Discover Wyoming County: Mountains, Lakes, and Coal-Mining History

Wyoming County features a rugged, diverse landscape with rushing streams, majestic mountains, and wild, forested areas. It also offers lakes, historic sites, and traces of coal mining. Those planning a trip can combine different interests here: active days on the water, off-road adventures, insights into regional history, and special events.

Landscape and Water Activities

At R.D. Bailey Lake, the visitor center offers views of the dam, the lake, and the surrounding forest. The building stands 365 feet above the lake, making it a prominent landmark for an excursion in this area. The Guyandotte Point Recreation Area also provides a place to launch boats into R.D. Bailey Lake.

Only electric motors are permitted on Horse Creek Lake. Fish species include seasonally stocked trout as well as largemouth bass, sunfish, and catfish. R.D. Bailey Lake is home to largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, striped bass, walleye, tiger muskies, catfish, crappie, and various sunfish, among others. If you would like to combine wildlife observation, fishing, or time on the water during your trip, the two lakes offer different ways to do so.

Trails and Activities

The Pinnacle Creek Trail is located near Pineville and Mullens. It connects to the Hatfield-McCoy trail systems Warrior, Indian Ridge, and Pocahontas, allowing for longer off-road tours. The Pinnacle Creek trailhead has a parking lot of more than 2 acres, on-site restrooms, as well as permits and merchandise.

Twin Falls Resort State Park also combines nature with regional history. The park was named after Marsh Fork Falls and Black Fork Falls and features 25 miles across 12 different trails. Pioneer Farm gives visitors insight into life on the American frontier. Those seeking quieter discoveries rather than extensive tours will find another way to explore the area’s history there.

Coal-Mining History and Regional Culture

Wyoming County lies at the heart of the National Coal Heritage Area. Remains of coal-loading facilities, miners’ camps, and old mines attract tourists and make the history of mining visible in the landscape. The Coal Heritage National Scenic Byway runs through Wyoming County and offers numerous viewpoints as well as opportunities for historic sightseeing.

Mullens is home to the Caboose Museum, located in Virginian Railway Company Caboose 307. It preserves memorabilia from residents of the region. Several municipal buildings in Mullens are decorated with murals depicting local history. In Itmann, the Itmann Company Store and Office is listed in the nomination documents for West Virginia’s National Register of Historic Places. Alongside nature and activities, these sites give the trip a cultural perspective.

Events and Local Impressions

The Wyoming County Fair takes place at the Pike Fairgrounds and includes exhibitions, rides, horse shows, domestic arts, flowers, livestock, vendors, and food. Another special experience is the annual Farm-to-Table dinner series, which includes an outdoor dinner at the historic Pioneer Farm in Twin Falls Resort State Park.

When choosing your accommodation, you can therefore first decide on your desired focus: lakes and fishing, trails and off-road tours, landscapes, coal-mining history, or events. This makes it possible to choose a vacation rental or vacation home as a base for the interests that will actually shape your trip.

Additional destinations for orientation: Hampshire County, McDowell County, Mercer County, Hancock County, Ohio, Hardy County, Summers.

For the broader travel overview: West Virginia.