Berkeley County: Nature, Trails, and History

Discover Berkeley County through two distinctive sides: natural areas with lakes, wetlands, and forests, and places that tell the story of its industry and regional history. If you're planning a trip with a hotel stay, you'll find a range of themes to explore here—from fishing and hiking to museums and events.

Nature and Trails

Sleepy Creek Lake is a 205-acre fishing lake. Facilities include three access points, parking, restrooms, and two fishing piers. Sleepy Creek Wildlife Management Area has four campgrounds with a total of 75 basic campsites.

Different distance details are useful when comparing routes: Devil's Nose Hiking Trail is a three-mile loop with scenic views; about 25 miles of the Tuscarora Trail pass through Sleepy Creek Wildlife Management Area. The first figure refers to the length of a loop, while the second refers to the section of the trail that runs through the area.

Stauffer's Marsh Nature Preserve covers 45 acres of wetlands and field-like habitats. At least 157 bird species have been observed there over the years. Yankauer Nature Preserve covers 104 acres and includes historic farmland that is now forested. These landscapes differ: wetlands and field-like habitats in one preserve, and former farmland now covered in forest in the other.

History and Architecture

The Great Strike began at the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Martinsburg Shops, where the first violence associated with the strike also took place. The Apollo Theatre opened with a celebratory ceremony on January 19, 1914, and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1979.

Facilities at Hoke's Run Battlefield Park include a recreational trail, a pavilion, and restrooms. Interpretive panels tell the story of the Battle of Hoke's Run on July 2, 1861, described as the first battle of the American Civil War fought in the Shenandoah Valley.

Belle Boyd House serves as Berkeley County's historic museum and houses the county's visitor center. Martinsburg Roundhouse is used for public events and private rentals. Adam Stephen House is a late-18th-century house built of local limestone; it was constructed in the late 1770s to early 1780s.

Museums, Events, and Discoveries

At Dillon Farm Museum, you can see an extensive collection of antique agricultural equipment. The museum also presents live demonstrations of forgotten crafts and skills. The Berkeley County Youth Fair features livestock shows, indoor project exhibits, competitions, rides, fair food, and live entertainment. The fair has been held since 1947.

Orr's Farm Market offers a pick-your-own area and a petting zoo called Barnyard. Berkeley County's geocaching offerings include the Smart Caches of Berkeley County and Berkeley Gadgets GeoTrails. A GeoTrail runs through Berkeley County, giving visitors the chance to visit hidden attractions and learn more about the region.

Explore more destinations: Martinsburg, Falling Waters, Inwood, McDowell County, Grant County, Mercer County, Greenbrier, Wetzel County.

For the broader travel overview: West Virginia.