Brandonville West VirginiaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Brandonville, West Virginia.
1. Coopers Rock State Forest
ICONIC MOUNTAIN VIEWS
Coopers Rock State Forest offers some of the most iconic views in West Virginia, established in 1936 and conveniently located just off I-68. Visitors can explore over 50 different hiking trails that wind through the breathtaking landscape, perfect for all skill levels. The forest provides year-round outdoor activities including hiking, rock climbing, mountain biking, and spectacular photo opportunities of the surrounding mountains.
2. Cranesville Swamp
ANCIENT ECOLOGICAL WONDER
Cranesville Swamp offers nature enthusiasts five distinct trails to explore its unique ecosystem, allowing visitors to see, hear, and smell the swamp's diverse plant and animal life. The swamp is a natural preserve with ecological features typically found much further north, creating a rare habitat in West Virginia. Visitors can experience an environment that has remained largely unchanged for thousands of years, making it a living museum of natural history.
3. Cathedral State Park
ANCIENT HEMLOCK FOREST
Cathedral State Park showcases the beauty of over 50 species of wildflowers within its ancient hemlock forest. The park preserves one of the last virgin hemlock stands in West Virginia, with trees that can be up to 90 feet tall and 21 feet in circumference. Visitors can walk among these ancient trees on well-maintained paths while enjoying the cathedral-like atmosphere created by the towering hemlocks overhead.
4. Preston County Rail Trails
HISTORIC RAILWAY PATHS
Preston County Rail Trails offer extensive pathways for walking and biking along converted historic railway lines that wind through the picturesque countryside. These trails preserve the region's transportation history while providing accessible outdoor recreation opportunities for visitors of all ages. The relatively flat grade of these former railroad corridors makes them perfect for casual cyclists, families, and those seeking a leisurely way to experience Preston County's natural beauty.
5. Crimson Shamrock Farm
ALPACA AND SHEEP FARM
Crimson Shamrock Farm welcomes visitors to experience the wonderful nature of alpacas and sheep in a working farm environment. Tours of the farm provide educational insights into the care and raising of these gentle animals, as well as information about their valuable fiber production. Visitors often have opportunities for up-close encounters with the animals and can learn about sustainable farming practices in West Virginia's agricultural community.
6. Cheat River
WHITEWATER AND FISHING PARADISE
The Cheat River provides thrilling rapids for adventure seekers and tranquil fishing spots for anglers looking to catch trout along its scenic banks. This wild and picturesque waterway cuts through the heart of Preston County, offering various recreational opportunities from gentle float trips to challenging whitewater runs. The river's diverse ecosystem supports a wide variety of fish species, making it a premier destination for outdoor enthusiasts in all seasons.
7. Our Lady of the Pines
AMERICA'S SMALLEST CHURCH
Our Lady of the Pines holds the distinction of being the smallest church in the lower 48 states, offering visitors a uniquely intimate place for reflection and meditation. The tiny structure features just a few pews but maintains all the reverent atmosphere of much larger churches. This charming attraction has become a popular stop for travelers seeking unusual landmarks and a moment of peaceful contemplation in Preston County.
8. Cool Springs Park
QUIRKY ROADSIDE ATTRACTION
Cool Springs Park offers travelers along US Route 50 a chance to experience its unique blend of country store, museum of antique farm equipment, and rural curiosities. The park has been delighting visitors for generations with its eclectic collection of memorabilia and old-time atmosphere. Travelers can explore the grounds filled with vintage machinery, grab a snack at the country store, and enjoy this beloved roadside attraction that captures the spirit of rural West Virginia.
9. Tunnelton Railroad Depot
HISTORIC RAILWAY MUSEUM
The Tunnelton Railroad Depot preserves the rich railway heritage of the region through historical artifacts, photographs, and technological displays housed in an authentic train station. Visitors can explore exhibits that chronicle the vital role railroads played in developing Preston County and West Virginia. The carefully restored depot offers a glimpse into a time when the railroad was the lifeline of rural communities, connecting them to the wider world and enabling economic growth.
10. McGrew House
HISTORIC HOMESTEAD TOUR
The McGrew House offers visitors a chance to tour one of Preston County's most significant historic homes, showcasing period architecture and furnishings. This well-preserved property provides insights into the domestic life and social history of early West Virginia settlers and prominent families. Guided tours of the house highlight architectural features, family histories, and the cultural context of the era when the McGrew family was influential in local development.
11. Old Iron Furnace
INDUSTRIAL HERITAGE SITE
The Old Iron Furnace along Route 26 stands as a testament to Preston County's industrial past, where iron was once produced for regional manufacturing. This historic structure offers visitors a chance to see firsthand how early American industry functioned before modern manufacturing techniques. The preserved furnace provides educational opportunities about the technological, economic, and social aspects of iron production that helped build the region in the 19th century.
12. WWII Museum
MILITARY HISTORY COLLECTION
The WWII Museum in Rowlesburg invites visitors to explore a variety of fascinating exhibits chronicling America's involvement in the Second World War. The museum houses an impressive collection of artifacts, photographs, and personal accounts related to local servicemembers and the broader war effort. History enthusiasts will appreciate the carefully curated displays that honor the sacrifices made by the Greatest Generation and educate new generations about this pivotal period in world history.
13. Arthurdale Heritage
NEW DEAL HOMESTEAD COMMUNITY
Arthurdale Heritage preserves the first New Deal homestead community created by President Franklin Roosevelt in the 1930s as a revolutionary experiment in social planning. Visitors can tour original buildings and learn how this planned community aimed to help impoverished families during the Great Depression through subsistence farming and cooperative industries. The site offers a fascinating glimpse into a unique moment in American history when government policy directly addressed rural poverty through innovative community development.
14. Cannon Hill
CIVIL WAR STRATEGIC POINT
Cannon Hill invites history buffs to revisit the strategic site where Civil War howitzers were once positioned to protect the vital railroad from Confederate raiders. This elevated vantage point played an important role in securing Union transportation routes through the mountainous region. Visitors today can appreciate both the historical significance of the location and enjoy scenic views of the surrounding countryside that once had military importance.
15. Blackwater Falls
ICONIC CASCADING WATERS
Blackwater Falls features a magnificent 57-foot cascade of amber-colored water tumbling down through a rocky gorge, creating one of West Virginia's most photographed natural landmarks. The falls derive their distinctive color from the tannic acid of fallen hemlock and red spruce needles in the water. Visitors can access viewing platforms via a wooden boardwalk system that provides spectacular vantage points for witnessing this natural wonder in all seasons, with winter creating particularly dramatic ice formations.