Harrison: Trails, Museums and Cultural History

Watters Smith Memorial State Park features log cabins, a period-style building and a museum depicting pioneer life from 1796 through the early 20th century. Located in Harrison County, the park also offers opportunities for hiking, biking, picnicking and birdwatching. It’s a place to combine outdoor activities with a glimpse into the region’s past.

Rail Trails and Outdoor Activities

Harrison County is the eastern terminus of the North Bend Rail Trail. The section in the county includes four bridges and a tunnel; a trailhead is located in Salem. Another route option is the Harrison North Rail Trail: this seven-mile public trail for hiking and biking runs between Spelter and the North View neighborhood in Clarksburg. It follows the West Fork River through densely wooded terrain, with occasional views of the water. Trailheads are located on North 25th Street in Clarksburg and, two miles farther north, at Fall Run. Surface conditions can change, so check them before your visit.

The Harrison South Rail Trail runs parallel to the West Fork River, Browns Creek and County Road 25. These landmarks distinguish it from the Harrison North Rail Trail, which is described as following the West Fork River through wooded terrain with views of the water.

Shorter activities are also available: Veteran’s Memorial Park includes the 18-hole River Bend Miniature Golf Course. Clarksburg Dog Park is also located in Veteran’s Memorial Park. Dogs can run off-leash in a fenced area there.

Museums, History and Culture

Waldomore preserves historical and genealogical materials relating to Clarksburg, Harrison County and North Central West Virginia. Visitors and researchers can use the second-floor Research Room Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Check the hours before your visit.

The Clarksburg History Museum houses one of the largest private collections of military memorabilia in West Virginia. Tours for school and community groups are available by prior arrangement. The West Virginia CCC Museum presents the history of the Civilian Conservation Corps, from its founding in 1933 through the gradual end of the program in June 1942. It is housed in the old Quiet Dell schoolhouse in Harrison County, near Interstate 79 Exit 115. Because it is staffed by volunteers, calling before your visit is recommended.

Fort New Salem is an open-air museum devoted to living history. It interprets the region’s history, crafts and ways of life. Christ Episcopal Church is the oldest religious institution in Harrison County to have continuously served the same denomination, and is a recognized West Virginia landmark. The Robinson Grand Theater opened on February 7, 1913. Its event program is intended for people of all ages, as well as businesses, schools and local organizations.

Festivals and Getting There

The West Virginia Italian Heritage Festival began in Clarksburg in 1979 and is still held over Labor Day weekend. Festival events include live cooking demonstrations by local chefs and home cooks; a special parade honors surviving immigrants. Check the dates for the current year before traveling.

For air travel, North Central West Virginia Airport in Bridgeport serves Clarksburg, with flights operated by Allegiant and United Express. The airport is located in the I-79 High Tech Corridor and provides access between Charleston, Morgantown and Pittsburgh. Flight services can change, so check current service before booking.

Discover more destinations: Bridgeport, Enterprise, Clarksburg, Nicholas County, Raleigh, Pocahontas County, Berkeley County, Randolph County.

For the full travel overview: West Virginia.