Willow running through the above-ground tunnel at the Buckhannon Dog Park. / Photo by Beckie Boyd
Willow running through the above-ground tunnel at the Buckhannon Dog Park. / Photo by Beckie Boyd

Buckhannon in Bloom – 5 spring things to do in Upshur County

BUCKHANNON – Spring has made itself at home in the hills of Upshur County. Check out this list of five things to experience in spring! 

Idea #1: Wildflowers blooming at the Buckhannon River Walk Trail

The Buckhannon River Walk Trail / Photo by Beckie Boyd

This three-mile walkway is tucked behind West Virginia Wesleyan College athletics complex. Picnic tables and swinging benches along the trail allow visitors to rest their feet and take in the scenery of the Buckhannon River. Escape to tranquility in the heart of Buckhannon! 

While taking a stroll with your family and pup at the River Walk Trail, stop by the Buckhannon Dog Park. This off-leash fenced area allows our furry friends to socialize with other pups and run through the above-ground tunnel – which also happens to look like a dog!  

Idea #2: The W.Va. Wildlife Center

A coyote yawns at the West Virginia Wildlife Center. Photo by Brian Bergstrom/My Buckhannon

The West Virginia Wildlife Center (commonly known as “The Game Farm”) has many furry faces ready to shake off the winter blues and see the smiling faces of visitors! This 1.25-mile paved trail takes guests along a variety of exhibits of animals found in the Mountain State. At each exhibit, visitors can learn about an animal’s biology and other fun facts about that species. This location is a great day trip for families looking to learn about wildlife, spend time outdoors and make memories. Before you leave, stop by the gift shop to purchase merchandise to remind you of your experience.

Idea #3: Picnic at the Pringle Tree

Pringle Tree historical landmark. / Photo by Beckie Boyd

Pack a picnic for an afternoon at Pringle Tree! The sycamore tree that we see today is the third generation of the home of John and Samuel Pringle. These two men took up residency in the hollowed trunk of the sycamore tree from 1764 to 1767 as the first settlers in this area. This park offers visitors a flat green space for recreational activities, a boat-launch ramp, picnic facilities and playground equipment. Lay down that plaid blanket and open the picnic basket – join us for a picnic at Pringle Tree this spring! 

Idea #4: Upshur County Trails

The Upshur County Trails’ head located behind Buckhannon-Upshur High School. / Photo by Beckie Boyd

The Upshur County Trails complex offers county residents and guests 8+ miles of trail system. Built and operated by the efforts of volunteers, the Upshur County Trails provide mountain biking, trail running and hiking terrain with the trail head located behind Buckhannon-Upshur High School. Learn how to get involved with the trail system creation and maintenance here

Idea #5: Geocaching

A sample small geocache, containing a pencil, a logbook for finders to sign, batteries and toys (which finders may take, leaving in exchange items they bring), and a travel bug, which may be tracked online as it moves from cache to cache across the country or around the world.” / Photo courtesy of Upshur County Convention and Visitors Bureau

Gather your family and friends for a day of exploration for caches across Upshur County. Did you know there are more than 50 registered caches in Upshur County? These hidden containers — which can be located using GPS coordinates — are usually filled with trinkets, keepsakes, and other small items. These caches may also have a logbook for guests to record when, where and who found it. Find a trinket? Leave a trinket! The fun is in the hunt! Check out geocaching.com for more details on where to find these hidden treasures. 

Check out more fun things to do, see and experience this spring in Upshur County at the Upshur CVB website. Learn more about Buckhannon offerings at the Upshur County Convention and Visitors Bureau at 14 East Main Street in Buckhannon. Like the Upshur County Visitors Center on Facebook for frequent updates on community events, recreation opportunities and more! 

TRAVEL

A hiking trail at Audra State Park looks down over the Middle Fork River.

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