| |
 |
|
Tomlinson Lake's a destination for anglers as well as hikers.
|
This is it. This is as far north as you can go to hike on public land and still be in West Virginia. In fact, Tomlinson Run State Park in the state’s northern panhandle is father north than Pittsburgh, Pa., and is on the same latitude as Staten Island, N.Y.
The 1,398-acre park contains picnic sites and shelters, a playground, courts for various sports and miniature golf. Tomlinson Run Lake and three fishing ponds attract anglers, the swimming pool with a 182-foot water slide is popular with children and the campground has modern amenities.
| EASY RAIL TRAILS |
| Several rail trails, all about three miles in length, course their way through the northern panhandle. Head to Wellsburg to hike, ride or skate next to the Ohio River on the Brooke Pioneer Trail, which connects with the Yankee Trail. Just south of Weirton, near Colliers, is the Panhandle Trail, most easily accessed from U.S. 22 exit 3. —LA |
| WHEN YOU GO |
The Hike: Two moderate loops, with your car parked in the middle, provide the option to do both in one day or on two separate visits.
Directions: From the intersection of W.Va. 2 and W.Va. 8 north of New Cumberland, follow W.Va. 8 for four miles and turn left into the park. Continue two miles, turn right onto W.Va. 3 and pull into the small parking area on the right in 0.1 mile.
Trail Information: For “50 Hikes in West Virginia,” contact Countryman Press, 800-245-4151; countrymanpress.com. —LA |
| FREE FACTORY TOUR |
| Homer Laughlin (304-387-0593, 800-452-4462; hlchina.com) in Newell has been producing china since the 1870s, and his products may be found in the White House, Colonial Williamsburg, Biltmore Estate and Disney World. The company claims to have made one third of all the china ever produced in America. Its most recognized line, the colorful Fiestaware, was introduced in 1936 and is still popular today. —LA |
| THE MODERN WORLD OVERTAKES HISTORY |
| The Peter Tarr Furnace, constructed in 1794, was the first iron furnace west of the Allegheny Mountains. Rebuilt in 1968, the structure is in excellent condition, and sits, somewhat incongruously, on a corner lot in a housing subdivision on Kings Creek Road east of Weirton. —LA |
| A RAINY DAY ACTIVITY |
In West Liberty, Jeanne Schramm has created the unique Women’s History Museum (304-336-7159; womens-history-museum.com). Within a small school bus are original items from some of the world’s most influential women. Among the many are a letter written and signed by Clara Barton, a lock of Elizabeth Cady Stanton’s hair, a poem written and signed by Harriet Beecher Stowe and Helen Keller’s signed Christmas card.
—Leonard Adkins |
Read this complete article in the new Blue Ridge Country, now available at bookstores, on newsstands or by calling (800) 877-6026. Or try our Free Issue Offer.
|
|
