Mineral County – Lake, River and Historic Places
Accommodation in Mineral County
Mineral County combines green lowland valleys with the Allegheny Front, which rises 3,000 feet above the North Branch of the Potomac. It is also home to Jennings Randolph Lake, river landscapes and a number of historic places. For your trip planning, this means you can combine days by the water, small discoveries along a driving route and excursions to museums or historic buildings.
From the Lake to the River
Jennings Randolph Lake stretches for 5.5 miles along the North Branch of the Potomac between Garrett County in Maryland and Mineral County in West Virginia. The lake provides habitat for birds, other animals and fish. For a stay focused on the water, there are boat ramps for fishing and boating, beach and picnic areas, as well as the Robert W. Craig Campground.
The river itself also offers a range of possibilities. At the fishing access in Barnum, there is about one mile of riverbank; the North Branch is regularly stocked with brook charr, brook trout, rainbow trout and golden trout. The Barnum Whitewater Area is the starting point for a seven-mile rafting route with Class I, II and III rapids. Clyde’s offers kayak and inner-tube rentals, shuttle services, introductory courses and themed excursions in the western Potomac watershed. This allows you to plan your accommodation based on whether you are looking for quiet days by the lake or a more active river program.
History in Many Layers
Mineral County is equally suited to travelers who want to learn about regional history through specific places. The Ashby’s Fort Museum focuses on the first fort on the Virginia frontier, whose construction George Washington ordered during the French and Indian War. Traveller’s Rest was built in 1928 as a stagecoach station serving the Northwestern Turnpike and now houses an exhibit on the Twin Mountain and Potomac Railroad.
Claysville Church is the oldest timber-frame church building in the county and served both the Union and the Confederacy during the Civil War. Carskadon Mansion is a three-story historic residence with eight bedrooms that was built around 1866. It was the former residence of Thomas R. Carskadon and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2002.
The Mineral County Historical Society Museum offers further unusual insights, including the complete uniform and personal military pack of Oliver Frederick Liller from World War I. The museum also includes a Funeral Corner with memorabilia from a funeral home, a casket receiving basket, a portable autopsy table and a typical mourning dress. Stewart’s Tavern is a historic log cabin that now serves as a museum. The Old Furnace is the only iron furnace in Mineral County, while Eusebia Presbyterian Church is one of the county’s two oldest active congregations.
Routes, Nature and Special Discoveries
The Mineral County Heritage Trail is a self-guided driving route that can be traveled every day of the year. However, some buildings along the route may not be open. This makes the route particularly suitable for flexible day planning: you can visit the historic stops at your own pace and adjust your expectations for individual interior visits accordingly.
For outdoor activity, Larenim Park includes more than three miles of hiking trails; public hunting with a permit is also allowed there. At Jennings Randolph Lake, nature observation and the waterside landscape come together. Another historic feature can be found at the Gohongaronta Gallery: it displays a true-to-scale replica of the Wright brothers’ 1903 aircraft, which made the first powered flight possible. The replica is reduced to 40 percent of the original size.
The Right Accommodation for Your Travel Plans
When searching for a vacation rental or vacation home in Mineral County, it is worthwhile to first determine the type of trip you want. Travelers who primarily want to fish, go boating or picnic by the lake will plan differently from those who want to focus on the Heritage Trail, museums and historic buildings. Rafting, kayaking and hiking can also shape the rhythm of your days. When choosing your accommodation, therefore, consider which focus fits your travel plans, without combining the various experiences into a single route.
For further regional orientation, Keyser is also available to you. Two sugar shacks in Mineral County produce West Virginia maple syrup and offer tours year-round—an additional insight into the region’s distinctive character that can easily be treated as a separate activity.
For the broader travel overview: West Virginia.
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