Monroe County: Peters Mountain, Moncove Lake, and History

Monroe County offers plenty of reasons to get curious: the mountain landscape around Peters Mountain, Moncove Lake, and a layered local history that includes covered bridges, churches, a mill, and a former mineral springs resort. There are also hiking trails, seasonal birdwatching, and a driving tour of historic springs. If you’re looking for a vacation rental or vacation home, you can plan your stay around nature, water, heritage, or a mix of these interests.

Mountain Trails and Bird Migration

Hanging Rock Tower is an old fire lookout tower on Peters Mountain. The hike from the parking lot to Hanging Rock is just under a mile long, gains 350 feet in elevation, and takes 25 to 50 minutes depending on your pace. Most birdwatching at Hanging Rock takes place during fall migration, which runs from mid-August through the end of the year. Specific birdwatching conditions vary from year to year. About 20 miles of the Appalachian Trail also run through Monroe County along the Virginia border. This route is on a different scale from the hike to Hanging Rock.

Water and Activities at Moncove Lake

Moncove Lake State Park is located on 140-acre Moncove Lake. Visitors can fish, swim, camp, boat, and picnic there. This offers a clear alternative to hiking or birdwatching in the mountains: at the lake, there are a variety of activities to choose from on the water. When planning a vacation rental stay, it may help to decide first whether you’d rather spend your vacation enjoying experiences like these or exploring trails and historic sites.

Covered Bridges and History

Laurel Creek Covered Bridge has the shortest span of any covered bridge in West Virginia. Indian Creek Covered Bridge is located on US 219 near St. John’s Church and is one of Monroe County’s historic sites. Old Rehoboth Church is also noteworthy: it is the oldest Protestant church building west of the Allegheny Mountains.

A visit to Rehoboth Church and Museum includes a tour of the old church and the museum. The site is open from April 1 to October 31, Thursday through Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Sunday from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.; check the hours before you arrive. The Monroe County Historical Society and Museum preserves stories and artifacts related to pioneer settlement, the Civil War, enslavement, and courage and freedom in Monroe County. Old Sweet Resort was a mineral springs resort from the late 1700s to the early 1930s. Old Union Academy was built in 1819 and received its charter from the Virginia Assembly in January 1820.

Mills, Trails, and Local Products

Cook’s Old Mill is a mid-19th-century grist mill on Route 122, about a quarter mile west of Greenville, West Virginia. Visitors can explore the grounds, take photos, picnic, and fish in the mill pond. The mill may be opened by request if someone is available, so arrange your visit in advance. Old World Libations makes wine, mead, and cider along Indian Creek and offers tastings and events. Since dates can change, check in advance to see what’s happening during your stay.

The trails also vary in character. The Potts Valley Rail Trail is five miles long, has a firm dirt surface, and runs through Monroe County from a point just inside the Virginia–West Virginia border to Waiteville. It connects to the road network via WV Route 17; check current road conditions before you drive. The Rural Heritage Quilt Trail follows scenic back roads in Monroe County. The Springs Trail offers a different kind of tour: a driving tour of historic springs.

When choosing a vacation rental or vacation home, it helps to decide what you want to focus on during your trip: birdwatching and hiking, lake activities, architectural history, or local culture. This lets you tailor your search to the kind of stay you want, without reducing Monroe County to a single experience.

Discover More Destinations

Gap Mills. Also: Hardy County, Hampshire County, Preston County, Fayette County, Upshur, Boone County, and Greenbrier.

For the broader travel overview: West Virginia.