Outdoor Recreation Guide: West Virginia

Marshall Green Trail

Check out the Marshall Sustainability Department’s Green Trail initiative. The goal of the green trail is to create a walkable path for campus and community. Campus is a beautiful place to get some fresh air. Experience a facilitated green path tour through all the best spots on campus. Out of town and missing Marshall? Visit their website for a virtual tour! “Our goal is to educate campus and community on how Marshall is growing Green, and how each of us can live a more sustainable lifestyle” – Marshall Sustainability Department Website

Distance from Campus: 0 miles
Address: 1 John Marshall Dr, Huntington, WV 25755
Activities: Walking, Bicycling
Website

Ritter Park

Ritter Park is revered as the heart of Huntington, and is the flagship of the Greater Huntington Parks District. This park, located on Huntington’s Southside, features a walking trail, rose garden, award-winning playground, dog park and tennis courts. Visit the Greater Huntington Parks District’s website for an extensive list of all the parks around town!

Distance from Campus: 1.8 miles
Address: Ritter Park, 910 13th Ave, Huntington, WV 25701
Activities: Walking, Bicycling
Website

Huntington Art Museum

Huntington Art Museum is a perfect way to escape to the woods in town. There is a 1.2 mile nature that feels “out there” while in town! Walk, bike, or drive to our local nature trail!

Distance from Campus: 3.6 miles
Address: Huntington Museum of Art, McCoy Road, Huntington, WV
Activities: Hiking
Website

Barboursville Park

Barboursville Park has a little bit of everything. From walking on a paved road to a gravel path to hiking trails, there is plenty of outdoor opportunity here.

Distance from Campus: 8.3 miles
Address: Barboursville Park, County Road 31/6, Barboursville, WV
Activities: Hiking, Walking, Bicycling, Mountain Biking, Disc Golf, Fishing
Website

Beech Fork State Park

Beech Fork State Park is located on the eastern end of Beech Fork Lake, and is Cabell County’s State Park! It joins the Beech Fork WMA to create 10,675 acres of public land around Beech Fork Lake. With options for camping, paddling, hiking, and biking, there is so much to do right here in Cabell County! Enjoy the local Huntington park with some outdoor time at Beech Fork!

Distance from Campus: 12 miles
Address: Beech Fork State Park, 5601 Long Branch Road, Barboursville, WV 25504
Activities: Hiking, Camping, Canoeing, Kayaking, Standup Paddleboarding, Fishing, Mountain Biking
Website

Kanawha Trace Trail

Did you know we have a through hike in Barboursville? Because we do! “The Kanawha Trace is a multi-purpose trail for hiking, backpacking and mt biking. The trail was started in the late 1950’s by BSA Troop 42. Mostly single track through wooded areas, some paved/gravel road sections, the Kanawha Trace is rated as difficult with over 4000 feet of elevation gain. Three camping areas along the way with two spots for water. The trail traverses over three counties: eastern Cabell, Mason and Putnam. There is a $0.50 registration fee. ” – All Trails Website

Distance from Campus: 13 miles
Address: 4057-4081 Scout Camp Rd, Ona, WV 25545
Activities: Hiking, Biking, Backpacking
Website

Kanawha State Forest 

“Kanawha State Forest, with more than 25 miles of hiking and biking trails, sits seven miles from the state capital of Charleston. The forest is a popular picnic area, and its diverse wildflower, tree and bird populations are a draw for naturalists. Amenities include picnic shelters, playgrounds and camping. In-season hunting is also welcome in specified areas with proper licenses.” – WV State Parks Website

Distance from Campus: 56 miles
Address: 7500 Kanawha State Forest Dr, Charleston, WV 25314
Activities: Hiking, Biking, Camping
Website

New River Gorge

“A rugged, whitewater river flowing northward through deep canyons, the New River is among the oldest rivers on the continent. The park encompasses over 70,000 acres of land along the New River, is rich in cultural and natural history, and offers an abundance of scenic and recreational opportunities.” National Park Service website

Distance from Campus: 100 miles
Address: Canyon Rim Visitor Center, Visitor Center Road, Lansing, WV
Activities: Hiking, Biking, Kayaking, Whitewater Rafting, Ziplining, Rock Climbing, Fishing, Sightseeing, almost anything and everything!
Website

 

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Marshall University
Recreation Center
402 Thundering Herd Dr.
Huntington, WV, 25755

Telephone: 304-696-4732

Email: Rec Center

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