Holly River State Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Holly River State Park |
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IUCN Category V (Protected Landscape/Seascape)
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Mountain run at Holly River
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 Holly River State Park
Location in West Virginia
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| Location | Webster, West Virginia, United States |
| Nearest town | Hacker Valley, West Virginia |
| Area | 8,294 acres (33.56 km2) |
| Elevation | 2,467 ft (752 m) |
| Established | 1938 |
| Named for | Holly River |
| Governing body | West Virginia Division of Natural Resources |
Holly River State Park is a fun place to visit in Webster County, West Virginia. It's located near the town of Hacker Valley, along the Holly River. This park is the second largest park in West Virginia. It covers a huge area of 8,294 acres!
You can explore over 42 miles (68 km) of hiking trails here. The park also has ten cozy cabins and a large campground with 88 spots. Plus, there are many places to play and have picnics.
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Park History: How it Began
Holly River State Park started around 1937. It was part of a big project to help families move from difficult farmlands. About 250 workers from the Works Progress Administration helped fix up the land. They also built many of the park's buildings.
The park officially opened in 1938. This is when the West Virginia Conservation Commission took over. The state of West Virginia fully owned the park by 1954.
Fun Activities at Holly River
Holly River State Park offers many exciting things to do. You can cool off in the swimming pool during summer. There's also a softball field for games. You'll find courts for basketball, volleyball, and tennis too.
During the summer, the park hosts special events. These include guided hikes where you learn about nature. They also have movie nights and fun sporting events.
Explore the Park Trails
The park has more than 42 miles (68 km) of trails. These trails are perfect for hiking and biking. If you like horses, two trails are just for you: Ridge Road Trail and Rock Camp Trail.
Where to Stay: Cabins and Camping
Cozy Cabins
Holly River has ten furnished cabins. They were built in the 1930s using local stone and wood. Each cabin has a stone fireplace, perfect for chilly evenings. They are located along a small stream called Laurel Fork Holly River.
Campground Fun
The park has a modern campground with 88 spots. It's open during certain seasons of the year. Some campsites are special for people with horses. These sites even have corrals for your horses!
Park Store and Restaurant
There's a small store right in the park. You can buy basic groceries and other useful items there. The park also has a restaurant. It's run by a local business and has been named one of the "101 Unique Places to Dine in West Virginia" many times!
Cool Places to See
Potato Knob: A Great View
Located at 38°38′21″N 80°19′38″W / 38.63917°N 80.32722°W
Potato Knob is a popular spot in the park. It rises about 600 feet (183 m) above the land around it. You can find it off Webster County Route 3. The Potato Knob Trail leads you up to the top of this steep hill.
Upper Falls: A Beautiful Waterfall
Located at 38°38′09″N 80°19′13″W / 38.63583°N 80.32028°W
Near Potato Knob, you'll find Upper Falls. This is a large waterfall on Fall Run. There's a special viewing deck and stairs. These let you get a great look at the waterfall from its base.
Windy Gap School: A Trip Back in Time
Located at 38°39′57″N 80°21′16″W / 38.66583°N 80.35444°W
Windy Gap School is an old one-room schoolhouse. It used to be in a very remote part of the park. Volunteers moved it closer to the park headquarters. Now, more visitors can easily see this piece of history!
Tecumseh Falls: A Hidden Gem
Tecumseh Falls is located along the Reverie Trail. It's named after a Shawnee Native American prophet. This waterfall drops 10 feet (3 m) from a rock ledge. It's best to see it during the winter months.
Holly River Festival: A Yearly Celebration
The Holly River Festival happens every year at the park. It takes place during Labor Day weekend. This family-friendly festival started in 1992. It features fun activities like a talent show and live music. You can also enjoy contests, crafts, old-time games, and special exhibits.
Accessibility for Everyone
In 2005, experts checked the park for accessibility. They found that the campground, picnic areas, swimming pool, and playground were easy to use. Some small issues were noted, like signs and slippery stairs.
See also
