FAYETTE COUNTY, WV (LOOTPRESS) – It’s no question that Fayette County has been a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and adventure seekers for years, but the redesignation of the New River Gorge National Park & Preserve has shined a bright light on the hidden gem.
The county is known for its scenic beauty, rugged terrain, and abundance of recreational opportunities, which have made it a popular destination for tourism.
One of the most significant attractions in Fayette County is the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, redesignated in 2020 from a national river, which covers over 70,000 acres.
The park is home to the New River Gorge Bridge, one of the world’s largest steel arch bridges and the 3rd tallest in the United States. Brave individuals can also partake in the Bridge Walk and take the trek across the bridge. The park offers a range of recreational activities, including hiking, rock climbing, whitewater rafting, fishing, and camping.
Fayette County is also home to numerous state parks, including Babcock State Park, which features the iconic Glade Creek Grist Mill and offers hiking trails, fishing, and camping. Hawks Nest State Park is another popular destination, offering scenic overlooks, a tram ride down to the New River, and even jet boat rides up the river.
In addition to outdoor recreation, Fayette County is also home to a thriving arts and culture scene. The city of Fayetteville, the county seat, is known for its vibrant arts community, with different shops such as Dove’s Outlet Village, Very Rare Vintage, Lost Appalachian Trading Co., and so many more showcasing the work of local artists
A short drive north along U.S. Route 19 is the town of Oak Hill, the largest city in the county. It too is home to different restaurants and shops such as the Heart of Gold Diner, Cafe 110, the Frozen Barn, Retro Reset, and The Hive.
The city is home to the White Oak Rail Trail which follows the right-of-way of an old railroad making it a popular destination for hikers and bikers. The city has announced that lighting is being installed along the trail for those that want to partake in evening activities on the trail.
Fayette County is also home to a range of festivals and events throughout the year, including the Bridge Day Festival, which attracts tens of thousands of visitors each year to watch BASE jumpers and rappellers leap off the New River Gorge Bridge.
Located at the bottom of Gauley Mountain is the small town of Gauley Bridge, home to the tallest waterfall in West Virginia, Cathedral Falls which stands 60 feet tall.
The county is also home to a rich history, with numerous museums and historic sites, including the town of Thurmond, a preserved railroad town that dates back to the early 1900s and offers a glimpse into the area’s coal mining past.
Fayette County offers a diverse range of attractions and activities for visitors, from outdoor adventure and recreation to arts and culture and history. The area’s natural beauty and abundant recreational opportunities have made it a popular destination for tourists from around the country and the world.
To learn more about Fayette County and things to do, click here.
