Hendricks West VirginiaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Hendricks, West Virginia.
1. Blackwater Outdoor Adventures
CHEAT RIVER EXCURSIONS
Blackwater Outdoor Adventures offers thrilling whitewater rafting, kayaking, and tubing trips on the Cheat River. Visitors can also enjoy guided fishing, stand-up paddleboarding, and relaxing riverside camping in this beautiful mountain setting. The adventure outfitter provides all necessary gear and seasoned guides, ensuring a safe and memorable outdoor experience.
2. Blackwater Falls State Park
ICONIC WATERFALL VIEWS
Blackwater Falls State Park is renowned for its dramatic 57-foot waterfall, which plunges over dark sandstone ledges into a scenic gorge. Miles of hiking and biking trails wind through dense forest, offering overlooks and abundant wildlife. The park also features a lodge, cabins, and activities year-round, from swimming in summer to sledding in winter.
3. Canaan Valley Resort State Park
FOUR-SEASON OUTDOOR RETREAT
Canaan Valley Resort State Park is a premier destination for skiing, golfing, hiking, and scenic chairlift rides amid the Allegheny Mountains. The park offers a variety of lodging options, a championship golf course, and multiple dining venues. In winter, guests flock here for world-class alpine and Nordic skiing, snowboarding, and tubing.
4. Dolly Sods Wilderness
HIGH-ALTITUDE HIKING PARADISE
Dolly Sods Wilderness features over 17,000 acres of windswept plateaus, unique rock outcrops, and stunning vistas. The area is famed for its unusual mix of northern prairie and boreal forest, attracting hikers, backpackers, and nature photographers. Its rugged trails reward adventurers with panoramic views and abundant wildflowers in summer.
5. Buxton and Landstreet Gallery and Studios
LOCAL ART SHOWCASE
Buxton and Landstreet Gallery and Studios highlight the creative talents of regional and national artists in a historic building. Rotating exhibitions feature pottery, painting, jewelry, and crafts, while the studios foster community workshops and events. Visitors can browse and purchase unique works while meeting artists in residence.
6. Mountaineer Wind Energy Center
WIND FARM OVERLOOK
The Mountaineer Wind Energy Center is West Virginia's first large-scale wind farm, offering a striking view of modern wind turbines atop mountain ridges. Educational information explains sustainable energy and the importance of wind power in the region. The site provides a unique contrast between traditional Appalachian landscapes and renewable technology.
7. White Grass Touring and Cafe
NORDIC SKI CENTER & EATERY
White Grass Touring and Cafe is a celebrated cross-country skiing hub with over 50 kilometers of groomed trails. The cozy cafe serves healthy, homemade fare alongside winter warm-ups like hot cider and soups. The rustic lodge atmosphere invites guests to relax after exploring the snow-covered meadows and woodlands.
8. Augusta Heritage Center
APPALACHIAN CULTURE WORKSHOPS
The Augusta Heritage Center at Davis & Elkins College offers immersive workshops in traditional music, dance, crafts, and folklore. Each summer, participants and instructors from around the world gather to celebrate Appalachian cultural heritage. Evening concerts and jam sessions complement a vibrant arts-centered atmosphere.
9. Old Brick Playhouse Company
IMAGINATIVE CHILDREN'S THEATER
The Old Brick Playhouse Company creates innovative theater experiences, specializing in original plays for children and families. Their touring productions travel to area schools and their downtown Elkins theater hosts lively performances year-round. Guests enjoy a welcoming space where creativity and community engagement take center stage.
10. Birdy's Scooters and ATVs
OFF-ROAD ADVENTURE RENTALS
Birdy's Scooters and ATVs provides rentals and guided tours for exploring Tucker County's scenic backroads and woodlands. Adventurers can ride through mountain trails, forest paths, and rural byways on a variety of ATVs and scooters. Knowledgeable staff ensure safe, fun outings for riders of all skill levels.
11. Cheat River
SCENIC RIVER ADVENTURES
The Cheat River flows past Hendricks, offering excellent opportunities for kayaking, canoeing, fishing, and tubing. Its clean, fast-moving waters wind through forested mountains, with public access points near the town. Nature lovers and anglers alike are drawn to its tranquil curves and abundant wildlife.
12. Parsons Railroad Depot
HISTORIC TRAIN STATION
The Parsons Railroad Depot stands as a testament to the area's historic ties to the Western Maryland Railway. Restored and preserved, it now serves as a local history museum and community gathering space. Visitors appreciate its early 20th-century architecture and informative displays on regional rail history.
13. Otter Creek Wilderness
REMOTE BACKCOUNTRY TRAILS
Otter Creek Wilderness is a 20,000-acre expanse within the Monongahela National Forest, beloved for its solitude and rugged landscapes. Hikers, backpackers, and anglers trek its 45 miles of unmarked trails along streams and dense forests. The area is perfect for those seeking primitive, uncrowded wilderness experiences.
14. Fairfax Stone Historical Monument State Park
POTOMAC RIVER HEADWATERS
Fairfax Stone Historical Monument State Park preserves the historic stone set in 1746 marking the headwaters of the Potomac River. Interpretive signs explain its significance in colonial surveying and state boundaries. The small park provides a peaceful picnic area and wooded setting for history enthusiasts.
15. Douglas Falls
SECLUDED WATERFALL RETREAT
Douglas Falls is a hidden gem featuring a striking 35-foot cascade into a deep turquoise pool. The falls are accessible by a short hike from the Blackwater Canyon Rail Trail, offering a tranquil spot for photography and relaxation. The striking color of the water and surrounding cliffs make it popular with outdoor enthusiasts and nature photographers.