5 Outdoor Recreational Sports To Try In Mercer County

Last updated: September 13, 2024

Mercer County, West Virginia, offers more than just scenic views — it’s where nature and recreation come together seamlessly. Whether you’re drawn to spirited competitions on the court or prefer the tranquility of winding trails, our area provides a variety of activities for everyone. Here are five outdoor recreational sports to try in Mercer County.

1. Pickleball

Pickleball, one of the fastest-growing sports in the country, has made its mark in Mercer County. This exciting paddle sport blends the best of tennis, badminton and ping-pong, offering a fun and accessible way to stay active. Played on a smaller court than tennis, pickleball can be enjoyed as a one-on-one match or in teams of two.

Three public parks in Mercer County now feature dedicated pickleball courts with permanent lines and nets:

• Glenwood Recreational Park is a favorite spot for pickleball enthusiasts with six outdoor concrete courts. 
• The Princeton Recreation Center has two pickleball courts located behind the main building, near the skatepark. 
• Bluefield City Park recently upgraded its facilities, converting older tennis courts into eight brand-new pickleball courts, making it a prime location for the sport.

2. Disc Golf

Mercer County features five distinct disc golf courses, each with its own character and challenge. Whether you’re a seasoned player or new to the sport, these courses provide a variety of terrain to test your skills. 

• Pipestem Resort State Park, Glenwood Recreational Park and Princeton City Park all have 18-hole courses, perfect for a full day of play. 
• Bluefield State University hosts a 9-hole course, ideal for a quicker round. 
• The Mercer County Gardner Center has a 12-hole course, which is particularly beginner-friendly due to its flat terrain.

Most of these courses are set in mountainous and wooded areas, providing a unique challenge — except for the flatter Gardner Center course. Greg Bishop, a local disc golf designer, is behind the creation of four courses in Mercer County. Glenwood Park was the first disc golf course in the area, opening in 2014 after a two-year design and approval process. At the time, it was the 32nd course in West Virginia; today, the state boasts around 116 courses.

For beginners, Bishop recommends starting at the Gardner Center course. It’s less intimidating, with flat terrain and a more forgiving layout. If you’re revisiting Glenwood Park, be sure to check out the recently updated course, which was redesigned to accommodate the new pickleball courts. Stay connected with the local disc golf community by following the Southern WV Disc Golf Club on Facebook for updates and tournament information.

3. Golf 

For traditional golf enthusiasts, Mercer County has several picturesque courses. The Princeton Elks Country Club provide enjoyable nine-hole experiences, while Pipestem Resort State Park boasts an 18-hole championship course for those seeking a greater challenge. Immerse yourself in the beauty of the West Virginia countryside as you work on your swing.

4. Trail Running and Hiking

Mercer County is home to a variety of scenic trails perfect for both trail running and hiking. 

• Pinnacle Rock State Park features the Turkey Rock Trail, a loop that winds around the park’s iconic towering rock formation. This trail connects to the Beaver Pond Trail, creating a 1.5-mile loop that’s ideal for a brisk run or a leisurely hike. For breathtaking views, try the Lakeview Trail, a 0.7-mile path along Jimmy Lewis Lake.
• Camp Creek State Park has over 35 miles of trails. Among them, the 8.7-mile Turkey Loop Trail and the 1.5-mile White Oak Trail — which leads to the picturesque Campbell Falls — are great for trail running. These trails deliver a mix of challenging terrain and serene natural surroundings.
• One of the best trail run is from Brush Creeks Falls to White Oaks. This easy 4-mile out and back starts and ends with waterfalls.

If running isn’t your pace, don’t worry — every trail in Mercer County is perfectly suited for a hike, allowing you to soak in the area’s natural beauty at your own speed.

5. Mountain Biking 

With lush forests and challenging trails, Mercer County has great mountain biking opportunities. 

Over half the trails at Camp Creek State Park are mountain bike-friendly, offering a variety of experiences for all skill levels. The 8.7-mile Turkey Loop Trail guides you along the ridge line and crosses Mash Fork Creek multiple times, ending with a scenic bridge crossing below Mash Fork Falls. Farley Ridge Trail, a 3.3-mile route, features steep switchbacks and stunning mountain views. For a truly rewarding experience, take the 1.4-mile White Oak Trail to enjoy mesmerizing views of Campbell Falls.

At Pipestem Resort State Park, mountain bikers can explore a variety of bike-friendly trails, including the Lake View Trail, Law Hollow Trail, River Trail and County Line Trail. For an extra boost, rent one of the park’s advanced electric bicycles, which make it easier to navigate the trails and take in the sights.

Bluefield City Park also offers great mountain biking options, with trails for all skill levels. The easy Family Friendly Trail is a 1-mile loop perfect for beginners or a leisurely ride. For those seeking a challenge, the Sleeping Wolf Trail is a 3.5-mile singletrack adventure with intense terrain.

Find your next outdoor recreation activity in Mercer County! Request a free travel guide to start planning your trip.