Tucker County, West Virginia offers its guests a high mountain experience.  Over 50% of the county is National Forest, Federal Wilderness, Fish and Wildlife Refuge, and State Park lands.  Quality mountain resorts and quaint mountain towns are scattered throughout the county for your enjoyment.  Here is where you leave the city behind.  In fact, you’ll only find one stoplight in the county!

“A mountain paradise offers you room to roam, and more adventure than you can “shake a stick at.”  From the rugged beauty of the Blackwater Canyon to the pristine back country of the Dolly Sods wilderness, it’s a world untouched, unhurried, and unrivaled.” 

“The rich and colorful heritage of Tucker County began with the richness of the natural resources.  Ancient spruce and hemlock grew so tall and wide that it took an entire crew to lay each one down.  In the 1800’s the rivers of Tucker County provided a thoroughfare for getting the timbers to market.  Now in the year 2008, second generation forests are playgrounds for the outdoor enthusiasts.  Rivers offer exciting runs for whitewater rafters and kayakers.  Blackwater Falls State Park  is named for the falls of the Blackwater River whose amber-colored waters plunge five stories then twist and tumble through an eight-mile long gorge. The "black" water is a result of tannic acid from fallen hemlock and red spruce needles. The falls are one of the most photographed sites in West Virginia. 

The town of Davis, West Virginia, had its beginnings as a boisterous lumber town booming in the late 1800’s to early 1900’s.  Home of United States Senator and industrialist, Henry Gassaway Davis, he bought the land for around fifteen dollars an acre and named the town after himself.  Today, many of the old buildings are used to house the arts and crafts, antiques, fine food and beverage establishments, and shops for the outdoorsman.  The town of Thomas, West Virginia lies nearby Davis to the north of Tucker County.  Thomas, named after Thomas Beall Davis, brother of Senator Henry Gassaway Davis, has a heritage deep in coal mining.  In 1883, the Davis brothers opened a mine and had coal ready for shipment when the railroad arrived one year later.

Parsons, West Virginia, was incorporated as a town in 1893, and as a city in 1907.  In 1893, a local land owner, Ward Parsons, known for his fine horses, forcibly and illegally moved the county seat from Saint George to Parsons (named after him of course) and to much amazement, there were no legal repercussions.  Located at the confluence of Shavers Fork, Black Fork and Cheat River, this river city was built around the tannery industry which came to a close with the arrival of the railroad.  Currently, you’ll find the Parsons courthouse on the National Register of Historic Places.”

Summer officially begins on Memorial Day weekend in Canaan Valley.  Cool mountain temperatures make this valley and the surrounding area a perfect place to retreat.  Canaan Valley Resort’s Geoffrey Cornish-designed 18-hole championship golf course is waiting for you to try the challenges of this par – 72 course.  “The meticulously groomed fairways, 65 sand bunkers, water hazards, and lush greens are challenging enough for the most experienced golfer, yet friendly for the beginner.”   For the kids, there are miniature golf courses found at various locations.

With such a large amount of forestry, water, and wildlife, Canaan Valley would seem to be a “promised land” to those who love the outdoors and the life of RVing.  To support this premise, there are a variety of lodging accommodations scattered throughout the county.  Bed and breakfasts, hotels, lodges, RV resorts plus State Park facilities help to keep you in amazement each waking day.  One such place is Five River Camp Ground, located in Parsons West Virginia.  Five River Camp Ground is a full service facility designed with the RV’er in mind.  Level lots with water, sewage, electric, and cable TV on the Shavers Fork River in Parsons, West Virginia.  You must call for rates and reservations.  They prefer to be contacted via phone or on the web – phone number:  1-304-478-3515.

Load up the RV with the kids and the dog.  Pack your camping gear and outer wear.  Strap on a bicycle, a few lawn chairs, check your tackle, and meet us in the promised land of Canaan Valley – Tucker County, West Virginia!  Happy Traveling!

(Photos are courtesy of www.canaanvalley.org – map, www.canaanresort.com – golf course,  and http://www.forestwander.com – Elakala waterfall, www.fiverivercampground.com – campground logo )