Valley Falls State Park
Rt. 6 Box 244
Fairmont, WV 26273
Phone: (304) 367-2719
From I-79, take Exit 137, then 310 south for 7
miles. Turn right at the Valley Falls State Park
sign. Go two miles to the park entrance.
Once the site of a lumber and grist mill
community, the scenic treasure of Valley Falls State
Park is located only a short drive from Fairmont and
Grafton. This 1,145 acre day use park hosts a
variety of outdoor recreation including fishing,
picnicking, whitewater rafting, and 18 miles of
hiking and mountain biking trails.
The beauty of the park is enhanced by the
spectacular series of foaming falls which were
created by the dark, rushing waters of the Tygart
Valley River and provides a boundary between Marion
and Taylor counties. The prevalent rock formation
known as Connoquenessing Sandstone, forms the cap of
the falls over which the river plunges and swirls
and appears both as ledges and huge room size
boulders for over a mile down the narrow canyon
floor.
Before Valley Falls became a state park, this
section of the Tygart Valley River in the 1800s was
a thriving railroad community and a popular
recreation area. During this "boom"
period, Valley Falls had a B&O Railroad Depot
Station, grist mill, post office, sawmills, shops
and a ferry. Between 1886 and 1888, a fire and flood
swept through the community. Some repairs were made
but the town never fully recovered.
In 1964, the state park system acquired the falls
and the surrounding land. This picturesque river
gorge became Valley Falls State Park.
Today Valley Falls State Park is a place of
scenic beauty and historical significance and has
continued to grow in popularity with both local and
out of state visitors.
Valley Falls State Park provides its visitors
with a selection of activities including picnicking,
fishing, game courts and hiking trails.
Hiking on 18 miles of hiking trails (suitable for
all ages and abilities)
Sightseeing (remains of sawmill and grist mill
are still present and the spectacular view of the
Great Falls)
Fishing
- Picnic areas available with picnic tables and
shelter rental
- Playgrounds and a Volleyball area
- Horseshoes pitching areas
- Whitewater rafting is nearby
- Parking, bathrooms, drinking fountain and picnic
tables are available for the disabled
|