Poca West VirginiaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Poca, West Virginia.
1. Mardi Gras Casino & Resort
GAMING AND ENTERTAINMENT DESTINATION
Mardi Gras Casino & Resort offers visitors an exciting gaming experience near Poca with a variety of slot machines and table games. The resort features comfortable accommodations for overnight stays and several dining options ranging from casual to upscale. Visitors can enjoy live entertainment on select nights, making it a complete entertainment destination in the area.
2. The Nitro Antique Mall
VINTAGE SHOPPING EXPERIENCE
The Nitro Antique Mall is a treasure trove of vintage items, collectibles, and antiques located near Poca. Shoppers can spend hours exploring the various vendor booths featuring everything from furniture and home decor to toys and memorabilia. The friendly atmosphere and diverse selection make this a must-visit for antique enthusiasts and casual browsers alike.
3. Venture Lanes
FAMILY BOWLING ENTERTAINMENT
Venture Lanes provides family-friendly bowling entertainment in a lively atmosphere near Poca. The facility features well-maintained lanes, automatic scoring, and rental shoes for visitors of all ages and skill levels. Beyond bowling, patrons can enjoy arcade games and refreshments at the snack bar, making it an ideal destination for family outings or casual get-togethers.
4. Pocatalico River
SCENIC WATERWAY ADVENTURE
The Pocatalico River flows through Poca, providing a natural attraction for fishing, kayaking, and other water activities. The river's peaceful setting offers visitors a chance to connect with nature and observe local wildlife in their natural habitat. Its historical significance is reflected in the town's name, which is derived from this picturesque waterway.
5. Beartown State Park
UNIQUE ROCK FORMATIONS
Beartown State Park features massive boulders, overhanging cliffs, and deep crevasses formed millions of years ago through the forces of erosion. Visitors can explore the park via a half-mile boardwalk that winds through the rock formations, providing safe viewing of this remarkable geological wonder. The park's unique landscape creates a cool microclimate, supporting unusual plant life and offering a mystical atmosphere regardless of season.
6. Green Bank Observatory
WORLD-CLASS RADIO ASTRONOMY
Green Bank Observatory houses the world's largest fully steerable radio telescope, allowing scientists to study everything from nearby pulsars to distant galaxies. Visitors can tour the facility, learn about radio astronomy through interactive exhibits, and see the impressive telescopes up close. The observatory is located in the National Radio Quiet Zone, where radio transmissions are limited to provide an optimal environment for the sensitive scientific instruments.
7. Snowshoe Mountain Resort
ALL-SEASON MOUNTAIN PLAYGROUND
Snowshoe Mountain Resort offers premier skiing and snowboarding in winter with nearly 60 trails across 257 acres of skiable terrain. During summer months, the resort transforms into an outdoor adventure center featuring mountain biking, hiking, and scenic lift rides. The vibrant village at the summit provides dining, shopping, and lodging options with stunning views of the surrounding Allegheny Mountains.
8. Watoga State Park
WEST VIRGINIA'S LARGEST PARK
Watoga State Park spans 10,100 acres, making it West Virginia's largest state park with abundant recreational opportunities including hiking, fishing, and camping. The park features two lakes, a swimming pool, more than 40 miles of hiking trails, and cozy cabins available for overnight stays. Visitors can immerse themselves in the park's diverse ecosystems, from riverbanks to mountain ridges, offering unique wildlife viewing opportunities throughout the seasons.
9. Cranberry Glades Botanical Area
RARE NORTHERN BOG ECOSYSTEM
Cranberry Glades Botanical Area preserves a unique ecosystem resembling arctic tundra, featuring five bogs with rare plant species typically found much farther north. A half-mile accessible boardwalk allows visitors to explore this delicate environment without damaging the fragile vegetation. The area supports carnivorous plants, orchids, and other specialized flora that have adapted to the acidic, boggy conditions created by the high elevation and cool climate.
10. Droop Mountain Battlefield State Park
CIVIL WAR HISTORIC SITE
Droop Mountain Battlefield State Park preserves the site of the last significant Civil War battle fought in West Virginia on November 6, 1863. Visitors can explore hiking trails, picnic areas, and a museum housed in a historic CCC-built building that displays artifacts and information about the battle. The park offers spectacular views from its observation tower and features monuments honoring soldiers who fought there, making history tangible for modern visitors.
11. Falls of Hills Creek
MAGNIFICENT CASCADING WATERFALLS
Falls of Hills Creek features three spectacular waterfalls dropping 25, 45, and 65 feet respectively through a rugged gorge. Visitors can access the falls via a well-maintained trail with stairs and observation platforms that provide excellent viewing opportunities of each cascade. The surrounding 114-acre scenic area showcases the natural beauty of the Monongahela National Forest with its rich biodiversity and pristine wilderness setting.
12. Split Rock Pools
NATURAL SWIMMING HOLES
Split Rock Pools offers natural swimming holes formed by crystal-clear mountain streams flowing through the rugged terrain of Pocahontas County. Visitors can cool off in the refreshing waters surrounded by towering trees and rocky outcroppings that create a secluded outdoor retreat. The varying depths of the pools accommodate both waders and swimmers, making this hidden gem a perfect destination for hot summer days in the mountains.
13. Poca High School
HISTORIC EDUCATIONAL LANDMARK
Poca High School stands as a community landmark in the heart of this small West Virginia town, serving generations of local students. The school is home to the Poca Dots, whose distinctive name has made them one of the more recognizable high school mascots in the state. Visitors passing through town can appreciate the school's role as a center of community pride and local heritage.
14. Putnam County Walking Trail
SCENIC RIVERSIDE PATH
Putnam County Walking Trail offers a peaceful path for walking, jogging, and cycling along scenic riverside views near Poca. The well-maintained trail provides an accessible outdoor recreation option for visitors of all ages and fitness levels. Nature enthusiasts will appreciate the opportunity to observe local wildlife and seasonal vegetation changes while enjoying fresh air and exercise.
15. Valley Park
FAMILY RECREATION COMPLEX
Valley Park serves as Putnam County's premier recreation destination with facilities including sports fields, tennis courts, and playgrounds for visitors of all ages. The park features a wave pool and water park that provide refreshing summer fun for families looking to cool off during hot weather. Year-round events and activities make this community gathering place a hub for entertainment just a short drive from Poca.