Seven Days in Tucker County

Or Too much to do in so little time

Day 1
After breakfast, set out from Canaan Valley. Travel north on Rt. 32 to Thomas. Take Rt. 219 north from Thomas to Silverlake. Pick up Rt. 24 north to Rt. 50 west to Cathedral State Park. The park contains 132 acres of hiking trails and picnic areas amongst some of West Virginia’s oldest and largest trees, reminiscent of pre-lumber boom days. After leaving the park, take Rt. 50 east to Redhouse. Pick up Rt. 219 south. An “antiques” sign will alert you to one of the area’s largest shops. The Redhouse School Country Mall makes both buying and browsing enjoyable. Continuing on Rt. 219 south, another sign alerts you to “Our Lady of the Pines”, the smallest church in 48 states. An attraction since the 1950’s, it stands next to the smallest post office. Back on Rt. 219, traveling south, one mile north of Thomas is the Fairfax Stone State Park. This stone marks the headwaters of the Potomac River, and marked the western boundary of land granted to Lord Fairfax by the King of England. Its position in Lord Fairfax’s estate and importance in determining the final boundary of West Virginia has given the Fairfax Stone a major role in state history. Back through Thomas, pick up Rt. 32 back to Canaan Valley.

Day 2
Sleep in or get up early to watch the sunrise over the mountains! Today step back in time as you enjoy the unique and interesting shops in Thomas and Davis. Begin your stroll at the Collabrese General Store, Hypno Coffee, Riverfront Antiques and Thrift, Mountain Mist Florist, Mountainmade Country Store, The Christmas Shop, Chuck’s Antiques, The Picket Patch and The Purple Fiddle. Also see Cotrill’s Opera House (in the process of restoration). As you head out of the city of Thomas on Rt. 32 south, turn right on Douglas Road and visit Mountainmade.com. Located in the old B & L Building, this artisan gallery was renovated in 2001 and houses several regional artist works. Traveling south on Rt. 32 to Davis, visit the West Virginia Highlands Artisan Gallery, Highland Prospects, My Grampa’s Attic and Wilderness Sports and Crafts. After lunch in Davis, turn onto Blackwater Falls road and enter the State Park. See Blackwater Falls as it plunges 65 feet into the canyon below. Feel the mist of the falls on your face as you view it from the boardwalk. A trail provides a beautiful view of the falls; the trail features a paved, level surface. The park also has picnic areas, hiking trails, paddleboat rentals, nature center and Pendleton Point scenic overlook.

Day 3
Day trip to Smoke Hole, Seneca Caverns, Seneca Rocks, Spruce Knob or to the Potomac Eagle, the New Tygart Flyer or Cass Scenic railroads.

Day 4
Go rafting or canoeing on the Cheat River. Travel Rt. 219 south to Parsons; pick up Rt. 72 north to St. George to the Blackwater Outdoor Adventures. Once there, enjoy a day of fun and adventure as you make your way down the Cheat River.

Day 5
Travel north from Canaan Valley State Park on Rt. 32 to Canaan Valley. You will find a variety of small shops, including the Ski Barn and Canaan Valley Trading Company. Travel south on Rt. 32 past the entrance to Canaan Valley State Park, turn left onto Lanesville road. Follow this road for six miles, entering Dolly Sods Scenic Area. Picking berries is one of the favorite pastimes for locals in the area. Blueberries, huckleberries, teaberries and cranberries can be found in the sods area in late summer.

Day 6
Travel Rt. 219 south to Centennial Park overlook. While there, take in the breathtaking view of the newest addition to Tucker Count, the Mountaineer Wind Energy Center. Erected in 2002, the site has a total of 44 wind turbines that stand over 342 feet tall. Continue following Rt. 219 south to Forest Service Road #906 to Olsen Tower. Several hiking trails offer an excellent view of the Allegheny Mountains and the valley below. Back on Rt. 219 south to Parsons, visit the Parson’s historic courthouse. While in town, visit the Heritage House Fine Arts and Craft Co-op, located in the newly restored Parsons Railroad Depot. Travel Rt. 219 north about 1-½ miles to Rt. 72 south. Rt. 72 south was officially declared the Monongahela Scenic By-Way in July of 1999. Enjoy the beautiful views as the scenic by-ways takes you into the town of Hambleton. Continuing on Rt. 72 south through Hendricks, you will see where the Blackwater River connects with the Dryfork River to form the Blackfork River. Continue on Rt. 72 as it narrows and travels along the Dryfork River to a Forest Service Sign that says “Otter Creek Trail”. A short walk from the parking lot will take you to a wooden expansion bridge. Crossing the bridge will take you into the Otter Creek Wilderness Area. The large flat rocks in this area good for fishing. Continuing south on Rt. 72 will take you back to Rt. 32 north to Canaan Valley State Park.

Day 7
Mountain bike through picturesque farmland on the 21-mile Allegheny Highlands Trail, which connects the two small rural towns of Parsons and Elkins. The first 3 miles of the trail is paved for smooth cruising on mountain bikes or hike the 12 mile scenic Blackwater Canyon Railroad Grade, leaving from downtown Thomas and traveling to Hendricks. See Old Coke Ovens, Bridges by Italian Stonemasons, Douglas Falls and other scenic views along the once steepest railroad grade in the state.

ENJOY YOUR STAY IN TUCKER COUNTY!