Prickett’s Fort State Park Activities
In addition to touring Prickett’s Fort, visitors can indulge their love for outdoor adventure through biking, hiking, boating and fishing. For anglers, the park is a great place for bass fishing. From a hiking perspective, the 2.5-mile Marion County Trail (MCTrail) begins near Prickett’s Fort. You can also connect with the Mon River Trail, which continues into Morgantown.
Biking
Don’t leave your bike behind! Prickett’s Fort offers great hiking trails that double as biking trails. Bicycles can be rented at the the Junction upon your arrival. The park is the southern end of the 17.7-mile Mon River Rail Trail (South Section), part of the Mon River Trails Conservancy rail-trail system. The trail follows the Monongahela River in a converted railroad bed north to Morgantown. For more information about the rail trail, visit montrails.org.
Boating
Visitors are encouraged to enjoy excellent boating opportunities on Prickett’s Creek and Bay or the Monongahela River. There are featured boating facilities like a launch ramp and trailer parking. The park also includes a boat launch on the Monongahela River.
Camping
Prickett’s Fort is a day-use park, but you’re never far from a campground in West Virginia. Check out these state parks:
Audra State Park
Cooper’s Rock State Forest
Tygart Lake State Park
Hiking
Prickett’s Fort is the perfect stop for hiking enthusiasts. The Nature Trail starts near the Wildlife Observation Platform and extends along what would have been the original road used by the area’s original settlers. This trail follows a path between Prickett’s Creek and the Fort, ending at the historic Prickett Cemetery. Additional hiking is available on the MCTrail (Marion County Trail), which stretches three miles from the park to Fairmont.
Fishing
Grab your bait and tackle! Fish are plentiful here, with bass tournaments also held in season at Prickett’s Fort State Park. Proper fishing license and stamps are required and may be purchased online.
Museums and Historical Sites
Prickett’s Fort State Park is popular with history and nature lovers alike. The park offers guided tours, specialized talks, gallery exhibits and craft demonstrations. Interpreters in period-accurate costumes recreate late 18th-century life. Demonstrations of colonial crafts such as basketry, blacksmithing and pottery are featured around the park.
