8 Things You Don’t Want to Miss This Fall in Marion County

September 22 may signal the start of the fall season, but the cool, crisp mornings and the bright sunny afternoons tells us that fall has already arrived in Marion County.

Want to get out there and really enjoy the season? You’ve come to the right place. Here are 8 ways for you to make the most of autumn in our beautiful piece of West Virginia.

 

• West Virginia Storytelling Festival, Friday, September 28 – Prickett’s Fort State Park Amphitheater, 7:00 pm

Join the West Virginia Storytelling Guild for a one-day storytelling festival in the park’s outdoor amphitheater.  More details can be found at www.prickettsfort.org or www.wvstorytellers.org.

• Halloween at Coal Country Miniature Golf, October weekends, Friday 4-10 pm, Saturday 12-10 pm, Sunday 12-8 pm

Play mini-golf amidst Halloween decor, scary music, dim night lighting, and a few SURPRISES! The level of scariness here is moderate, so plan ahead for those in your group.

• Harvest Festival & Antique Fair, October 13-14 – Prickett’s Fort State Park, Saturday 10 to 4 pm, Sunday 1 to 4 pm

Enjoy a fall weekend that focuses on 18^th century foods, including demonstrations and displays about wild game, food production, harvest, preservation, cooking, and customs. Shop the Antiques Fair in the Visitor Center. There is no charge to shop, but regular admission is required for the historic attractions and festival.

• “Halloween Town” in Mannington, October 27

Participating businesses will place pumpkins on their doorsteps for trick or treaters from noon until 2 pm. A Halloween party and dance will be held in the Mannington Elks Lodge Ballroom from 2 – 4 pm. Treats and costume prizes will be given away. Adults and kids alike can take part in the fun here.

• Valley Falls State Park

There’s nothing more beautiful than West Virginia in the fall (and yes, we know we’re biased). The forests and trees are ablaze with color, and the crisp fall air is perfect for some outdoor exploring.

The beauty of Valley Falls State Park is enhanced by the spectacular series of foaming falls that were created by the dark, rushing waters of the Tygart Valley River.  The prevalent rock formation known as the Connoquenessing Sandstone forms the cap of the falls over which the river plunges and swirls.  It appears both as ledges and huge room size boulders for more than a mile down the narrow canyon floor.

This 1,145-acre day-use park hosts a variety of outdoor recreation including fishing, picnicking, and hiking and mountain biking trails. So bring your hiking boots and picnic lunch and enjoy a fall day in the park.

• Rail Trails

Built on former railroad corridors, our rail trails offer a beautiful place for biking, hiking walking, jogging, in-line skating and cross country skiing. There are plenty of trails to choose from.

And you and your pet will both enjoy the outdoors at the Dog Park at East Marion Park.  Separate areas for large and small dogs will keep you and Fido happy. With over 3 acres to play, your dog will have a blast exploring the area and maybe even meeting some new friends.

• Golfing

There are many reasons West Virginia is called the outdoor recreation capital of the East.  Golf is one of them.  Marion County has courses located among rolling hills, along raging rivers and in peaceful valleys. These hills and valleys make for a different type of golfing experience: challenging but fun.

No matter where you play, the scenery is spectacular, the mountain air is fresh, and your golf clubs will take you away from the stress of life.

• Seth Burton Memorial Disc Golf Course

Located at Morris Park, this course includes two 18-hole premier disc golf courses.  If you’ve never tried disc golf, now is the time.

These are just a few of the fall activities you can take part in this fall in Marion County. Like to do something different? Tell us about it in the comments!