Commercial space travel seems closer than ever before, but it’s likely still out of reach for most of us. BUT, we don’t need to board a rocket to reach space; we’ve got access to our very own trip to the moon right here in West Virginia!
A dozen miles outside of Parkersburg, West Virginia, there’s a county park that receives national attention as a premier mountain biking trail system.
Laura Freed/Alltrails But that’s not all you can do at Mountwood Park: there’s also hiking, ATV trails, camping, cabins, a lodge, swimming, and more.
You can even travel to the moon!
Miranda Yeager/Alltrails That’s right, “Trip to the Moon” and “Savanna (to the Moon)” trails will take you over rivers, through woods, and even past a devil’s tea table or two.
Or, take a ride on “Apollo 13” to the “Dark Side of the Moon” to round out your space-themed adventure.
Adam Hammell/Alltrails Thankfully, this venture into space comes complete with plenty of atmospheric oxygen to keep you traveling at rocket speeds while navigating the uphill portions, no space suit required!
And these are just a few of the 24 trails covering more than 30 miles for hiking, biking, horse-back riding, and ATV riding trails that Mountwood Park boasts.
David Tamm/Alltrails “Haystack,” “Medicine Man,” and “Lake Trail” are other popular choices.
The land on which the park is built was once the booming oil town of Volcano, which tragically burned in 1879, leaving only a few ruins that you can still see along the trails today.
Jacob Nicholson/Alltrails Find these ones on the Walter Taite Trail.
And definitely take the time to enjoy the lake!
Mountwood Park/Facebook
Take a boat out, or pitch a tent in one of the campsites overlooking the water.
Mountwood Park/Facebook
If you prefer sturdier accommodations, Mountwood offers cabins and a lodge, too!
Mountwood Park/Facebook
To learn more, visit Mountwood Park’s website. Also, especially if you’re going to bike or hike, consider downloading a trail map from the website before you go in case there aren’t any paper copies available when you arrive.
Laura Freed/Alltrails
But that’s not all you can do at Mountwood Park: there’s also hiking, ATV trails, camping, cabins, a lodge, swimming, and more.
Miranda Yeager/Alltrails
That’s right, “Trip to the Moon” and “Savanna (to the Moon)” trails will take you over rivers, through woods, and even past a devil’s tea table or two.
Adam Hammell/Alltrails
Thankfully, this venture into space comes complete with plenty of atmospheric oxygen to keep you traveling at rocket speeds while navigating the uphill portions, no space suit required!
David Tamm/Alltrails
“Haystack,” “Medicine Man,” and “Lake Trail” are other popular choices.
Jacob Nicholson/Alltrails
Find these ones on the Walter Taite Trail.
Mountwood Park/Facebook
Have you visited Mountwood Park or attended any of the popular events they often host? Which of the many attractions and trails have you done? What would you recommend? Let us know in the comments!
Maybe the Flatwoods Monster was really just trying to reach the moon all along…
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Address: Mountwood Park Lake, West Virginia 26180, USA
