What to do and see in Marlinton, West Virginia (WV): The Best Nature & Parks

Beartown State Park is a natural area of 107 acres located on the eastern summit of Droop Mountain, seven miles southwest of Hillsboro, West Virginia. The name Beartown was chosen because local residents claimed that the many cave-like openings in the rocks made ideal winter dens for the black bears of the area. Also, the many deep, narrow crevasses were formed in a somewhat regular criss-cross pattern and appear from above like the streets of a small town. Beartown is noted for its unusual rock formations, which are comprised of Droop, or Pottsville, Sandstone formed during the Pennsylvanian age. Massive boulders, overhanging cliffs, and deep crevasses stir the imagination of most visitors. Pocketing the face of the cliffs are hundreds of eroded pits, ranging from the size of marbles to others large enough to hold two grown men. Ice and snow commonly remain in the deeper crevasses until mid to late summer. Vegetation clings tenaciously to life, sending roots into mere cracks in the rocks.The land was purchased in 1970 with funds from the Nature Conservancy and a donation from Mrs. Edwin G. Polan, in memory of her son, Ronald Keith Neal, who lost his life in the Vietnam War. Development of the park has been minimal in order to preserve the natural attractions of the area. However, basic facilities are provided, and a boardwalk permits easy access. Interpretive signs along the boardwalk guide visitors and provide insights concerning the ecology of the area. The park is open daily from April to October. During the closed winter season foot travel to the boardwalk area is welcome, with parking available at the closed entrance gate. Group tours may be arranged by contacting the Superintendent at nearby Droop Mountain Battlefield State Park. No fee is charged to visit Beartown.

Located in the mountains of Pocahontas County, Watoga State Park is West Virginia’s largest state park. With 10,100 acres of land, Watoga is filled with many recreational activities including hiking, swimming, fishing and boating. Watoga Lake is known for excellent fishing opportunities and is part of the Division of Natural Resources' stocking program. A multipurpose building, museum and observation tower are just a few of the unique attractions at Watoga State Park.

The Cranberry Mountain Nature Center has many interesting features that appeal to visitors of all ages and backgrounds. The exhibit hall features many interactive displays which are both educational and entertaining to young and old alike. The auditorium offers short films on request on topics, such as Smokey Bear Story, Jewels of the Monongahela, Cranberry Glades, wildflowers, and many others. The nature center is host to several popular events during the open season. Kids Night activities include live snake shows, educational programs, magic shows, wildlife presentations, games and visits by Smokey Bear.

West Virginia’s oldest and largest state forest, Seneca State Forest is located in rugged Pocahontas County with 12,884 acres of lush woodlands to explore. Recreational opportunities include boating in Seneca Lake or the nearby Greenbrier River or hiking or biking 23 miles of trails. Relax in a rustic cabin or campsite. Seneca is perhaps best known for the Thorny Mountain Fire Tower, which provides sweeping panoramas and is available to book for overnight stays.

This .25 mile accessible trail offers close-up views of world class hematite deposits. The honeycomb rocks were slowly shaped and folded during the mountain building that occurred thousands of years ago. This easy and relatively flat trail is a great place to get out of the car with the whole family to learn about these unique rock formations.

Located in eastern Pocahontas and Greenbrier counties, Calvin Price State Forest is covered in more than 9,000 acres of mixed hardwoods and pine. The forest is named in honor of the late Calvin W. Price, a Marlinton newspaper editor who advocated for the purchase and designation of this area as a state forest. Uniquely, Calvin Price is mostly undeveloped, and instead relies on nearby Watoga State Park, one of West Virginia’s largest parks, for lodging and other activities.