State Parks and National Parks

Topping 8,000 acres, Holly River State Park is the state's second-largest. It is located in central West Virginia in a narrow valley surrounded by densely wooded mountains.

The region's heavy rainfall generates a lush variety of plants and wildflowers, and feeds two tributaries of the Holly River that flow through the park.

Although the park is not promoted as a cross-country skiing or snowshoeing destination, that same heavy precipitation often allows for those activities in the winter.

Forty miles of foot trails run through the park, including paths to three waterfalls and to Potato Knob, a 2,480-foot summit.

Twelve miles of dirt roads are open to mountain bikes.

Laurel Fork, a Holly tributary, is a fine trout stream that is stocked twice a month in season.

Ten stone and log cabins are situated by a stream in a patch of hemlock and rhododendron. The 88 campsites all have electricity, and campers are provided with a dump station and coin laundry. There is also a seasonal restaurant and commissary.

The park is staffed year-round, but accommodations are open from mid-April through November.

There's a host of developed recreation facilities at Holly River, including a swimming pool, activities building, a softball field and courts for tennis, volleyball and basketball.

A restored one-room schoolhouse is open summer weekends or anytime by appointment.