The Little Kanawha River Trail is a 169-mile water trail that runs through Gilmer County. It was developed for non-motorized boaters; mostly calm, shallow water and mild rapids characterize the route. Anglers will also find a specific point of interest here: the trail provides access to fishing spots for smallmouth bass, catfish, and sunfish.
Water Trail and Forest
As a counterpoint to the water trail, Cedar Creek State Park is located near Glenville. It covers 2,588 wooded acres, giving it a distinctive landscape of its own. If you are comparing nature-focused options, water and forest stand side by side here as different highlights: non-motorized boating and fishing spots on the trail, and wooded acreage in the park.
Historic Places and Their Details
The Little Kanawha Valley Bank was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1991. Inside, you can see oak frames, marble counters, original metal grilles at the two bank teller windows, old cash registers, and an open bank vault. The many identifiable details draw attention to the interior, while the listing also places the site in its historical context.
Job’s Temple Church began holding services in the late 1850s; Job’s Temple is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Job’s Temple Association’s homecomings add another layer of history: they began in 1936 and are held annually, usually in August. The early history of worship and an ongoing event tradition thus represent different time periods. If you plan to travel specifically for a homecoming, check the exact date in advance.
Homes, Collections, and Planning Your Visit
The Holt House property includes a late Victorian-era timber-frame house and a modern metal addition used as a library and meeting room. The Holt House was designed by Abraham Lincoln Holt and local architect Adam West. Two different building styles and uses come together on the property. The house is open Wednesdays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., as well as during special events and by special request. Check these visiting hours before your trip.
The Country Store Museum offers a different perspective on local history. The Ruddell General Store became the Country Store Museum in 1973; its collection features more than 2,000 artifacts, books, and photographs about Appalachian culture. Unlike the individual fixtures in the bank, the focus here is on a variety of collection types and a broad cultural theme.
The Gilmer Co Farmers Market is located at 720 North Lewis Street in Glenville and is open Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Since market hours may change, check the current schedule before you arrive. Together, the water trail, wooded landscape, historic interiors, and local event dates offer different points of reference for planning your trip.
Discover more destinations: Big Springs, Randolph County, McDowell County, Raleigh, Fayette County, Summers, Kanawha, Lewis County.
For the broader travel overview: West Virginia.
