Valley Falls State Park
State Park in Marion and Taylor counties, West Virginia
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Valley Falls State Park is a 1,145 acre (4.63 km²) day use facility sited along both banks of the Tygart Valley River. The park is located about 7 miles (11 km) south of exit 137 of I-79, near Fairmont, West Virginia.
| Valley Falls State Park | |
|---|---|
| |
  Location within West Virginia | |
| Location | West Virginia, United States |
| Coordinates | 39°23′38″N 80°04′56″W |
| Area | 1,145 acres (4.63 km2) |
| Elevation | 1,558 ft (475 m) |
| Established | 1964[2] |
| Named for | Valley Falls on the Tygart River |
| Governing body | West Virginia Division of Natural Resources |
| Website | wvstateparks |
The park's main feature is a half-mile long set of cascades — the "Valley Falls" — that separate Marion and Taylor County, West Virginia. The park and river provide a popular and risky kayaking run.[3]
Although the falls are an inviting spot, swimming is not allowed. [4]
Local tradition had it that early settler Jonathan Nixon, Sr (1753–1799) was the first white man to look upon the falls.[5] In the 19th century a small community thrived along the river at the current state park's location. The ruins of a sawmill and a gristmill are still visible along the river.[4]
Features
- Mountain Biking
- Hiking trails
- Playground
- Picnic area
- Volleyball court
- Fishing
- Kayaking