Valley Falls State Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Valley Falls State Park |
|
|---|---|
|
IUCN Category III (Natural Monument)
|
|
|
|
 Valley Falls State Park
Location in West Virginia
|
|
| 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 1,145 acre (4.63 km²) day use facility sited along both banks of the Tygart Valley River. The park is located about 7 miles (11 km) south of exit 137 of I-79, near Fairmont, West Virginia.
The park's main feature is a half-mile long set of cascades — the "Valley Falls" — that separate Marion and Taylor County, West Virginia. The park and river provide a popular and risky kayaking run.
Although the falls are an inviting spot, swimming is not allowed.
Local tradition had it that early settler Jonathan Nixon was the first white man to look upon the falls. In the 19th century a small community thrived along the river at the current state park's location. The ruins of a sawmill and a gristmill are still visible along the river.
Features
- Mountain Biking
- Hiking trails
- Playground
- Picnic area
- Volleyball court
- Fishing
- Kayaking
