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.

This park does not offer overnight accommodations within the park.

Activities

Select an activity below to learn more
  • Biking
  • Camping
  • Fishing
  • Geocaching
  • Hiking
  • Museums & Historical Sites
Attraction is located outside of the park.
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History

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.

Trails

Deer Trail

About 50 percent nearly level with modest up hill grade.

Distance:  2.1 miles

Difficulty: Moderate

ogwood Trail

Steep from Rhododendron Trail, then leveling off.

Distance: 0.8 miles

Difficulty: Difficult

Red Cardinal Trail

All down hill from park entrance.

Distance:  1 mile

Difficulty: Easy

Red Fox Trail

Steep grade from intersection with Deer Trail.

Distance: 0.35 miles

Difficulty: Difficult

Rocky Trail

Very steep at both ends with a short level area on top of the ridge.

Distance: 1.8 miles

Difficulty: Difficult

Rhododendron Trail

Moderately steep near end, otherwise relatively easy.

Distance: 1.9 miles

Difficulty: Moderate

Tygart Valley (River) Trail

Mostly level with one steep incline.

Distance: 0.2 miles

Difficulty: Moderate

Wild Turkey Trail

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.

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