About This Park
Once the site of a lumber and grist mill community, Valley Falls State Park is a place of scenic beauty and historical significance. A series of four picturesque falls created by the dark, rushing waters of the Tygart Valley River distinguish this 1,145-acre park. In addition to its scenic charm, Valley Falls State Park offers outdoor recreation and fun. The day-use park gates open at 7 a.m. and close at dark.
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Biking
Biking
Mountain bikers can trek the park’s 18 miles of scenic trails with plenty of spots to stop and take photos. On your bike ride, keep an eye out for the stone remains of the historic grist mill and lumber mill.
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Camping
Camping
Valley Falls is a day-use park, but you’re never far from a campground in West Virginia. Try these nearby parks:
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Fishing
Fishing
Anglers of all levels can grab their gear and West Virginia fishing license to enjoy a relaxing day on the river. Proper license and stamps are required and may be purchased online.
Fishing in Valley Falls State Park
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Geocaching
Geocaching
Are you ready for a technological scavenger hunt? Grab any smartphone with GPS capabilities and head out to find some buried treasure
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Hiking
Hiking
Hike ‘til your heart’s content here! Visitors can enjoy 18 miles of trails at Valley Falls State Park. Many of the hiking trails have great views of the picturesque waterfalls and overlooks.
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Museums & Historical Sites
Museums & Historical Sites
Pricketts’s Fort State Park is a living history museum. Costumed interpreters, trade workshops, and tours bring the 18th century to life!
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
During the 1830s, a trader acquired what is now Valley Falls State Park and built a lumber mill which was later followed in 1847 by a grist mill. With the completion of the Baltimore & Ohio railroad line, from Grafton to Wheeling, in 1853, the community began to boom, with a ferry, post office, shops, a factory and schools. A fire in 1886, followed by floods two years later, destroyed much of the town. In 1964, the West Virginia state park system acquired the falls and surrounding land and created the Valley Falls State Park.
Accommodations
Valley Falls State Park does not provide any overnight accommodations, but visitors can camp, rent cabins or stay in the lodge at nearby Tygart Lake State Park.
Trails
Deer Trail |
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| About 50 percent nearly level with modest up hill grade. | |
| Distance | 2.1 miles |
| Difficulty | Moderate |
Dogwood Trail |
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| Steep from Rhododendron Trail, then leveling off. | |
| Distance | 0.8 miles |
| Difficulty | Difficult |
Red Cardinal Trail |
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| All down hill from park entrance. | |
| Distance | 1 mile |
| Difficulty | Easy |
Red Fox Trail |
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| Steep grade from intersection with Deer Trail. | |
| Distance | 0.35 miles |
| Difficulty | Difficult |
Rocky Trail |
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| Very steep at both ends with a short level area on top of the ridge. | |
| Distance | 1.8 miles |
| Difficulty | Difficult |
Rhododendron Trail |
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| Moderately steep near end, otherwise relatively easy. | |
| Distance | 1.9 miles |
| Difficulty | Moderate |
Tygart Valley (River) Trail |
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| Mostly level with one steep incline. | |
| Distance | 0.2 miles |
| Difficulty | Moderate |
Wild Turkey Trail |
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| Extremely steep on both ends, otherwise follows a near level ridge. | |
| Distance | 1.8 miles |
| Difficulty | Difficult |
Nearby Attractions
Tygart Lake State Park
Located 30 minutes south of Valley Falls State Park, this park is a cozy, quiet getaway for couples and families. Tygart Lake State Park visitors enjoy hiking and golfing, and fishing and boating on the 10-mile long, 1,750-acre Tygart Lake. The park also offers lodging, cabin rentals, camping for your convenience.
Prickett’s Fort State Park
Perched on a small rise overlooking the confluence of Prickett’s Creek and the Monongahela River, this rustic log fort is a re-creation of the original Prickett’s Fort of 1774, which served as a refuge from Native American war parties on the western frontier of Colonial Virginia. During the park season, visitors may find blacksmiths, spinners, weavers and other traditional artisans at work, and a gun shop which features the only public demonstrations of 18th century firearm manufacturing in the state.
