Your summertime bucket list, Mercer County style

Last updated: August 30, 2021

Life’s too short to be serious, especially when it’s summer. Will you play outside, splurge on homemade desserts or camp in the woods? It can be tough to decide. Fortunately, Mercer County’s most exciting vacation destinations are listed here in one spot!

1. Trailblazing

It’s the Mountain State. So if you want the highest thrills for your buck, come to Mercer. We have the steepest elevation of any West Virginia county. That’s especially handy when it comes to ATVs. In fact, the nation’s largest off-road network is in our backyard! The Hatfield-McCoy Trail has more than 600 miles to explore across several counties in West Virginia— with an emphasis on more. Expect 3 times that range in a few years.

It’s the Mountain State. So if you want the highest thrills for your buck, come to Mercer. We have the steepest elevation of any West Virginia county. That’s especially handy when it comes to ATVs. In fact, the nation’s largest off-road network is in our backyard! The Hatfield-McCoy Trail has more than 600 miles to explore across several counties in West Virginia— with an emphasis on more. Expect 3 times that range in a few years.

As you might expect, there’s plenty of scope. Routes are well marked and scenic, with diverse terrain. It’s tough to pick where to go! If you have just one day, try Pocahontas Trail; it’s a family favorite with easy and challenging paths.

Ready to roll? Crazy Mountain Cycles They have quads of all sizes and capabilities for rent. You can also sign up for guided off-road tours, overnight camping and ziplining. How could summer possibly get better?

2. Parks n’ rec

It’s picnic season, and Mercer County has all the mountaintop settings you could want. A packed lunch is just part of the fun. Play pickup games with your family, ride a train or chill off with shivers of anticipation at Lake Shawnee— one of America’s most haunted places.

Start with Camp Creek State Park and Forest. There are spellbinding waterfalls, lively streams and miles of forest trails. Your kids will appreciate the old-fashioned amenities, too. Grill hot dogs at one of several picnic sites, or swing by the game courts for volleyball, badminton and basketball. Each campground has a playground as well.

For an idle afternoon trip, visit Lotito City Park (also known as Bluefield City Park). The fantasy playground has delightful wooden towers and tunnels, while older folks can wander the trails or play tennis. Bring a picnic lunch and make the day longer. You’ll want to make time for the vintage Ridge Runner Train and game courts.

Lake Shawnee Abandoned Amusement Park is one of Mercer’s most famous attractions. It’s also appeared on shows like Discovery Channel, Travel Channel and ABC Family. Why? Ghosts. Lots of them.

No one has come here for carnival rides since 1966, although many people believe spirits haunt the property. Their reasoning isn’t entirely far-fetched; approximately 6 kids died here during the park’s heyday. Before that, Native Americans slaughtered a young family during the 1700s. Lake Shawnee was also a prehistoric burial ground.

So, is it cursed? Whether you believe in ghosts or not, Lake Shawnee’s rusty rides and overgrowth really color your imagination. Call the owners to make an appointment or come in October for the famous Dark Carnival festival.

3. Sweet treats

Every summer needs dessert, right? You came to the right place.

The Corner Shop in Bramwell should be on everybody’s bucket list. It’s a classic diner, complete with a working soda fountain. Retro desserts range from banana splits to malts. Best of all, key ingredients— like the ice cream and whipped cream— are homemade.

A Piece of Cake in Rock makes enormous cinnamon rolls. Bite into those swirled layers; you won’t regret it! The bakery also serves quick, easy breakfasts. So if you’re rushing to get to Lake Shawnee (which is right down the road), stop here first.

4. Summer getaways

Spend the weekend (or week!) deep in Mercer County. A forest sleepover is the best way, after all, to slip into vacation mode.

Buffalo Trail Cabins has wood-framed cottages of all configurations. From tree houses on up, you’ll find that home away from home in Bluewell. Adding to the fun are bison, which really live on the property. Buffalo Trail also has a full-service restaurant (open Thursday-Saturday) with specialty drinks.

Camp Creek State Park and Forest— as you’ve already read— has some of the most stunning scenery in Mercer. It’s hard to beat as a vacation spot. Four campgrounds are available, including one with space for horses.

Prefer something more rustic? Reserve a “pack in, pack out” site. Accessible only by ridgeline trails, it rewards your hike with a quiet picnic shelter, grill and tent pads.

What Mercer County adventure would you add to your summer bucket list?