Nearly 50 miles of trails make Coopers Rock State Forest a prominent natural attraction in Preston County. The forest is located in Preston County and extends beyond county lines. This figure describes a network of trails, not the length of a single trail. For you, that means you can explore the forest via an extensive network of hiking trails. The remains of the Henry Clay Furnace are also located in the state forest and make a destination for hiking and cycling.
Trails and Landscapes
Cranesville Swamp Nature Preserve also has a clearly defined trail network: it includes five hiking trails, one of which is a 1,500-foot-long boardwalk. The number of trails and the length of the boardwalk provide two specific points of reference for exploring the preserve. The boardwalk is one of several trails, not the only route.
River and Festival
There are other ways to find your bearings on the water. The Upper Cheat River Water Trail currently has nine existing access points. Near Albright, guided trips are available on the Cheat River’s Class V whitewater section. These details refer to different aspects of the river: the number of access points along the water trail, and guided trips on a named whitewater section. If the river is one of your travel interests, you can consider these as separate points in your plans without combining them into a single route.
Another recurring opportunity to get to know Preston County is the annual Preston County Buckwheat Festival, held in Kingwood, West Virginia. The offerings include buckwheat cakes and sausage. The festival thus combines a regular event with two specifically named foods. If you want the festival to be a highlight of your visit, check the event dates as you plan.
Stories from Preston County
Arthurdale is the nation’s first New Deal subsistence homestead community. This story offers a different perspective from the nature and river themes: it leads to a significant chapter in American history. Museums also offer insights into the region’s past. The Aurora Area Historical Society Museum preserves a collection of historic buildings and artifacts that tells the story of early life in Appalachia.
The Aurora General Store Museum displays authentic items from the 19th and early 20th centuries. The Szilagyi Center is located in Rowlesburg’s historic 1910 school building. The three sites offer different points of interest: a collection that conveys early life in Appalachia, everyday objects from a specific period, and a historic school building. This makes it possible to explore cultural history through different forms and periods.
Sections of the WV Northern Rail-Trail
The sections mentioned along the WV Northern Rail-Trail are also described in different ways. The open southern section in Tunnelton is unconnected and about one mile long. The open section in Kingwood begins at Kingwood Trailhead Park. An approximate length is given for Tunnelton, while a starting point is given for Kingwood; the details do not describe the same section using two different measures. Restrooms at the Masontown Trailhead of the Deckers Creek Rail-Trail are located in a 1907 Elkins Coal and Coke building.
Discover More Destinations
Discover more destinations: Kingwood, Tunnelton, Terra Alta, Hardy County, Pendleton County, Fayette County, Lincoln County, Wyoming County.
For the overarching travel guide: West Virginia.
