State Parks and National Parks

The sheer beauty of this park on the Middle Fork River is its main attraction. The river runs through a rocky landscape, hilly and thick with trees. Rhododendrons and wildflowers enliven the woods in springtime.

In the past the fishing was poor, but the water quality has improved and there is spring trout stocking. The river is popular with swimmers, who use the paved, supervised beach or just plunge in off the banks. During periods of high water, the river is good for kayaking.

Hikers use two trails, the quarter-mile Rock Cliff trail and a four-mile loop that runs along the river and is shared with mountain bikers.

Alum Cave is a popular scenic attraction. Visitors also examine the foundation of a turn-of-the-century grist mill near the swimming area.

Though the park is open year-round, the camping season runs from mid-April through mid-October. The 65 campsites are all near the river.