Masontown West VirginiaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Masontown, West Virginia.
1. Arthurdale Heritage Museum
HISTORIC NEW DEAL COMMUNITY
The Arthurdale Heritage Museum preserves America's first New Deal community established in 1934 under Eleanor Roosevelt's guidance. Visitors can tour historic buildings including the original homesteads, forge, and community center that tell the story of this unique social experiment during the Great Depression. The museum offers guided tours that provide insight into rural community planning and the lives of the homesteaders who participated in this historic government program.
2. Hovatter's Wildlife Zoo
FAMILY-FRIENDLY ANIMAL ENCOUNTERS
Hovatter's Wildlife Zoo offers visitors up-close encounters with over 30 species of exotic and domestic animals in Preston County. The family-owned zoo provides opportunities to feed and interact with various animals including tigers, bears, and giraffes in a more intimate setting than larger zoos. Children and adults alike enjoy the hands-on experiences and educational opportunities about wildlife conservation efforts.
3. West Virginia Botanic Garden
NATURAL FLORA SHOWCASE
The West Virginia Botanic Garden spans 85 acres of former reservoir land showcasing native Appalachian plant species and themed garden displays. Visitors can explore miles of walking trails through various habitats including wetlands, forests, and meadows featuring both cultivated gardens and natural landscapes. The garden hosts educational programs, workshops, and seasonal events that celebrate the rich botanical heritage of the Mountain State.
4. Coopers Rock Overlook
BREATHTAKING CANYON VIEWS
Coopers Rock Overlook offers spectacular panoramic views of the Cheat River Gorge from atop a massive sandstone cliff. Visitors stand 1,200 feet above the river on a fenced viewing platform that provides one of the most photographed vistas in West Virginia. The overlook is especially popular during autumn when the surrounding forest transforms into a spectacular display of fall colors across the canyon.
5. Raven Rock
SCENIC HIKING DESTINATION
Raven Rock stands as one of the premier hiking destinations within Coopers Rock State Forest, offering breathtaking views over the Snake Hill Wildlife Management Area. The rocky outcrop provides hikers with spectacular vistas of Cheat Canyon after a moderate trek through Appalachian forest terrain. Nature photographers particularly appreciate the dramatic landscape perspectives available from this less-crowded alternative to the main overlook.
6. Snake Hill Wildlife Management Area
RIVERSIDE WILDERNESS ADVENTURE
The Snake Hill Wildlife Management Area encompasses over 3,000 acres of pristine wilderness along Cheat River at the bottom of Cheat Canyon. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore numerous trails that wind through diverse habitats supporting wildlife viewing, hunting, fishing, and nature photography opportunities. The area's remote character and proximity to the river make it a favorite destination for those seeking a more rugged and less developed natural experience near Masontown.
7. Deckers Creek Rail-Trail
SCENIC MULTI-USE PATHWAY
The Deckers Creek Rail-Trail stretches 19 miles from Morgantown to Reedsville with a convenient trailhead located in Masontown. This gently sloping converted railroad corridor provides hikers, runners, and cyclists with a scenic route through the picturesque Appalachian landscape alongside Deckers Creek. The trail features historic railroad elements including the converted railroad shop that now serves as restrooms at the Masontown trailhead.
8. Masontown Park
COMMUNITY RECREATION CENTER
Masontown Park serves as the central community gathering space in this small West Virginia town. Families enjoy the park's pavilion, basketball courts, and play equipment for casual outings and organized events throughout the year. The park provides a convenient recreational space for local residents and visitors looking to experience small-town charm in Preston County.
9. Ralphsynder Decagonal Barn
UNIQUE HISTORIC ARCHITECTURE
The Ralphsynder Decagonal Barn stands as a rare example of ten-sided agricultural architecture near Masontown and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1985. This unusual barn represents innovative farm building design that differs from the typical rectangular or round barn structures found throughout Appalachia. Architecture enthusiasts and history buffs appreciate the distinctive construction techniques used in this preserved rural landmark.
10. Oak Park Historic Site
FORMER AMUSEMENT PARK GROUNDS
Oak Park Historic Site marks the location of a once-thriving early 20th century amusement park that operated near Masontown starting in 1909. Thousands of visitors would arrive by train to enjoy nearly 100 wooded acres featuring attractions including a 65-foot wooden slide, carousel, roller coaster, and swimming facilities during its heyday. Though the original structures are gone, the site represents an important piece of local recreational history and the town's connection to the railroad era.
11. Cheat River
WHITEWATER RECREATION PARADISE
The Cheat River flows near Masontown offering world-class whitewater rafting, kayaking, and fishing opportunities in a scenic canyon setting. Adventure seekers can navigate challenging Class III-V rapids during high water seasons, while anglers enjoy productive fishing for smallmouth bass, trout, and other species year-round. The river corridor features dramatic rock formations, dense forests, and wildlife viewing opportunities that showcase West Virginia's natural beauty.
12. Cranesville Swamp Preserve
RARE ECOLOGICAL TREASURE
Cranesville Swamp Preserve protects a rare high-elevation wetland ecosystem near the West Virginia-Maryland border not far from Masontown. The 1,600-acre preserve contains a boreal bog system harboring plants and animals typically found much further north in Canada, creating what ecologists call a "frost pocket" with unique biodiversity. Visitors can explore a half-mile accessible boardwalk trail that winds through the swamp offering close views of carnivorous plants, orchids, and other specialized wetland species.
13. Cathedral State Park
ANCIENT HEMLOCK FOREST
Cathedral State Park preserves the last virgin hemlock forest in West Virginia with trees reaching 90 feet tall and over 400 years old. Visitors can wander among the towering ancient trees on well-maintained trails that showcase the cathedral-like atmosphere created by the dense forest canopy. The 133-acre park offers a glimpse into what the Appalachian forest looked like before widespread logging changed the landscape forever.
14. Big Sandy Creek
PEACEFUL FISHING WATERS
Big Sandy Creek flows through the region near Masontown providing excellent fishing opportunities in a tranquil setting. Anglers can target native brook trout, brown trout, and smallmouth bass along the creek's varied pools, riffles, and runs. The creek corridor offers scenic beauty with rock formations, swimming holes, and streamside trails that make it popular for family outings beyond just fishing.
15. Preston County Historical Society Museum
LOCAL HERITAGE COLLECTION
The Preston County Historical Society Museum showcases the rich cultural heritage and development of the region surrounding Masontown. Exhibits feature artifacts, photographs, and documents that tell the story of early settlement, industrial development, and community life throughout Preston County's history. Visitors gain insight into local coal mining, glass making, agricultural practices, and the daily lives of generations of residents who shaped this corner of Appalachia.