Barbour County offers a variety of ways to explore: the Middle Fork River in Audra State Park, outdoor activities, and the architectural and regional history around Philippi. When planning your trip, it helps to first decide whether river activities or historic sites should be the focus. If you’re looking for a vacation rental in Barbour County, you can use these interests as a starting point for your search.
River and Outdoor Activities
Audra State Park lies along the Middle Fork River in southwestern Barbour County and extends partly into Upshur County. Floating is possible on the river in the park; check water conditions before you travel. Mountain biking is also available, with two designated trails. Conditions can change seasonally, so checking for current updates before your visit should be part of your planning.
Floating and mountain biking offer different experiences: one activity centers on the river, while the other takes you along designated trails. You can decide which one should shape your trip based on the activity you prefer. Teter Creek Wildlife Management Area in Barbour County expands the outdoor options with opportunities for public hunting, fishing, and other outdoor recreation.
Barbour County itself also lies on the edge of the Appalachian Forest National Heritage Area. This provides additional geographic context for the county; each specific outdoor activity, however, is tied to its own location.
Philippi and Its Architectural History
The Philippi Covered Bridge remains an important part of the US 250 road connection. Its history also reaches back to the Civil War: Union troops used the bridge as a barracks during the first land battle of the American Civil War. This structure therefore brings together a present-day transportation function and a historical episode.
The Philippi Historic District is centered around a prominent town square. Its significant collection of buildings includes structures from the 19th and early 20th centuries. The district is roughly bounded by Pike, High, Walnut, Wolfe, Main, and Wilson streets, as well as the Tygart Valley River. These boundaries help distinguish the historic town center as a subject in its own right, alongside the bridge.
The Barbour County Historical Museum is housed in a former B&O railroad station. Its significant exhibits span from 1635 through the Civil War and the early 20th century to the present day. The museum thus covers several eras, while the Covered Bridge’s history highlights a particular episode. Valley Furnace was added to the National Register of Historic Places on July 21, 2023.
Historic Homes, Bridges, and Events
Adaland Mansion is a 23-room Greek Revival house built in 1870. It was restored with great care while preserving its authenticity. Adaland Mansion also hosts teas; confirm the dates before your trip. Its architectural style and number of rooms give this historic home a different focus from the bridges or the museum exhibits.
The Carrollton Covered Bridge is the second-longest covered bridge in West Virginia. Together with the Philippi Covered Bridge, it offers a specific point of comparison: one is distinguished by its length, while the other still carries traffic on US 250 and is associated with a Civil War episode.
The Blue and Gray Reunion commemorates the Philippi Races each year on the first weekend in June. If this date matters to your plans, check the event dates before your trip. This lets you weigh historic sites, outdoor activities, and a possible event date according to your travel interests.
Discover more destinations: Philippi, Wyoming County, Fayette County, Nicholas County, McDowell County, Monroe County, Cabell County, Hancock County
For the main travel overview: West Virginia.
