Things To Do At Carnifax Ferry Battlefield State Park, Near New River Lodging

West Virginia family vacations can include a little bit of everything, from high action adventure to horseshoe tossing. Carnifax Ferry Battlefield State Park is just a short drive from West Virginia log cabins rentals and well worth the trip, especially from those with children.

There is no entrance fee to Carnifex Ferry Park, and while the park is not large, but has walking trails dotted with historical markers, and old buildings and fences to explore and discover. There is a museum, a playground and three overlooks allowing visitors to gaze down on the Gauley River, world famous for whitewater rafting. The three overlooks offer different views ot the same Pillow Rock Rapid, a famous and exciting rapid to watch rafters and kayakers negotiate. The views are pretty distant. There is a newer trail, almost a mile long, called Pearson Hollow Trail that will take you down to Pillow Rock Rapid on river right of the Gauley. Call the Gauley National Recreation Area for more info on that trail (it isn't part of Carnifex Ferry Park). Those numbers are: Headquarters (304) 465-0508, Canyon Rim Visitor Center (304) 574-2115, Sandstone Visitor Center (304) 466-0417.

A picnic area with grills and tables is near the horseshoe pits, and not far from the softball and volleyball areas. Fall turns the Park into a riot of color and below on the river bright rafts take adventurers through spectacular whitewater.

For families looking for a casual day out — with a healthy does of historical significance — Carnifex Ferry Park is the perfect choice. Enjoy!