Gilmer County: Forests, Water and History

Gilmer County brings together forested landscapes, a water trail, and historic sites for a range of travel interests. You can focus on nature and non-motorized boating, or give priority to buildings, collections, and local traditions. When planning a hotel stay, this selection can help you decide what kind of trip you want; specific visiting hours and event dates also offer practical guidance.

Forest and Water

Near Glenville, Cedar Creek State Park covers 2,588 wooded acres. This large forested area offers a natural highlight, distinct in theme from the historic buildings and collections. For travelers who want to include both nature and culture in the same stay, this offers a choice between landscapes and building-focused interests.

The Little Kanawha River Trail runs through Gilmer County and was developed for non-motorized boaters. This water route is 169 miles long and features mostly calm, shallow water and mild rapids. The trail also provides access to fishing spots with smallmouth bass, catfish, and sunfish. Boating and fishing offer two different points of interest: the route was developed for non-motorized boats, while the fish species listed describe what anglers can find at the fishing spots.

Historic Buildings and Collections

The Ruddell General Store became the Country Store Museum in 1973. The collection includes more than 2,000 artifacts, books, and photographs about Appalachian culture. Its subject adds a collection-focused perspective on history and culture to the architectural points of interest.

The Little Kanawha Valley Bank was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1991. Its interior features oak frames, marble counters, original metal grilles at the two teller windows, old cash registers, and an open bank vault. These details can be viewed both as elements of the room’s design and as features of a bank building: oak frames and marble shape the interior, while the teller-window grilles, cash registers, and vault show individual elements of the bank’s fixtures.

Job’s Temple began holding services in the late 1850s and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Job’s Temple Association organizes annual homecomings, usually in August; they began in 1936. If you would like to include a homecoming in your travel plans, check the specific event dates in advance.

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. The house, addition, and design history offer different ways to explore the building. The Holt House is open Wednesdays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., as well as during special events and by special request; check visiting hours before you arrive.

Market Visit in Glenville

The Gilmer Co Farmers Market is located at 720 North Lewis Street in Glenville and is held on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Market hours may change, so check the schedule before you arrive.

More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Big Springs, Berkeley County, Nicholas County, Mingo County, Morgan, Kanawha, Marion, Summers

For the main travel overview: West Virginia.