Attractions and Places To See around Marlinton - Top 5

Marlinton is surrounded by natural beauty. You can explore Watoga State Park, West Virginia's largest state park, offering extensive hiking trails, a lake for fishing and boating, and a Dark Sky Park designation for stargazing. The Greenbrier River Trail provides access to the Greenbrier River, one of the last free-flowing rivers in the eastern US. Additionally, the nearby Monongahela National Forest offers vast opportunities for outdoor activities, and the Cranberry Glades Botanical Area features unique wetlands with boardwalk trails.

Yes, Marlinton has a rich history reflected in its sites. The Marlinton Depot, a restored 1901 railway station, now serves as a visitor center and gallery. You can also visit the Webster Run Bridge and Sharps Tunnel and Bridge, both historic structures from the C&O railway, now part of the Greenbrier River Trail. Other historical points include the Pocahontas County Opera House, the Pocahontas County Historical Society Museum, and the McGlaughlin Cabin, the oldest building in Marlinton.

The area around Marlinton is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. The Greenbrier River Trail is popular for hiking, biking, ski-touring, and horseback riding along its 78-mile length. Fishing is excellent in the Greenbrier River and Knapps Creek. The Monongahela National Forest offers extensive hiking and mountain biking trails. For cycling, you can explore routes like the 'Greenbrier River Trail and Seneca Forest Loop' or various loops starting from the Marlinton Depot. Find more cycling routes at Cycling around Marlinton.

Absolutely. Watoga State Park is very family-friendly, offering hiking trails, a lake for boating, and cabins. The Webster Run Bridge is also noted as family-friendly. The Greenbrier River Trail is suitable for family bike rides or walks. Additionally, the Cranberry Glades Botanical Area features boardwalk trails, making it accessible for families to explore unique wetlands.

The Greenbrier River Trail is West Virginia's longest rail trail, stretching 78 miles from Caldwell to Cass Scenic Railroad State Park. It features 35 bridges and two tunnels, including Sharps Tunnel. The trail's surface is a mix of asphalt and crushed stone, making it ideal for hiking, biking, ski-touring, and horseback riding. The Marlinton Depot serves as an access point to the trail.

Yes, the area boasts unique natural formations and scenic drives. Beartown State Park is known for its massive boulder formations that create labyrinthine passages, offering a unique exploration experience. The Highland Scenic Highway (Route 150), just outside Marlinton, is a 23-mile scenic byway with stunning views of the Allegheny Mountains and numerous trailheads within the Monongahela National Forest.

Marlinton offers outdoor activities year-round. Spring and fall provide pleasant temperatures for hiking and biking, with vibrant foliage in autumn. Summer is great for water activities on the Greenbrier River and exploring state parks. Even in winter, the Greenbrier River Trail can be used for ski-touring, and the region offers a quiet, snowy landscape.

Yes, the Marlinton Depot is noted as wheelchair accessible, offering a visitor center and access to the Greenbrier River Trail. The Cranberry Glades Botanical Area also features boardwalk trails, which can accommodate wheelchairs, allowing visitors to experience the unique wetlands.

To delve into local history, visit the Pocahontas County Historical Society Museum, located on Route 219 south of Marlinton. This museum, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, showcases artifacts and documents related to the county's heritage and includes the original log home of the Kee Family. The Marlinton Depot also offers insights into the area's railway history.

The Green Bank Observatory, located near Marlinton, is a significant scientific facility. It's definitely worth a tour, offering an amazing sight for visitors interested in astronomy and large-scale scientific instruments. It's a unique educational experience in the region.

The extensive natural areas around Marlinton, including the Monongahela National Forest and Watoga State Park, provide excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing. Keep an eye out for deer, black bears, various bird species, and other forest animals while hiking or exploring the trails.

Watoga State Park is West Virginia’s largest state park, covering over 10,000 acres. It's special for its 40 miles of hiking trails, a lake for fishing and boating, and its designation as an International Dark-Sky Park, making it an exceptional location for stargazing and camping under clear night skies. It also offers cabins and other facilities.