About This Park
Located near the foremost tip of the Northern Panhandle along the Ohio River, Tomlinson Run can claim the title of West Virginia’s “top park.” This park’s wide range of recreational opportunities attract local and out-of-state visitors and include camping, picnicking, boating, miniature golf, swimming, basketball and volleyball. The park's 1,398 acres are roughly divided into two sections: a wilderness area with heavily forested hills, overhanging cliffs of sandstone and shale, and many wildflowers and fauna, and a developed area with traditional park offerings.
Tomlinson Run State Park
Get DirectionsTomlinson Run State Park
Things to Do
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Biking
Biking
Own a bike? The trails at Tomlinson Run offer lush scenery and varying grades for casual and serious riders alike.
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Boating
Boating
There are many water-oriented activities at Tomlinson Run. Stop by the boat docks where row, kayak and paddleboat rentals are offered for your enjoyment. Rentals are available Thursday-Monday.
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Camping
Camping
Tomlinson Run State Park’s 55-site campground has a contact station, convenience store, dump station and two bathhouses with showers and laundry facilities. All sites are suitable for tents and trailers, and include picnic tables and grills fire rings, while 39 sites feature electric hookups. The park also has a rustic camping area, ideal for Scouts. West Virginia State Park campground reservations are available from Memorial Day through Labor Day each year. Campsites are rented on a first-come, first-serve basis after Labor Day. A campsite reservation application is available here.
Camper Cabins
Tomlinson Run State Park has three camper cabins available to rent between Memorial and Labor days. Two sites have electricity, while the third has electric and water. All camper cabins are furnished and include a picnic table and fire ring. Book your spot now!
Yurts
Try a yurt for a new experience in the woods! Tomlinson Run State Park has four yurts available to rent between Memorial and Labor days. These small, round tents come with a cooler, propane stove, lantern, cookware, picnic table and fire ring.
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Fishing
Fishing
Tomlinson Run State Park is a great place to fish for bass, catfish, bluegill and trout. But before you head out, make sure you purchase a current West Virginia fishing license, available at www.wvfish.com.
On March 3, the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources will stock trout at Tomlinson Run Lake, King Creek and Tomlinson Run.
Fishing in Tomlinson Run State Park
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Geocaching
Geocaching
See what buried treasure you can find at Tomlinson Run State Park! With geocaching, a technological scavenger hunt, you can find the 11 cache sites hidden throughout the park. Good luck searching for treasure!
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Golf
Golf
Tomlinson has a miniature golf course that is open on Fridays and the weekend. You can also play 18-hole disc golf.
For traditional golf, visit Oglebay Resort in Wheeling. Four greens are available, including ones designed by Arnold Palmer and Robert Trent Jones Sr.
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Hiking
Hiking
Explore more of Tomlinson Run State Park on a hike! There are plenty of trails waiting to be discovered. Maps are available at the park office.
Download Park Pack & Map -
Horseback Riding
Horseback Riding
Oglebay Resort in Wheeling has trail rides, horseback riding lessons, and pony rides.
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Museums & Historical Sites
Museums & Historical Sites
Journey to Wheeling’s West Virginia Independence Hall: the birthplace of the Mountain State. Dating to 1856, the grand building now has exhibits, battle flags, and period offices, and a restored courtroom.
Ever heard of Fiesta dinnerware? Tours at the Homer Laughlin China Factory in Newell are available by appointment.
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Outdoor Adventures
Outdoor Adventures
Not far from the pool area are basketball and volleyball courts, miniature golf and playground equipment for more outdoor fun. Miniature golf is open Friday-Sunday. The park also has an 18-hole disc golf course.
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Swimming
Swimming
Tomlinson Run’s recreational facilities include a swimming pool with a waterslide, bathhouse complex, and snack bar. The swimming pool is open from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day from noon until 7:30 p.m. The pool boasts a 182-foot figure eight-shaped water slide. Rates for swimming at Tomlinson Run State Park are $6 for adults and $4 for swimmers under 12 years of age. Days of operation in the later part of August may vary based on availability of lifeguards. During the summer, the park opens its pool and waterslide. A one-day pass that includes swimming pool access, miniature golf and paddle or row boat use may be purchased at the park headquarters or the campground office.
Park Pack
West Virginia is home to some of the most beautiful and remote areas in the United States. Be sure to download your Park Pack for maps and other park information.
