Photo by Christina Myer The Middle Fork River runs through Audra State Park.

In northeastern West Virginia, the small town lives of Buckhannon and Philippi are brought together by their mutual state park, Audra State Park. The Middle Fork River and surrounding areas offer a chance for families to enjoy camping, picnicking, hiking, swimming, horseshoes and kayaking.

“The main summertime attraction to the park is the Middle Fork River,” said Jonathan Teets, superintendent of Audra State Park. “The river has many large swimming holes and rocks for families to enjoy. The park also offers tube and raft rentals to play on in the river.”

While swimming may be a focus, hikers will find miles of trails to explore. “Audra has two hiking trails,” Teets said. “The Alum Cave trail and the rock cliff trail. The Alum Cave trail is approximately 3 miles long.

“About a fourth of a mile in, you can take the lower cave trail, which takes you to a boardwalk with a large rock overhang. At the end of the boardwalk, there is a great overlook of the river.” While the trails are good for beginning and experienced hiker families alike, one hiker recommended it for “beginner in-shape hikers,” and for families with kids old enough to follow instructions very carefully as parts of the trail skirt steep drop-offs.

For families who want to camp, Audra has 67 campsites. “We are in the process of adding electric to over 30 of these sites,” said Teets. “The campground has laundry and shower facilities. It also has a campground store and playground.” Firewood is available for a minimal fee. Picnic areas and tables are also available. “Many picnic sites with a grill and table along with a picnic shelter” can be reserved, said Teets.

Photo by Christina Myer A dog gets ready to travel down a rock staircase in Audra State Park.

While in the area, families can also visit the cities of Buckhannon and Philippi.

“Buckhannon is a classic small town,” said Laura Meadows, executive director of VisitBuckhannon.org. “We have a great small town charm atmosphere.” She said that atmosphere attracts those that have never stopped in the area to do so.

One thing that attracts visitors, Meadows said, is the town’s Main Street. “We have small town locally owned restaurants, whether it’s grab-and-go or sit-down. We have specialty shops with lots of antiques and an awesome art gallery that has classes happening every weekend. We have boutique shops for purses and jewelry.” She said the lack of chain restaurants and stores makes the town more local and authentic.

For visitors interested in history, there are several Civil War sites in Upshur County, as well as the Upshur County Historical Society and Museum with history that dates back to the late 1700s.

A spot that Meadows recommends families visit is the West Virginia Wildlife Center. “It is a zoo that is a walk through the woods with a paved path and a little over a mile to visit,” she said. “There are more than 30 native animals to the state to see.” She said it is a draw for families because “kids get pumped up about seeing the animals, and they can learn about the state’s native wildlife.”

Photo by Christina Myer A small waterfall appears on a moss-covered rock in Audra State Park.

Visitors can also stop in nearby Philippi, the site of the first land battle of the Civil War, on the Philippi Covered Bridge, which is commemorated in the annual Blue and Gray Reunion historical re-enactment. The bridge, built in 1852, is the nation’s only covered bridge serving a federal highway. Also nearby is the Adaland Mansion and Barn, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Built in 1870, the restored mansion hosts period wallpaper and antique furniture and guided tours offer visitors a look into life during that time period.

The barn, built in 1881, also has historic tools and equipment. Another historic site to visit is the Barbour County Historical Society Museum, which contains Civil War and local memorabilia, all housed in a former train depot.

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Find It Online

* Upshur County: visitupshur.org

Photo by Christina Myer A tree stands amid a path at the Audra State Park.

* Buckhannon: visitbuckhannon.org

* Philippi: visitphilippiwv.org

* Audra State Park: wvstateparks.com

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Hitting the road: Audra State Park area is worth the trip

Photo by Christina Myer Views of the Middle Fork River at Audra State Park.

Getting there

Audra State Park is about 105 miles east of Parkersburg. That is around a 2-hour drive via US-50E.

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Eating

In Upshur County, there are locally owned restaurants such as Audrey’s Downtown Restaurant, the Donut Shop and Miss Piggie’s BBQ. In Barbour County there are local restaurants like Lil’ Moe’s and Philippi Inn Restaurant.

Photo by Christina Myer Views of the Middle Fork River at Audra State Park.

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Shopping

In Buckhannon, there are shops, like Buckhannon Antique Mall, Artistry on Main, Main Street Antiques and Caroline’s Closet.

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History

Historical sites include the Philippi Covered Bridge, the Barbour County Historical Society Museum, Adaland Mansion and Barn, Upshur County Historical Society and Museum and several Civil War sites in Buckhannon.

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Events in Barbour County

June

* Blue and Gray Reunion

* Blue and Gray Tea at Adaland Mansion

* Smokin’ on the Tygart Chili Cookoff

* Blue and Gray Car Show

* West Virginia Day Celebration

July

* Barbour DeTour

August

* Barbour County Fair

Events in Upshur County

June

* Festival Fridays in downtown Buckhannon

* WV Day Celebration at WV Wildlife Center

July

* Festival Fridays in downtown Buckhannon

* 4th of July Celebration in Buckhannon

* Blast from the Past Car Show and Block Party in downtown Buckhannon

August

* Festival Fridays in downtown Buckhannon

* WV’s Largest Yard Sale