Nicknamed "Almost Heaven," West Virginia is brimming with extraordinary sights, from natural wonders to quaint towns. The Mountain State is a dream destination for many, especially those seeking an escape into nature. One small mountain town that is a jewel of West Virginia is Weirton. Sitting snugly beside the majestic Ohio River, rushing waters set the tone for this tranquil community. Here, visitors can experience relics of historic America, with Weirton dating all the way back to 1909, as well
as unique cultural crossroads.
Interestingly, Weirton is located within West Virginia but borders both Pennsylvania to the east and Ohio to the west. The town is conveniently located just 41 minutes from Pittsburgh, a city that is home to its own picturesque perches and stunning skyline views, making it easy to fly into Pittsburgh International Airport to begin your vacation. This tiny town is often regarded as one of the safest in America and is an ideal choice for anyone seeking a real local West Virginia experience.
Weirton is not short of comfortable places to bed down, and one of the standout options is the Fairfield Inn & Suites, which is close to many top attractions. Well-known for its cultural diversity and rich heritage, Weirton has become a "melting pot," allowing visitors to experience diverse experiences from museum strolls to nature hikes. Apart from its charm and beauty, Weirton has the amenities of a large city, while retaining its historic small-town feel, making it an excellent vacation destination.
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Discover The Highlights Of Weirton
West Virginia's mountain towns are desirable places to visit, from the state's highest and most underrated mountain town tucked amongst stunning natural wonders, to its oldest town, regarded as "America's Coolest". Weirton is another fine example of a mountain town that often gets overlooked, yet is packed full of things to see, do, and experience.
To truly get to know this captivating locale, start at the Weirton Area Museum and Cultural Centre, which was set up in 1984 to preserve the history and heritage of this industrial community. Today, it is completely run by volunteers. Here you will also get the chance to learn about the Wilton Steel Company, which was once the largest producer of tin plate products in the world. And given its location alongside the Ohio River, you cannot visit Weirton without soaking up the picturesque riverside vistas. It won't be hard to spot the enormous Veterans Memorial Bridge, which joins Weirton to Steubenville. It's a steel monolith that took three decades to construct.
The scenic Williams Golf and Country Club is also well worth visiting if you fancy playing a round of golf in one of West Virginia's top ten-rated golf courses, located just minutes from the town centre. While strolling around this historic town, you can browse the many shops within Weirton Shopping Centre. When hunger sets in, grab some mouthwatering comfort food at nearby Dee Jays BBQ Ribs & Grille, listed as the town's number one restaurant on Tripadvisor.
Where To Hike, Fish, And Paddleboard In Weirton
West Virginia is famous for its peaks and valleys, and from Weirton, you can hit the trails that allow you to experience them up close. Tomlinson Run State Park is just 15 minutes north of Weirton and is a go-to spot for locals and tourists to get into nature. This beautiful park gives visitors the best of both worlds: Remote wilderness plus outdoor park amenities.
Whether you decide to enjoy the vistas solo or grab a pal and hit the water, you have 1,398 acres to explore. Tomlinson Run is a tranquil spot for hiking, fishing, boating, and biking. Here you can easily rent a boat or paddleboard to enjoy the park from the water, but this is seasonal, so always check in advance. When it comes to hiking, this state park offers a range of trails to suit all levels and abilities, ranging from 20 to 70 minutes long. One of the most popular is the moderate 5.4-mile Fuse, Beech, Upper Laurel, Maple, Big Foot, and Fern Loop.
But it doesn't stop there; the Pan Handle Rail Trail is a must for bikers and long-distance walkers, spanning 29 miles from Weirton to Carnegie, Pennsylvania. This is an excellent daytime activity, allowing you to soak up river and creek views while making your way along the rocky hillside with stunning wildflowers. As you can imagine, the early fall period is the best season to tackle this route, as the landscape comes alive with fall foliage as the seasons change.
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