DownloadHistory
Tomlinson Run State Park was built where several grist mills operated in the 1800s. In the 1930s, land was purchased and developed into a state park, with construction supervised by the National Conservation Commission. The park opened in 1940, and over the following years, buildings and other facilities were constructed for various purposes, many of which are still in use today. Several improvements have been made in recent years, including a swimming pool, an expanded campground and the addition of yurts, for a new type of camping experience.
Accommodations
Camper Cabins
Tomlinson Run State Park has three camper cabins available to rent. Two sites have electricity, while the third has electric and water. All camper cabins are furnished and include a picnic table and fire ring. Book your spot now! A camper cabin reservation application is available here.
Yurts
Try a yurt for a new experience in the woods! Tomlinson Run State Park has four yurts available to rent. These small, round tents come with a cooler, propane stove, lantern, cookware, picnic table and fire ring. A yurt reservation application is available here.
Camping
Tomlinson Run State Park’s 54-site campground has a contact station, convenience store, dump station and two bathhouses with showers and laundry facilities. All sites are suitable for tents and trailers, and include picnic tables and grills, while 39 sites feature electric hookups. The park also has a rustic camping area, ideal for Scouts of all ages. West Virginia State Park campground reservations are available from Memorial Day through Labor Day each year. Campgrounds are open on a first-come, first-serve basis after Labor Day. A campsite reservation application is available here.
Additional Information
Picnicking
Need an area for a picnic or family get-together? The park offers four picnic shelters which can be reserved by the day for a modest fee. Otherwise, picnic shelters are available on a first-come, first served basis, so be sure to reserve in advance if you’ve got something special planned!
Trails
Beech Trail |
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| Starting point is across Country Road from the Old Mill Site entrance. Follows ridge above road to view of valley, then down to Tomlinson Run Stream and back to Country Road and across bridge to starting point. | |
| Walking time | 35 minutes |
| Blaze | Yellow |
Big Foot Trail |
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| Starting point is 300 feet up the road from the picnic area gate. The trail follows shore about lake to north fork of the lake. Return the same way or take road back to starting point. | |
| Walking time | 1 hour |
| Blaze | Red |
Fern Trail |
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| Starting point is at the entrance to the picnic area. Follows small stream to head, then makes sharp right. Follow trial to boat dock parking lot, then take road back to starting point. | |
| Walking time | 20 minutes |
| Blaze | Orange |
Laurel Trail |
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| Starting point is the Old Mill Site. Follows Tomlinson Run Stream into the Wilderness Area and circles back to within 200 feet of the starting point. | |
| Walking time | 70 minutes |
| Blaze | Blue |
Maple Trail |
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| Starting point is the restroom facility at Shepherd Valley switchback. The trail then continues over the hill and down to Washington School Road. Take main park road back to starting point. | |
| Walking time | 40 minutes |
| Blaze | Light blue |
Poe Trail |
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| Starting point is the lower end of Laurel Trail. Follow the old road to White Oaks Flats. Return the same way. Trail leads into the heart of the Wilderness Area. To get to White Oak Trail, one has to first walk half of Laurel Trail. | |
| Walking time | 30-45 minutes |
| Blaze | White |
Nearby Attractions
Homer Laughlin China Company
The ceramics produced here are famous around the world and treasured by collectors going back to the 1870s, including a West Virginia favorite – Fiestaware. A visitor center, museum, and factory outlet are part of scheduled public tours. Pick up a souvenir while you’re visiting!
Jamboree USA
Also known as the Wheeling Jamboree, this is a weekly, live performance that is the second longest-running country music program in the nation!
Mountaineer Casino and Racetrack & Resort
A popular Thoroughbred horse racetrack and casino featuring slots, table games and live entertainment. Every night can be a win!
Oglebay Park
This self-supporting public municipal park in Wheeling is the only one of its kind. It features two championship golf courses, two standard course, 11 tennis courts, a large outdoor pool, extensive trails, a planetarium and the Good Zoo. A lodge and cottages are available for overnight stays.
West Virginia Independence Hall
Located in Wheeling, this historic building was built in 1860 and housed the Wheeling Convention and the West Virginia Constitutional Convention, both important to the creation of West Virginia as a state during the Civil War.
Wheeling Island Hotel, Casino & Racetrack
The Wheeling Island Hotel, Casino & Racetrack features slot machines, live racing and table games, as well as live concerts. You never know what you might win!
City of Wheeling
The cultural and entertainment center of the northern panhandle, Wheeling also serves great historical significance to the creation of the state and features museums, theaters and landmarks, plus shopping and dining.
