A scenic side route, the Rivers to Ridges Heritage Trail connects historic Nitro with Point Pleasant and passes through Putnam County’s historical and recreational attractions. This connection alone reveals a striking contrast: industrial and settlement history sit alongside trails, parks and opportunities for active exploration.
History from Boomtown to Community Landscape
The Nitro Wars Museum explores Nitro’s legacy as a World War I boomtown: the town was initially built as “Explosive Plant C.” World War I artifacts and items from later wars include a recreated trench, uniforms, blueprints and photographs. The collection thus connects Nitro’s history with objects from different wartime periods.
Eleanor, too, tells a story of a distinctive settlement. The town was one of three Subsistence Homesteads established in West Virginia during the Roosevelt administration. The original “Red House” stood at the center of the settlement layout and served as an administrative building. The Hoge House offers another historical perspective: this historic landmark served as Putnam County’s first courthouse annex and first library.
In the lobby of the Winfield Municipal Building, the WV Drag Racers Hall of Fame displays memorabilia from drag racing in West Virginia. The Putnam County Quilt Trail offers a different focus: it includes several quilt squares in Winfield, Buffalo, Red House, Pliny and Eleanor. Its stops are therefore spread across several communities.
Park Trails, Nature and Movement
Different kinds of exploration come together at Valley Park. The inclusive playground is designed for children with different abilities. A main trail loops all the way around the park, while a Fairy Trail winds through the pine forest. The Bear Wood Fairy Door Trail also runs along the hiking trails and features numerous handmade, painted fairy doors. Workshops with fairy-door-painting classes may be offered in connection with this trail; availability varies.
The Commons at Valley Park is home to the Wildlife & Discovery Center of WV, a hands-on, immersive science center. It focuses on reptile and amphibian rescue and environmental education. Nature is therefore part of both the trails and the center’s educational focus.
The Esther and Walter Norman Memorial Nature Trail on Red House Hill is over a mile long. A much longer option is the 11.3-mile Mary Ingles Trail near Winfield: it is moderately difficult and suitable for hiking, walks and nature outings. Trail conditions and seasonal access can change, so check before setting out. The Meeks Mountain Trails offer hiking, trail running and mountain biking, with routes for beginners, intermediate users and experienced visitors. Teays Valley Acres has trails for walking and horseback riding. The options thus differ in both length and the activities available.
Water, Equestrian Sports and Creative Experiences
The Winfield Boat Ramp features a wide concrete ramp, a dock, a paddlecraft launch and ample parking. Fishing is permitted at Hurricane Reservoir, next to Hurricane City Park; boating and paddling are not allowed there. If you’re planning activities on the water, it’s worth keeping these different rules in mind.
The Winfield Riding Club hosts shows for the WV Quarter Horse Association, the Kanawha Valley Horsemen’s Association and the WV High School Rodeo Association. For creative activities, visit the pottery studios: you can register for one-day workshops through the calendar at Made By Community Pottery Studio. The Pottery Place in Hurricane is a studio where visitors can paint their own pottery.
Tastes & Talents is Putnam County’s annual celebration of food and art, held each March. The program may change from year to year, so check the dates when planning your trip. At Shady Oaks Farm, you can pick your own blueberries, blackberries, raspberries and ginger. As availability is seasonal, confirm before your visit.
Seasonal attractions also have their own operating periods. Waves of Fun is open from Memorial Day through Labor Day; check the dates before your trip. The wave pool holds 500,000 gallons, the waves reach up to three feet, and there are water slides. Old School Christmas Farm is West Virginia’s first reindeer farm. Its seasonal offerings include live reindeer and visits with Santa; the program may vary.
Explore more destinations: Hurricane, Pocahontas County, Fayette County, Harrison, Logan, Greenbrier, Marion, Randolph County.
For the broader travel overview: West Virginia.
