Parsons West VirginiaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Parsons, West Virginia.
1. Fernow Experimental Forest
HISTORIC RESEARCH FOREST
Fernow Experimental Forest is a top-rated attraction in Parsons that offers valuable insights into forest management and ecology. Visitors can explore well-maintained trails while learning about ongoing research that has been conducted since its establishment. The forest provides a unique opportunity to witness scientific forestry practices in a natural setting.
2. Blackwater Outdoor Adventures
THRILLING RIVER EXPERIENCES
Blackwater Outdoor Adventures offers exciting water-based activities along the rivers near Parsons. Adventurers can enjoy kayaking, tubing, and fishing excursions led by experienced guides who know the local waterways. With highly-rated experiences and beautiful scenery, this attraction provides memorable outdoor recreation for visitors of all skill levels.
3. Holly Meadows Golf Course
SCENIC MOUNTAIN GOLFING
Holly Meadows Golf Course offers golfers a relaxing experience amidst the beautiful West Virginia mountains near Parsons. The course features well-maintained fairways and greens that provide an enjoyable challenge for players of all skill levels. Visitors appreciate the peaceful setting and stunning mountain views throughout their round.
4. Mill Race Park
FAMILY-FRIENDLY RECREATIONAL AREA
Mill Race Park is a vibrant community space featuring winding walking trails that connect to the Allegheny Highlands Trail. Families particularly enjoy the popular splash park, which provides a fun way for children to cool off during warmer months. The park also includes several pavilions, public grills, outdoor exercise stations, and playground amenities, making it perfect for day-long outings.
5. Allegheny Highlands Trail
SCENIC RAIL-TRAIL EXPERIENCE
The Allegheny Highlands Trail passes through Parsons as part of its 26-mile scenic route, providing one of the most beautiful hiking and biking experiences in the region. Parsons serves as the mid-point hub for this trail, offering convenient access to amenities and rest areas. Trail users can enjoy stunning mountain views, river crossings, and connection points to other recreational areas in the city.
6. River City Park
SPORTS AND RECREATION CENTER
River City Park connects to the Allegheny Highlands Trail and offers numerous sporting facilities for visitors and locals alike. The park features basketball courts, a baseball field, a skate park, and playground amenities that appeal to various interests and age groups. As home to numerous area sporting teams, the park regularly hosts community events and games throughout the year.
7. Corricks Ford Battlefield
CIVIL WAR HISTORIC SITE
Corricks Ford Battlefield is a significant historical site that holds importance in Civil War history and West Virginia's path to statehood. The battlefield occasionally hosts reenactments that bring this crucial moment in American history to life for visitors. History enthusiasts can explore the grounds and learn about the battle that helped shape the future of West Virginia.
8. Buxton and Landstreet Gallery and Studios
LOCAL ART AND CULTURE
Buxton and Landstreet Gallery and Studios showcases the artistic talent and cultural heritage of Parsons and the surrounding region. Visitors can explore various exhibits featuring works by local artists that often reflect the natural beauty and history of West Virginia. The gallery provides a cultural complement to the many outdoor activities available in the area.
9. Mountain State Brewing Co.
CRAFT BEER DESTINATION
Mountain State Brewing Co. offers visitors a taste of local craft beer in a relaxed atmosphere in Parsons. The brewery features a selection of handcrafted beers that highlight regional flavors and brewing traditions. Visitors can enjoy their beverages while soaking in the friendly West Virginia hospitality that the establishment is known for.
10. Table Rock
PANORAMIC MOUNTAIN VIEWPOINT
Table Rock is a spectacular hiking destination near Parsons that rewards visitors with breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding Monongahela National Forest. The moderate trail leads to a distinctive rock formation that serves as a natural observation platform. Hikers particularly enjoy visiting during autumn when the forest transforms into a vibrant tapestry of fall colors.
11. Lindy Point
ICONIC BLACKWATER CANYON OVERLOOK
Lindy Point offers one of the most photographed views in West Virginia with its dramatic overlook of the Blackwater Canyon just a short drive from Parsons. The easily accessible trail makes this spectacular vista available to visitors of all hiking abilities. Sunset viewers are particularly rewarded as the canyon fills with golden light and long shadows, creating unforgettable photo opportunities.
12. Elakala Falls
ENCHANTING FOREST WATERFALL
Elakala Falls consists of a series of four picturesque cascades tucked away in the forest near Blackwater Falls State Park, a short drive from Parsons. The first fall is easily accessible via a wooden footbridge, while reaching the lower falls requires more adventurous hiking. Photographers are drawn to the ethereal beauty of these falls as they tumble through moss-covered rocks in a rhododendron-lined gorge.
13. Pendleton Point Overlook
MAJESTIC BLACKWATER FALLS VIEW
Pendleton Point Overlook provides visitors with a spectacular view of the Blackwater Canyon and is located in Blackwater Falls State Park near Parsons. The accessible viewing platform makes this natural wonder available to people of all mobility levels. Changing seasons transform this vista throughout the year, from lush summer greenery to vibrant fall foliage and snow-dusted winter landscapes.
14. Otter Creek Wilderness Area
PRISTINE BACKCOUNTRY EXPERIENCE
Otter Creek Wilderness Area offers outdoor enthusiasts a pristine natural setting less than 15 minutes from Parsons. The area features an extensive network of hiking trails that wind through unspoiled forests, mountain meadows, and alongside picturesque streams. Visitors seeking solitude will appreciate the wilderness designation that limits development and preserves the area's natural character.
15. Cheat River
SCENIC WATERWAY ADVENTURE
The Cheat River forms at Parsons where the Black Fork and Shavers Fork join together, creating an outdoor recreationist's dream. Visitors can find their favorite swimming hole, fish for local species, or enjoy kayaking and tubing along the scenic waterway. The river's varied sections offer options for both peaceful floating and more adventurous whitewater experiences, all within the beautiful setting of the Monongahela National Forest.