In Wyoming County, railroad history comes to life at a special place in Mullens: the Caboose Museum is housed in Virginian Railway Company Caboose 307 and contains memorabilia from local residents. The railroad car itself is therefore part of the museum experience.
Railroad and Coal Heritage in the Townscape
Several buildings in Mullens feature murals about local history. Together with the memorabilia in the Caboose Museum, they showcase two different aspects of the town’s history: images throughout the public streetscape and a collection inside a railroad car. Traces of coal mining are also part of the county’s character. The remains of coal-loading facilities, miners’ camps, and old mines attract tourists.
Another historic destination is the Itmann Company Store and Office in Itmann, which is listed in West Virginia’s nomination records for the National Register of Historic Places. Beyond individual sites, the Coal Heritage National Scenic Byway runs through Wyoming County, offering numerous viewpoints and opportunities for historic sightseeing. The county is also at the heart of the National Coal Heritage Area. Railroad and coal heritage give the region a distinct cultural and historical focus.
Rugged Mountain Country and Striking Natural Features
Wyoming County’s rugged topography is shaped by rushing streams, towering mountains, and wild, forested areas. Near Pineville, Castle Rock rises above the mouth of Rockcastle Creek: a 165-foot-tall sandstone cliff. It offers a striking geological contrast to the traces of mining and railroad history visible elsewhere in the county.
Twin Falls Resort State Park also combines scenery and history. The park is named for Marsh Fork Falls and Black Fork Falls, which are located on its grounds. At Pioneer Farm, the park offers a glimpse into life on the American frontier. The annual Farm-to-Table dinner series also includes an outdoor dinner at the historic Pioneer Farm.
Trails and Off-Road Connections
The Pinnacle Creek Trail connects to the Hatfield-McCoy trail systems Warrior, Indian Ridge, and Pocahontas. These connections make longer off-road trips possible. The trail is near the towns of Pineville and Mullens. The Pinnacle Creek Trailhead has a parking lot of more than two acres; the trailhead is staffed and has restrooms on-site. Permits and merchandise are also available there.
At Twin Falls Resort State Park, 25 miles of trails are spread across twelve different routes.
Lakes with Different Fishing Opportunities
The lakes also offer different types of fishing. Only electric motors are permitted on Horse Creek Lake. Fish species include seasonally stocked trout as well as largemouth bass, sunfish, and catfish. At R.D. Bailey Lake, you can fish for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, striped bass, walleye, tiger muskies, catfish, crappie, and various sunfish.
At R.D. Bailey Lake, boats can be launched at the Guyandotte Point Recreation Area. The visitor center is 365 feet above the lake and offers views of the dam, the lake, and the surrounding forest. These are useful points of reference for anyone interested in fishing, boating options, or views of the lake.
Discover more destinations: Mullens, Jefferson County, Gilmer County, Boone County, Marshall County, Marion, Harrison, Pendleton County.
For the full travel overview: West Virginia.
