Holly River State Park is a state park located in Webster County,

West Virginia West Virginia is a state in the Appalachian, Mid-Atlantic and Southeastern regions of the United States.The Census Bureau and the Association of American Geographers classify West Virginia as part of the Southern United States while the B ...

. Situated on the Left Fork of the Holly River near the town of Hacker Valley, it is the second largest park in the West Virginia state park system with a total of . The park features over of hiking trails, ten vacation cabins, an 88-unit campground, and many recreation and picnic areas.

History

The creation of Holly River State Park began circa 1937 with the Farm Security Administration's Kanawha Head Project to resettle families from marginal farmland. 250

Works Progress Administration The Works Progress Administration (WPA; renamed in 1939 as the Work Projects Administration) was an American New Deal agency that employed millions of jobseekers (mostly men who were not formally educated) to carry out public works projects, i ...

workers rehabilitated the land and constructed facilities in the project area. Holly River State Park was formed in 1938 when the West Virginia Conservation Commission took control of the area, and the state obtained ownership of the site in 1954.

Recreation

Holly River features a seasonal swimming pool, a softball field, and courts for playing basketball, volleyball, tennis, and other popular activities. Special activities such as guided hikes, movie nights, and sporting events are offered during the summer.

Trails

Holly River has over of hiking and biking trails. Two trails, Ridge Road Trail and Rock Camp Trail, are designated as horse trails.

Accommodations

Cabins

Holly River features ten furnished cabins constructed in the 1930s using local natural stone and timber. Situated along a tributary of Laurel Fork Holly River, each cabin includes a stone fireplace.

Campgrounds

Holly River features a modern 88-unit campground that is open seasonally. Several campsites are designed to accommodate equestrian users and include access to corrals.

Store and restaurant

Holly River features a small on-site store providing staple groceries and sundries. A restaurant operated by a local concessionaire is also located in the park. It has been named one of the "101 Unique Places to Dine in West Virginia" several times.

Attractions

Potato Knob

''Located at '' Located off Webster County Route 3 (Left Fork Holly River Road), Potato Knob is a popular attraction rising approximately above the surrounding terrain. Potato Knob Trail winds its way up the steep incline to the summit of the hill.

Upper Falls

''Located at '' Located near Potato Knob is Upper Falls, a large waterfall on Fall Run. The site features an observation deck and stairway to the base of the falls.

Windy Gap School

''Located at '' Windy Gap School is a former one-room schoolhouse that was located on a remote tract of land owned by the

West Virginia Division of Natural Resources The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR) is an agency of the government of the U.S. state of West Virginia. While formerly known as the cabinet-level Department of Natural Resources, it is now part of the West Virginia Department of ...

. The Holly River State Park Foundation led a volunteer project to relocate the schoolhouse to near the park headquarters to make it more accessible to visitors.

Tecumseh Falls

Located along the Reverie Trail, Tecumseh Falls was named after a Shawnee Native American prophet who predicted a solar eclipse. The falls drops from a rock ledge that overhangs the trail. It can be best seen during winter.

Holly River Festival

The Holly River Festival has been held annually during Labor Day weekend at the park since 1992. The family-oriented festival features activities such as a talent show, live music, contests, crafts, old-time games, and exhibitions.

Accessibility

Accessibility for the

disabled Disability is the experience of any condition that makes it more difficult for a person to do certain activities or have equitable access within a given society. Disabilities may be cognitive, developmental, intellectual, mental, physical, ...

was evaluated by West Virginia University in 2005. The campground, picnic shelters, swimming pool, and playground were found to be accessible, but issues were identified with signage and slippery stairways.''Guide to Accessible Recreation and Travel in WV'', WVU Center for Excellence in Disabilities web site, accessed July 31, 2006

References

External links

* {{authority control State parks of West Virginia Protected areas of Webster County, West Virginia Protected areas established in 1938 National Register of Historic Places in Webster County, West Virginia Parks on the National Register of Historic Places in West Virginia Campgrounds in West Virginia IUCN Category V