Explore West Virginia’s Historic Coalfields

From unique historic sites to lively downtowns and hidden scenic landscapes, Visit Southern West Virginia’s newest digital passport, West Virginia’s Historic Coalfields, takes travelers through the heart of coal country. This 25-stop sightseeing tour of Mercer, McDowell, and Wyoming counties features a mix of state parks, trails, historic sites and markers, and unique attractions. As you explore the panoramic views of this corner of Southern West Virginia, please remember these tips to have a safe and healthy trip:

1. Carry out what you carry in. Litter, including food and pet waste, can attract wildlife too close to trails. While feeling connected to nature and getting close to wildlife may feel magical, animals might feed on food that isn’t good for them and/or become dependent on humans. Keeping areas clear of trash keeps lookouts clean while protecting the plants and critters we love most.

2. Take photos of plants and landmarks instead of taking bits as souvenirs or marking them. That way, your memory lasts forever, and the area will be ready for the next person to enjoy

3. Stay on marked trails for your safety so sensitive ecosystems stay healthy.

4. Listen to music through headphones or earbuds so those who come to nature to enjoy quiet and bird songs can do so.

5. Dogs and cats enjoy the trails in our state, local, and national parks. To keep them safe from wildlife, keep them on a leash. This will also help those afraid of pets feel welcome and keep your fluffy friend safe from unfriendly pets. 

Some stops on this passport are in areas with spotty reception. For that reason, we have established a larger radius for checking in at more rural locations. If you are experiencing issues checking into locations please take a picture of the area and send the date of your visit to picture taken at the location and the date of your visit to the Bandwango support team via the website/app under the “Need help?” section.

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Prizes

Where To Go

Wyoming County

Pioneer Farm at Twin Falls Resort State Park

Tucked in a quiet corner of Twin Falls Resort State Park is a historic working pioneer farm. You’ll hear this rustic attraction before seeing it because chickens and farm animals wander the grounds.

Marshfork and Black Fork Falls at Twin Falls Resort State Park

Fans of the West Virginia Waterfall Trail can check off two passport stops with one visit. The falls trail at Twin Falls Resort State Park stops at the two falls that give the park its namesake: Marshfork and Black Fork falls.

Castle Rock

A small park in the heart of Pineville exhibits a large, towering rock. The structure dates back 200 million years, when the area was a vast sea. As the Earth changed, the Guyandotte River, which still runs along the rock, eroded the soil and surface to create the tower. This geologic feature is in the heart of Pineville.

R.D. Bailey Lake

This expansive reservoir is a hub for fishing, boating, hiking, and camping. The visitor’s center offers mountaintop scenic views of the lake and surrounding peaks.

Itmann Company Store

This historic building is known as “the Castle of the Coalfields.” Built between 1923 and 1925, this structure was the office and company store for the Pocahontas Fuel Company.

Almost Heaven Swing at Tater Hill

Overlooking the town of Mullens is Tater Hill, where there is an Almost Heaven Swing for you to sit on and take in the view.

Civil War Trails McDonald Plantation Sign

This Civil War Trails sign sits at the Clearfork Valley Golf Club. The sign goes into detail about a sprawling estate that once sat on the golf club’s grounds. This estate was raided by Union forces when the owners were under suspicion of aiding the Confederacy.

Civil War Trails Civil War Romance Sign

Everyone loves a good enemies-to-lovers trope. This Civil War Trails sign tells the story of a Unionist finding a Confederate soldier hiding nearby. This sign is located in the Turkey Ridge Independent Baptist Church parking lot.

McDowell County

Kimball War Memorial

This building is the first memorial built in dedication to African American servicemen who fought in World War I. Inside, read the history and stories of African American soldiers serving in Europe and what life was like for them on the war and home front.

Henrietta Dismukes Hospital Site

Just down the street from the Kimball War Memorial, the Henrietta Dismukes Hospital site is marked with historic markers telling the story of the facilities that stood there a century ago. Dr. Dismukes was a black doctor who served black coal miners and

Merci Train

After World War 2, France sent a train, known as the Merci Train, or French Gratitude Train, with 49 cars and an engine to the US as a thank you for their aid. There was a car for each state, and one for DC and the then-territory of Hawaii. Each car was full of goods and presents. West Virginia’s Merci boxcar has been restored and sits outside of Welch.

McDowell County Courthouse

This beautiful sandstone building is also home to a key turning point in West Virginia Mine Wars history. On the steps of this courthouse, Baldwin-Felts detectives shot and killed Sid Hatfield, the sheriff of Matewan and a labor rights leader.

Panther State Forest

Located on the western edge of McDowell County, on the border with Kentucky, Panther State Forest features hiking, swimming, camping, fishing, and hunting.

Berwind Lake Wildlife Management Area

This hidden gem is along the southern border of West Virginia and Virginia. Located just outside of War, Berwind Lake Wildlife Management Area is a serene escape offering fishing and boating.

Coalwood Rocket Memorial

Homer Hickam, author, veteran, and former NASA engineer, is known for his best-selling memoir “Rocket Boys.” In it, he tells the story about his aspirations of becoming a rocket scientist as a young boy while growing up in Coalwood, West Virginia. This memoir was adapted into a feature film starring Jake Gyllenhaal and Laura Dern. The rocket statue commemorates Hickam as a hometown hero.

Murals in Downtown Welch

The Martha H. Moor Riverfront Park is a beautifully curated park featuring colorful murals that celebrate the town of Welch.

Mercer County

Brush Creek Holl’r Mountain Coaster

West Virginia’s first mountain coaster is located just off of I-77 in Princeton. This coaster lets riders choose their own speed as they swerve down a mountainside.

Brush Creek Falls

Brush Creek Falls is the largest falls in our area, where visitors can follow a trail leading to its base. It’s the perfect place to cool off in the summer.

Campbell Falls at Camp Creek State Park

Campbell Falls is a short walk from the Camp Creek State Park campground. These dramatic cascades descend 15 feet. It’s a great spot for fishing and relaxing.

Pinnacle Rock State Park

Pinnacle Rock State Park is a must-stop for those who love a grand scenic view. A moderate trail leads to the overlook, atop Pinnacle Rock, where there are never-ending views of the surrounding mountains. The park also has other trails and a lake for fishing.

Downtown Bluefield

Home to delicious restaurants and the Granada Theatre, Bluefield has plenty to explore for a casual downtown experience.

Almost Heaven Swing at East River Mountain

This swing sits atop a mountain on the border with Virginia, just outside of Bluefield. Take in the vast views and snap a selfie.

Chuck Mathena Center

This local theatre features 1,000 seats and state-of-the-art audio and visual technology. The facility hosts national touring productions and off-Broadway theatre.

Coal Heritage Trail Interpretive Center – Bramwell Depot

Bramwell Depot is a restored, historic train depot and an interpretive center for the Coal Heritage Trail. It’s located at the end of Commercial Row in Downtown Bramwell. This small town is known for the large homes of old coal barons.

Mercer Street

Mercer Street in Princeton is a hub of small businesses, eateries, and art galleries. It’s the perfect place to stop for a stroll and to browse the local scene.

Get West Virginia’s Historic Coalfields Passport