Valley Falls State Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Valley Falls State Park |
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IUCN Category III (Natural Monument)
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 Valley Falls State Park
Location in West Virginia
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| Location | West Virginia, United States |
| Area | 1,145 acres (4.63 km2) |
| Elevation | 1,558 ft (475 m) |
| Established | 1964 |
| Named for | Valley Falls on the Tygart River |
| Governing body | West Virginia Division of Natural Resources |
Valley Falls State Park is a fantastic place in West Virginia, USA. It covers about 1,145 acres, which is a huge area for outdoor fun! This park is special because it's built around the amazing Valley Falls, a series of beautiful waterfalls on the Tygart Valley River. It's a perfect spot for a day trip to explore nature and have an adventure.
The park is located about 7 miles (11 km) south of Interstate 79, near a town called Fairmont, West Virginia. It's a great place to visit if you love the outdoors.
Contents
Discover Valley Falls State Park
The Amazing Waterfalls
The main attraction at Valley Falls State Park is, of course, the "Valley Falls" themselves! These are not just one big waterfall, but a series of cascades that stretch for about half a mile. They are so big they even separate two counties: Marion and Taylor County, West Virginia.
The falls are incredibly beautiful and powerful. While they look inviting, it's important to remember that swimming is not allowed. This is for your safety, as the currents can be very strong and dangerous.
Fun Things to Do at the Park
Valley Falls State Park offers many exciting activities for visitors. It's a "day-use facility," which means it's open for fun during the day, but there's no overnight camping. Here are some of the cool things you can do:
- Mountain Biking: Get ready for an exciting ride on the park's trails.
- Hiking Trails: Explore the beautiful forest and riverbanks on foot. There are paths for different skill levels.
- Playground: Kids can have a blast climbing and playing on the playground equipment.
- Picnic Area: Pack a lunch and enjoy it at one of the scenic picnic spots.
- Volleyball Court: Challenge your friends or family to a game of volleyball.
- Fishing: If you enjoy fishing, the Tygart Valley River offers a chance to catch some fish.
- Kayaking: For experienced kayakers, the river near the falls provides a thrilling ride. Always be safe and know your limits!
A Look Back in Time
Long ago, people lived and worked along the Tygart Valley River where the park is now. Local stories say that an early settler named Jonathan Nixon was one of the first European-Americans to see these amazing falls.
In the 1800s, a small community grew up here. You can still see the old ruins of a sawmill and a gristmill along the river. These mills used the power of the river to cut wood and grind grain, showing how important the river was to the people who lived here a long time ago. The park was officially established in 1964, protecting this special area for everyone to enjoy.
