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Miles, West Virginia facts for kids

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Miles
Miles is located in West Virginia
Miles
Miles
Location in West Virginia
Miles is located in the United States
Miles
Miles
Location in the United States
Country United States
State West Virginia
County Pendleton
Time zone UTC-5 (Eastern (EST))
 • Summer (DST) UTC-4 (EDT)
GNIS feature ID 1555121

Miles is a small, unincorporated community located in Pendleton County, West Virginia, in the United States. It's not a city or town with its own local government, but rather a collection of homes and businesses that are part of the larger county area. Miles is found along County Route 3, nestled within the beautiful George Washington National Forest.

What is an Unincorporated Community?

An unincorporated community like Miles is a place where people live, but it doesn't have its own separate local government. This means it doesn't have a mayor or a town council that makes rules just for Miles. Instead, the county government, in this case, Pendleton County, takes care of services like roads, police, and schools for everyone living there.

How Communities Are Governed

  • Cities and Towns: These places have their own local governments. They can make their own laws, collect taxes, and provide services like fire departments and parks.
  • Unincorporated Communities: These areas rely on the county government for most services. They often have a post office or a general store that helps define their location.

Exploring Pendleton County

Miles is located in Pendleton County, which is in the eastern part of West Virginia. This county is known for its stunning natural beauty, including mountains, forests, and rivers. It's a great place for outdoor activities.

Natural Wonders of the County

  • Mountains: Pendleton County is home to parts of the Appalachian Mountains. These ancient mountains offer amazing views and opportunities for hiking.
  • Forests: A large part of the county is covered by the George Washington National Forest, where Miles is located. This forest is a huge protected area.
  • Rivers: The South Branch Potomac River flows through Pendleton County, providing water for wildlife and recreation.

The George Washington National Forest

The George Washington National Forest is a massive forest that stretches across parts of West Virginia and Virginia. It's a special place that protects many different kinds of plants and animals. Being located within this forest means Miles is surrounded by nature.

Activities in the Forest

  • Hiking: There are many trails for exploring the forest on foot.
  • Camping: Visitors can set up tents and enjoy the outdoors.
  • Wildlife Watching: The forest is home to deer, bears, birds, and many other creatures.

Life in Miles

Life in an unincorporated community like Miles is often quiet and peaceful. Residents enjoy being close to nature and the sense of community that comes from living in a smaller place. While there might not be many big stores or restaurants, the natural surroundings offer plenty to do.

Getting Around Miles

Miles is located along County Route 3. County routes are smaller roads that connect different parts of a county. They are important for people living in rural areas to get to nearby towns or other communities.

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