Cowen West VirginiaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Cowen, West Virginia.
1. Gaudineer Scenic Area
NATURAL FOREST BEAUTY
The Gaudineer Scenic Area offers visitors a breathtaking glimpse into the pristine natural beauty of West Virginia's forests. Visitors can explore hiking trails through old-growth forest and admire spectacular mountain vistas throughout all seasons. The area is particularly stunning during fall foliage and spring wildflower blooms, making it a year-round destination for nature lovers.
2. Haunted Heartland Tours
SPOOKY HISTORICAL EXPERIENCES
Haunted Heartland Tours takes brave visitors through some of the most haunted locations in and around Cowen. Guides share chilling tales of local folklore, paranormal encounters, and the area's mysterious past during these engaging nighttime excursions. The tour combines history with supernatural elements, creating an unforgettable experience that highlights West Virginia's rich and sometimes eerie heritage.
3. Kirkwood Winery and Isaiah Morgan Distillery
LOCAL WINE AND SPIRITS
Kirkwood Winery and Isaiah Morgan Distillery offers visitors a taste of traditional Appalachian wine and spirits production. Guests can tour the facilities to learn about the winemaking and distillation processes that honor West Virginia's rich heritage of mountain craftsmanship. The establishment provides tastings of their unique products, including fruit wines and moonshine made from time-honored recipes.
4. Summersville Lake Marina
WATER RECREATION HUB
Summersville Lake Marina serves as the gateway to West Virginia's largest lake, offering boat rentals, fishing supplies, and expert local advice. The marina provides easy access to the crystal-clear waters where visitors can enjoy swimming, fishing, scuba diving, and various boating activities. With its proximity to Cowen, the marina makes for a perfect day trip for those looking to experience the region's premier water recreation destination.
5. The Mountain Park
CENTRAL OUTDOOR GETAWAY
The Mountain Park, centered around Elk Mountain, provides a scenic outdoor playground for visitors to Cowen. The park features numerous recreational opportunities, including hiking trails, picnic areas, and spaces for community gatherings. Nature enthusiasts will appreciate the diverse wildlife and plant species that can be observed throughout the different seasons of the year.
6. Big Ditch Lake Wildlife Management Area
SERENE OUTDOOR RECREATION
Big Ditch Lake Wildlife Management Area offers a tranquil escape for outdoor enthusiasts with its pristine waters and surrounding forests. Visitors can enjoy non-motorized boating, fishing for various species, and hiking along the scenic trails that wind through the property. The area also provides hunting opportunities during designated seasons, making it a versatile destination for nature lovers seeking a variety of outdoor activities.
7. Cranberry Tri-Rivers Rail Trail
MULTI-USE RECREATIONAL PATH
The Cranberry Tri-Rivers Rail Trail spans 16 miles of converted railroad corridor, offering a scenic journey through the natural beauty surrounding Cowen. This multi-use path accommodates hikers, cyclists, and horseback riders as it winds alongside rivers and through forested areas rich in local flora and fauna. The trail provides a full day of outdoor recreation with beautiful vistas and opportunities to connect with West Virginia's natural landscape in all seasons.
8. Historic Cowen Walking Tour
RAILROAD TOWN HERITAGE
The Historic Cowen Walking Tour guides visitors through this charming railroad town founded in 1893, highlighting its rich history and architectural heritage. Participants stroll along the streets learning about Cowen's development as a key gateway to the Monongahela National Forest and its role in the region's railroad industry. The tour offers fascinating insights into local culture and history, connecting modern visitors with the town's storied past.
9. Carnifex Ferry Battlefield State Park
CIVIL WAR HISTORIC SITE
Carnifex Ferry Battlefield State Park preserves the site of an important 1861 Civil War battle that helped secure West Virginia for the Union. Visitors can explore the museum, walk interpretive trails, and enjoy spectacular views of the Gauley River canyon while learning about this pivotal moment in American history. The park also offers picnic facilities and hiking opportunities, making it both an educational and recreational destination near Cowen.
10. Droop Mountain Battlefield State Park
HISTORIC MOUNTAIN BATTLEFIELD
Droop Mountain Battlefield State Park commemorates the site of West Virginia's last significant Civil War battle, fought on November 6, 1863. The park features a museum, lookout tower, hiking trails, and picnic areas set against the backdrop of beautiful mountain terrain. Visitors can walk the same ground where Union and Confederate forces clashed, while interpretive displays throughout the park bring the historic conflict to life.
11. Mountaineer Military Museum
VETERANS' STORIES PRESERVED
The Mountaineer Military Museum honors West Virginia veterans through extensive displays of military memorabilia, photographs, and personal stories spanning multiple conflicts. Founded by a Vietnam veteran, this museum provides an intimate and moving tribute to the sacrifices made by local service members throughout American history. Visitors will find themselves immersed in powerful personal narratives that bring wartime experiences to life through carefully preserved artifacts and thoughtful exhibits.
12. Greenbrier Government Relocation Facility
COLD WAR SECRET BUNKER
The Greenbrier Government Relocation Facility, also known as the Bunker, was a secret Cold War underground facility designed to house Congress in the event of nuclear war. Hidden beneath the luxurious Greenbrier Resort for over 30 years, this massive bunker remained one of America's most closely guarded secrets until its exposure in 1992. Tours now allow visitors to explore this fascinating piece of Cold War history, complete with massive blast doors, decontamination chambers, and once-secret meeting rooms for government continuity operations.
13. Williams, Birch, and Gauley Rivers
PREMIER FISHING WATERS
The Williams, Birch, and Gauley Rivers offer some of West Virginia's finest fishing opportunities in the waters surrounding Cowen. Anglers can pursue a variety of freshwater species including trout, bass, and walleye in these scenic waterways that cut through the mountainous landscape. The rivers' varying conditions provide options for all skill levels, from gentle pools for beginners to challenging rapids for experienced fishermen seeking adventure.
14. Monongahela National Forest
VAST NATURAL WILDERNESS
The Monongahela National Forest encompasses over 919,000 acres of natural wonder, with Cowen serving as a gateway to this immense outdoor playground. Visitors can explore diverse ecosystems ranging from hardwood forests to high mountain plateaus, discovering waterfalls, scenic vistas, and abundant wildlife along hundreds of miles of trails. The forest offers year-round recreational opportunities including hiking, camping, fishing, hunting, and nature photography in one of the East Coast's most pristine wilderness areas.
15. Cowen Country Christmas
SEASONAL TOWN CELEBRATION
Cowen Country Christmas transforms this charming railroad town into a festive winter wonderland during the holiday season. The annual celebration features a hometown parade, light displays, local crafts, and seasonal treats that showcase the community's warmth and hospitality. Visitors can experience traditional Appalachian holiday customs while enjoying the small-town atmosphere that makes this event a beloved regional tradition.