On the Buckhannon River, different water activities can be distinguished: a paddling route with named endpoints and several listed whitewater spots. In Upshur County, seasonal rapids and trails on land add to the options. Historic sites offer another perspective on the region—from early settlement to buildings that shaped community life.
Paddling and Whitewater
The Upshur County Visitors Bureau highlights paddling opportunities on the Buckhannon River, Middle Fork River, and Tygart River. One specifically listed route on the Buckhannon River covers 2.8 miles from North Buckhannon Riverfront Park to Pringle Tree Park. The two endpoints and the distance give this route a clearly defined scope.
Five whitewater spots for enthusiasts are also listed on the Buckhannon River. Separate from this is the seasonal information for rivers in Upshur County: at the right time of year, they reach Class III and IV rapids. The number of whitewater spots refers specifically to the Buckhannon River; the seasonal classification, by contrast, refers to the rivers in the county. When planning your trip, you can distinguish whether you want to focus on a named river route, the listed whitewater spots, or the time of year.
Trails and Activities on Land
The current Upshur County Trails system in Upshur County Recreation Park is at least eight miles long and continues to grow. Upshur County Recreational Park has hiking and biking trails, as well as an Olympic-size swimming pool. Alongside water activities, there are options for walking, biking, and swimming. The information about the trail system describes a growing network; the park description additionally identifies the types of trails and the pool.
If you plan your stay around your interests, you can choose between trails and water without combining the offerings into a single route. For some, the length of the trail system is a useful guide; for others, the fact that the park has both hiking and biking trails is what matters. The swimming pool offers a distinct option. These differences make the choices more specific than a general list of recreational activities could.
Historic Sites
The History Center Museum in Buckhannon was built in 1856. It is the oldest surviving building on Main Street. Its construction date and place on Main Street give the site a clear historical context, without requiring a longer tour.
Fidler's Mill was first built by Daniel Peck in 1821. It later developed into a community building, an economic center, and a social gathering place; it also became an important visual attraction in the area. William enlarged the mill and built a dam upstream. At Fidler's Mill, the story includes not only its construction but also its changing role in community and economic life.
Pringle Tree Park marks the first permanent settlement west of the Allegheny Mountains in Virginia, founded by Samuel and John Pringle in 1764. A third-generation sycamore stands where the brothers once lived. The park also has a boat launch. Settlement history and a present-day park facility sit side by side here, without telling the same story about the site.
You can also explore history at Buckhannon City Park, where the focus is on McClellan, a Union general, and shifting loyalties during the Civil War. This look at shifting loyalties adds another historical perspective to the story of settlement.
An Event in May
The West Virginia Strawberry Festival takes place annually during the third week of May. If the festival is the reason for your trip, check the specific event dates for that year before making plans.
Discover more destinations: Buckhannon, Rock Cave, Cabell County, Kanawha, Randolph County, Morgan, McDowell County, Boone County.
For the broader travel overview: West Virginia.
