
