Upshur: History, Wildlife, and River Experiences

Upshur combines historic sites, wildlife, paved trails, and river experiences to create a varied travel destination. Anyone looking for a vacation rental can tailor their stay according to whether shared discoveries, outdoor activities, culture, or time by the water should be the focus. The area's appeal lies not only in individual attractions, but also in the different ways to experience Upshur.

History with Specific Sites

In Buckhannon, the History Center Museum tells the story of the local past. The building was constructed in 1856 and is the oldest surviving building on Main Street in Buckhannon. Fidler's Mill also represents a long history of development: Daniel Peck first built the mill in 1821. William later expanded Fidler's Mill and built a dam upstream. Eventually, the site became a community building, an economic center, a social gathering place, and an important visual attraction in the area.

Pringle Tree Park looks even further back in time. It marks the first permanent settlement west of the Allegheny Mountains in Virginia, founded by Samuel and John Pringle in 1764. Where the Pringle brothers once lived, a third-generation sycamore now stands. At Buckhannon City Park, you can also learn about McClellan, a Union general, and the shifting loyalties during the Civil War. This gives travelers interested in cultural history several different ways to explore the past.

Wildlife, Trails, and Outdoor Activities

The West Virginia Wildlife Center is home to nearly 30 animal species that are either native to the state or were once native there. The center includes a 1.25-mile paved, wheelchair-accessible interpretive trail.

For hiking and cycling, the Upshur County Recreational Park offers suitable trails. The current Upshur County Trails system is at least 8 miles long and continues to expand. The same park also has an Olympic-size swimming pool. When choosing a vacation rental for a stay involving different interests, you can therefore consider whether to combine excursions, physical activity, and more relaxed days.

Seasonal and regional offerings also shape the experience. The West Virginia Strawberry Festival takes place during the third week of May. Floral Acres offers a pick-your-own blueberry experience. Artistry on Main combines original gifts, creative classes, and events featuring works by West Virginia artists. These offerings create different focal points: The festival date is suited to focused trip planning, while art and farm experiences provide additional reasons to explore.

Rivers, Paddling, and the Right Time to Travel

For water activities, the time of year is an important part of planning. During the appropriate season, the rivers in Upshur County reach Class III and IV rapids. On the Buckhannon River, a listed paddling route runs 2.8 miles from North Buckhannon Riverfront Park to Pringle Tree Park. The Buckhannon River also has five listed sites for whitewater enthusiasts. Muskellunge fishing takes place along a 5- to 6-mile stretch.

Pringle Tree Park has a boat launch ramp. The Upshur County visitors bureau also points to paddling opportunities on the Buckhannon River, the Middle Fork River, and the Tygart River. When searching for a vacation rental, you can therefore first decide whether culture and trails, wildlife viewing, or a stay focused on river activities should be the deciding factor. The specific location of the accommodation should then suit the planned excursions and the preferred daily rhythm.

Places for Further Trip Planning

For further orientation in the area, you can also open the pages for Buckhannon and Rock Cave. If you would like to compare additional destinations, you can find Pendleton County, Monongalia, Boone County, Randolph County, Jefferson County, and Cabell County here.

For the overarching travel overview: West Virginia.