Fort Mulligan was built in 1863; it has a hiking trail, and some of its defensive structures are still visible. In Grant County, traces of the past like these sit alongside multi-day hikes, train rides and seasonal markets—different ways to explore, each offering a distinct focus for your stay.
Places with a History of Their Own
The Davis House was built before 1840 and originally served as a parsonage for the Methodist Church’s traveling ministers. Gormania Presbyterian Church was built in 1888. The Tannery House serves as a museum about the history of the Petersburg Tannery. Together, these sites introduce a range of historical themes: the role of traveling ministers, a 19th-century church building and the local tanning industry.
The history of Smoke Hole Caverns is also connected to the Seneca, who used the front section of the caves to smoke game. The Old Courthouse is open to visitors from noon to 3 p.m. on the last Saturday of each month from May through October. If you plan your visit around it, check the date again before your trip.
Hiking Trails and Train Rides
The North Fork Mountain Trail is about 24 miles long and is suitable for a 2- to 3-day backpacking trip. Detailed maps of Dolly Sods and other hiking trails are available at the South Side Depot. Trail conditions can change; check them before your hike.
Potomac Eagle offers a scenic mountain train ride along the South Branch of the Potomac River. The operator’s All Day Petersburg trip runs from Potomac through Moorefield to Petersburg and covers approximately 76 miles round trip. Check the schedule before your trip, as excursion dates can change.
Another rail route is offered by the South Branch Valley Railroad: it runs 52.4 miles from Petersburg to Green Spring. There, it connects with the CSXT main line to Cumberland, Maryland, and Martinsburg, West Virginia.
Markets, Festivals and Seasonal Offerings
The Petersburg Farmers Market is held every Wednesday and Saturday from May through October. The Spring Mountain Festival has been an annual tradition in Petersburg since 1982; dates may vary from year to year. Check the dates before your trip if you plan to visit the market or festival.
The Tri-County Fair is a weeklong summer event. It began as a gathering of local crafts, artisans and food vendors.
Eagleview Lavender Farm grows several varieties of lavender and sells lavender and lavender products. Cherry Brook is a pick-your-own farm with pumpkins, chrysanthemums and sunflowers. As seasonal availability can change, check in advance which of these plants are available for picking.
Find Accommodation to Suit Your Plans
When looking for hotels in Grant County, you can first decide which experiences you want to shape your stay: historic sites, a multi-day hike, train rides or seasonal events.
Explore more destinations: Mount Storm, Monroe County, Preston County, Barbour County, Summers, Ohio, Harrison, McDowell County.
For the main travel overview: West Virginia.
