PARKERSBURG, WV (September 1, 2009) – Autumn is the perfect time to enjoy the outdoor weather and colorful fall foliage. You’ll be sure to find ample outdoor activities and recreation opportunities in Greater Parkersburg!

Spend the weekend at the 2,500-acre North Bend State Park, located in Cairo, WV, where you can stay at the lodge, deluxe cabin, or the campground. Enjoy the full-service restaurant and the 305-acre lake with fishing and boating. The 72-mile North Bend Rail Trail is located nearby which offers hiking, biking and horse drawn carriage rides. Other recreation includes nature center, miniature golf, outdoor pool (seasonal), tennis, picnicking and special events. www.northbendsp.com

The McDonough Wildlife Refuge, located on Rosemar Road in Vienna, WV, has a well maintained 2.1 mile hiking trail that is open to hikers year round from dawn to dusk. The Refuge offers bird watching opportunities with duck marshes, comfort stations, and an overlook. Picnic facilities and a short paved trail are also available for use.

Take a day trip and enjoy the autumn weather at Mountwood Park, a 2,600-acre park 12 miles east of Parkersburg off of U.S. Rt. 50. Mountwood Park contains beautiful wooded hills and valleys scattered with hiking and mountain biking trails. The park also has a campground, picnic tables and shelters, play areas, concessions stands and a lake with fishing and boat rentals. www.mountwoodpark.org

Fort Boreman Historical Park, located two miles from downtown Parkersburg, features a partially reconstructed Union Civil War fortification, trenches, interpretive signage, picnic shelters and spectacular views of Parkersburg and the Ohio and Little Kanawha Rivers. Pack a lunch and enjoy the scenic overlook and the short trail to the reconstructed fort.

With a little bit of something to suit anyone’s activity interests and recreation needs, from mountain biking and hiking to picnicking and camping, Greater Parkersburg has it all!  

To learn more about Greater Parkersburg and these events visit www.GreaterParkersburg.com .

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