Wayne County: Lakes, Forests and Special Excursion Destinations
Accommodation in Wayne County
Wayne County combines expansive lakes, heavily forested landscapes, unusual traditions and excursion destinations for both active and relaxing vacation days. If you are looking for a vacation rental or holiday home, it helps to first consider which travel style suits you: water and lakeside paths, hiking and mountain-biking trails, motorized routes, culture or experiences with children.
Lakes, Shorelines and Days on the Water
Beech Fork State Park is home to a 720-acre lake with 31 miles of shoreline. Canoes, kayaks, Jon boats, pedal boats and stand-up paddleboards are available for rent at the boat launch. The launch is open daily from noon to 8 p.m. from Memorial Day through Labor Day. The park also has eight trails totaling more than 14 miles for hikers and mountain bikers. This makes it possible to combine a stay by the water with activity on land.
East Lynn Lake also places a clear emphasis on water and shoreline landscapes. The lake covers 1,005 acres and has 44 miles of shoreline. Marked walking trails are available at the Visitor's Center, the Lakeside Recreation Area, the Lick Creek Launch Area and the East Fork Camping Area. East Fork Campground offers 167 sites with electrical and/or water hookups; the 1.5-mile East Fork Trail begins on the campground grounds. From Wayne, East Lynn Lake can be reached via State Route 37, 12 miles southeast.
Forests, Trails and Active Excursions
Cabwaylingo State Forest encompasses 8,296 heavily forested acres and reveals another side of the region. The Cabwaylingo Trail was the first trail in the Hatfield-McCoy Trail System located in a West Virginia state forest. ATV, UTV, 4×4 and dirt-bike riders can explore nearly 100 miles of trails there; cyclists can use nine miles of trails. A historic feature is the Tick Ridge Fire Tower near the campgrounds, built in 1935. This combination makes the forest particularly appealing to travelers who want to experience nature in more ways than simply observing it.
Culture, History and Unique Family Attractions
One of the most unusual traditions is the Kenova Pumpkin House: Every Halloween, more than 3,000 hand-carved jack-o'-lanterns decorate the 1891 Victorian home. The building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Those seeking history and regional culture will find Smithsonian-affiliated museums on Appalachian history and heritage at Heritage Farm. They are spread across seven themed buildings, including the Progress Museum and the Transportation Museum. The Nature Center offers hands-on activities focused on local wildlife, while Village Vittles serves traditional Appalachian specialties.
For additional historical impressions, visit the Ramsdell House in Ceredo. The two-story brick house was built in 1858 in the Greek Revival style. A more leisurely option for a warm day is Dreamland Pool, with an Olympic-size swimming pool and a shallow children's pool. It first opened in 1926. At Virginia Point Park, a large boat ramp provides access to the Big Sandy River and the Ohio River.
Choosing the Right Base
When looking for accommodation in Wayne County, it is worthwhile to organize your preferred daily activities in advance. Those primarily planning to visit lakes, shorelines and marked trails can make Beech Fork State Park or East Lynn Lake the focus of their trip. For trail rides and forest landscapes, Cabwaylingo State Forest takes center stage. Travelers interested in culture can combine historic buildings, museums, Appalachian cuisine and the seasonal jack-o'-lantern tradition. For families with children, Dreamland Pool can also be an option in the travel plan.
For further orientation within the area, you can also visit Crum and Kenova. This allows you to tailor your search for a vacation rental or holiday home to your preferred balance of nature, water, history and shared activities.
For the broader travel overview: West Virginia.
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