Grant Town West VirginiaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Grant Town, West Virginia.
1. Short Story Brewing
LOCAL CRAFT BREWERY
Short Story Brewing offers visitors a cozy atmosphere to enjoy a wide selection of house-brewed beers and creative pub fare. The brewery is known for its rotating tap list, seasonal releases, and friendly staff, making it a social hub for both locals and travelers. Live events and a welcoming vibe ensure an enjoyable experience for craft beverage enthusiasts.
2. Barrackville Covered Bridge
HISTORIC WOODEN BRIDGE
The Barrackville Covered Bridge, constructed in 1853, stands as an enduring symbol of pre-Civil War engineering. This picturesque bridge spans Buffalo Creek and features distinctive architectural details that attract history buffs and photographers alike. Visitors enjoy walking across the bridge and learning about its heritage through informative plaques.
3. Coopers Rock State Forest
SCENIC NATURE RETREAT
Coopers Rock State Forest is renowned for its breathtaking overlooks, extensive trail network, and diverse wildlife habitats. Hikers and climbers come to explore wooded paths, sandstone cliffs, and the iconic Coopers Rock overlook, which offers panoramic views of the Cheat River Gorge. The area is ideal for camping, fishing, and picnicking in a peaceful mountain setting.
4. Ohiopyle State Park
RIVERSIDE OUTDOOR ADVENTURE
Ohiopyle State Park is famous for its exhilarating whitewater rafting on the Youghiogheny River and miles of scenic hiking and biking trails. The waterfalls, natural water slides, and lush forests create a playground for nature lovers and adrenaline seekers. The park is a popular spot for picnicking, wildlife watching, and exploring the Great Allegheny Passage trail.
5. Laurel Caverns
SUBTERRANEAN EXPLORATION
Laurel Caverns offers guests the chance to venture into Pennsylvania's largest cave system, with guided tours showcasing intricate rock formations and vast underground chambers. The caverns feature family-friendly walking tours as well as more adventurous spelunking routes for experienced explorers. Educational exhibits and engaging programs make it a memorable experience for visitors of all ages.
6. Fallingwater
FRANK LLOYD WRIGHT MASTERPIECE
Fallingwater is an architectural icon designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, harmoniously integrated into a forested landscape above a natural waterfall. Guided tours reveal the unique design elements and the history of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Art, architecture, and nature enthusiasts flock to this destination year-round for its serene beauty and innovation.
7. Prickett's Fort State Park
FRONTIER HISTORY EXPERIENCE
Prickett's Fort State Park transports visitors back to 18th-century frontier life with its reconstructed stockade fort and living history demonstrations. Guests can explore museum exhibits, watch artisan craftspeople at work, and enjoy walking trails along the Monongahela River. The park hosts regular festivals and events, making it a lively destination for families and history enthusiasts.
8. Valley Falls State Park
WATERFALL & HIKING PARADISE
Valley Falls State Park features a series of picturesque waterfalls cascading along the Tygart Valley River, surrounded by wooded hills ideal for hiking and exploration. Visitors enjoy scenic picnic spots, well-maintained trails, and opportunities for fishing and kayaking. The park's tranquil setting and natural beauty make it a favorite among photographers and outdoor lovers.
9. West Virginia Railroad Museum
CELEBRATION OF RAIL HERITAGE
The West Virginia Railroad Museum immerses visitors in the rich railroad history of the region through interactive displays and authentic rolling stock. Exhibits include vintage locomotives, model trains, and artifacts spanning the golden era of American rail travel. The museum also offers scenic train rides that traverse the surrounding Appalachian landscape.
10. Grant Town Power Plant
INDUSTRIAL LANDMARK
The Grant Town Power Plant stands as a modern facility providing electricity to the local area, with its beginnings rooted in the region's coal-mining heritage. While not open for public tours, the plant is an important feature in Grant Town's industrial landscape and a testament to the town's role in West Virginia's energy sector. Its imposing structure is visible from various points in the municipality.
11. Grant Town Folklore Sites
LEGENDS AND HAUNTINGS
Grant Town is steeped in local folklore, including tales of the elusive Grant Town Goon—a Bigfoot-like creature—and ghost stories featured in the anthology 'The Telltale Lilac Bush'. Explorers and paranormal enthusiasts visit the town hoping to catch a glimpse of these legendary haunts. Guided storytelling walks and local anecdotes provide a unique insight into West Virginian myth and mystery.
12. Dolly Sods Wilderness
ALPINE PLATEAU ADVENTURE
Dolly Sods Wilderness is famed for its high-altitude plateaus, striking rock outcrops, and unique ecosystems, offering a distinct hiking experience uncommon elsewhere in the state. Its 47 miles of trails range from easy day hikes to challenging backpacking routes through bogs and boulder fields. Nature photographers and botanists are drawn by the area's rare plant species and sweeping vistas.
13. North Fork Mountain Trail
EPIC BACKPACKING ROUTE
The North Fork Mountain Trail extends 24 miles along a prominent ridge, offering breathtaking views of the Potomac Highlands. Hikers encounter varied terrain and panoramic overlooks famous for sunset vistas and diverse wildlife sightings. The trail is suitable for multi-day backpacking or memorable day hikes amid pristine wilderness.
14. Smoke Hole Caverns
UNDERGROUND NATURAL WONDER
Smoke Hole Caverns provide a mesmerizing underground journey with guided tours that reveal impressive stalactites, crystal formations, and stories of local legend. The caverns were once used by early settlers and moonshiners, adding a historical twist to their natural allure. Visitors enjoy both the geological splendor and the charming gift shop above ground.
15. Eastern Soaring Center
AERIAL GLIDER TOURS
The Eastern Soaring Center offers adventure seekers the chance to take to the skies in a glider, soaring above the mountains and valleys of Grant County. Experienced pilots provide exhilarating rides with unparalleled aerial views of the Potomac Highlands and beyond. This unique attraction is perfect for those seeking a bird's-eye perspective on West Virginia's scenic beauty.