Pack your camping gear and head to Audra State Park for a memorable hiking adventure in Almost Heaven. Set in a heavily wooded area spanning the borders of Upshur and Barbour counties, Audra’s natural beauty draws visitors who come to swim and fish in the Middle Fork River, bike and hike, and enjoy family time.

Take a Hike

With its rock overhang and picturesque view of the Middle Fork River, Audra’s iconic Alum Cave sets the perfect backdrop for Instagrammable photos. You can get there by following the Alum Cave Trail, a 2.7-mile loop showcasing the park’s wooded beauty. The trail is on relatively level ground, making it perfect for beginners and families. 

The lesser-known Rock Cliff Trail, located just off the western entrance to the camping area, forms a half-mile loop around the cliffside through a densely forested area. Botanists and nature enthusiasts will enjoy looking at the many plant and animal species in this wooded wonderland. 

Make memories to last a lifetime

Audra’s campground is open from April through mid-October and offers amenities to make your camping experience comfortable. Campers have access to electric hookups, two modern bathhouses, a playground, coin-operated laundry and a dumping station. The campground store is stocked with camping necessities, snacks and souvenirs. You’ll have all you need for a relaxing stay, so you can enjoy a leisurely afternoon lounging in your hammock or around a crackling campfire to roast marshmallows. 

Kids will love the experience of swimming in an old-fashioned swimming hole carved out of the crystal waters of the Middle Fork River. The surrounding rocks and sandy beaches present ideal spots for sunbathing and picnicking. 

Anglers can cast a line for trout in the Middle Fork. At nearby Teter Creek Lake, fishing opportunities abound for trout, bass and bluegill. A current West Virginia fishing license and trout stamp are required, which can be purchased online. 

For the science-minded, you can test your navigational skills on several geocaching trails located throughout the park. In the evening, when the first fireflies begin to flash their bright signals through the darkening sky, you can help the WVDNR gather information for its Firefly Survey.

Explore the Area

While there are plenty of activities to keep you busy at Audra, you should also spend some time exploring all there is to do in the surrounding area.

Visit the West Virginia State Wildlife Center in French Creek. Operated by the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources, this modern zoological facility is home to a wide variety of native and introduced state wildlife. View the animals on a 1.25 mile wheelchair-accessible interpretive trail winding through the park.

Explore Philippi, the site of the first land battle of the Civil War and home to the historic Philippi Covered Bridge, built in 1852. Philippi is also home to Lurch Fest, an annual celebration honoring the life of actor Ted Cassidy, who grew up in Philippi and is best known as the towering, deep-voiced butler on the classic TV show, “The Addams Family.” (You can even snap a selfie with the life-sized statue of Lurch on display at the Barbour County Historical Museum!)

Grab a bite to eat in Buckhannon. Home to the annual Strawberry Festival, this welcoming small town is home to a number of charming local restaurants, art galleries and boutique shops.

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