Spend a Day Enjoying the Sights, Sounds and Feel of Valley Falls State Park

One of Marion County’s most magnificent marvels isn’t just a sight to see but something to explore. Valley Falls State Park is more than a beautiful place; it’s a pure adventure all weekend long! Check your calendar, pack some snacks and make your way to Marion County!

As long as you appreciate beautiful sights and sounds, there’s something for everyone at the falls. It’s a great place to bring a date, your kids, some furry companions and human friends for a fun trip outdoors.

Chase Waterfalls

Have you heard of the West Virginia Waterfall Trail? Valley Falls is one of the most mesmerizing waterfalls on the list! Here’s the deal: download the app and start adventuring to all the falls in the state. Once you check in at three, you’ll get an official sticker; for 10, a water bottle; and for 20, the coveted t-shirt. Check in at all the locations and receive the grand prize — a custom waterfall-inspired letterpress print from Base Camp Printing. Speaking of waterfalls, the one that this state park is named for is an easy walk across the bridge from the parking lot. It’s a wonderful scene of rushing water and impressive mountains. But, wait, there’s more! Three more! These cascades aren’t all featured on the trail, but there are more waterfalls to discover along the trails around the park — and plenty of ways to get to them!

Hit The Trails

At least eight trails in the park connect, offering options for short hikes or longer adventures. Embrace all the ups and downs life – and Marion County – have to give you.

Running them is a faster way to experience the trails while upping the ante. The courses are relatively technical, so you’ll get to improve your skills while seeing West Virginia in a new way. Tackle a trail run solo or plan around these annual trail races: EHQ Valley Falls 6 Hour and 12 Hour and the Wild Turkey Trail Runs (with options for 5 miles, 10 miles, 25k, 50k and 50 miles). When you think about it, during a race at Valley Falls, everyone wins.

The trails are also renowned for their amazing mountain biking thrills. As advanced as they are exciting, experienced mountain bikers will enjoy them most. Start training for the Valley Falls Enduro with five to six timed segments along a 14-mile race course.

Plan around other Valley Falls events, like a cruise in! Cruise down to the park to see beauty, both natural and manmade.

More Activities

Take some time to rest by the falls: lay on the rocks, relax, get some sun, have a picnic and enjoy all the stunning views. Valley Falls is home to nature of all kinds on the trails and by the water!

Want more? Grab a fishing pole and take in the beauty of the space, the fresh air and the roar of the water. Bouldering at Valley Falls is fun and not as challenging as it sounds. If that’s not close enough to the water, get a raft or kayak and hit the rapids. That’s as close as you can get! (There is no swimming allowed at Valley Falls due to the whitewater.) Prepare for the adrenaline rush by calling the park in advance for all the details. 

Don’t forget to pick up a memento of your wonderful day! The gift shop is full of t-shirts, stickers and most things you might need (and forgot to bring) to enjoy your time. 

Plan Your Trip

You’ll have plenty of time to spend there doing anything and everything on this list. Valley Falls State Park is open from 7 a.m. to sunset every day.

Just so you’re aware, you’ll conveniently drive by Dairy Creme Corner on your way back into Fairmont from Valley Falls. *wink wink*