This state forest located just outside of Morgantown is an excellent stop for anyone looking to get a scenic hike in prior to the festivities. The park features canyon overlooks, historic sites, more than 50 miles of trails and sandstone cliffs for climbing and bouldering.
Wander around main WVU campus and take in a mix of historic architecture, hilly terrain, and scenic views. Visitors can explore the downtown area near Woodburn Circle or take the Personal Rapid Transit (PRT) system to the Evansdale area. Stop by the Visitors Centers to get a self-guided tour map and parking permit for on-campus parking. Pro-tip, wear sneakers because WVU's campus is hilly!
The PRT (Personal Rapid Transit) is WVU's unique people-mover, responsible for connecting students, faculty, staff, and community members to their destination on campus. The PRT system originated as an experimental project to address WVU’s transportation challenges and to serve as a national demonstration of innovative public transit solutions. Operational since October 1975, the PRT is the first large-scale automated guideway transit system in the United States. Dr. Samy Elias, a WVU industrial engineering professor, played a pivotal role in securing funding for the PRT project and overseeing the development of its concept. The project was funded by the U.S. Department of Transportation and designed and constructed by Boeing. Check out the website for tips on how to take a ride!
Fort Necessity National Battlefield is a National Battlefield in Fayette County, PA, which preserves the site of the Battle of Fort Necessity. The battle, which took place on July 3, 1754, was an early battle of the French and Indian War, and resulted in the surrender of British colonial forces under Colonel George Washington, to the French and Indians, under Louis Coulon de Villiers. This spot is about 45 minutes from Morgantown and is a really neat stop!
Just an hour from Morgantown, nestled in the Laurel Highlands, is the renowned architect Frank Llyod Wright's Fallingwater. Fallingwater is one of his most widely acclaimed works and best exemplifies his philosophy of organic architecture: the harmonious union of art and nature. Make sure to book a ticket in advance of your visit to ensure availability.
About an hour away from Morgantown (and close to Fallingwater), Ohiopyle State Park features over 79 miles of hiking trails ranging from easy walks to challenging hikes. Popular trails include the Ferncliff Trail, Meadow Run Trail, and sections of the Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail, offering visitors a variety of terrain and difficulty levels. And for the more adventurous visitor, Ohiopyle offers some of the best whitewater rafting in the East!