Watters Smith Memorial State Park

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Quick Facts

Watters Smith Memorial State Park

West Virginia

(304) 745-3081

Map Directions

Things To Do

Overview

The heritage of early West Virginia is preserved in the pioneer homestead restoration at Watters Smith Memorial State Park. Through the wisdom of a descendent, the late 1700s farm of Watters Smith was bequeathed to the state park system to be preserved for posterity. A log cabin similar to the original was moved and reconstructed on the park, the Smith family home (c. 1876) has been restored as a museum, and an additional museum houses many early farm artifacts. Guided tours are offered from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. In addition, the park features swimming, picnicking, and hiking trails.

Map of Watters Smith Memorial (WV)

Latitude, Longitude: 39.170396, -80.411682

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Activities

  • Bicycling

    Watters Smith Memorial State Park features biking trails for all skill levels.

  • Hiking

    Watters Smith Memorial State Park features hiking trails for all skill levels.

  • Historic Sites

    This 532-acre historical park stands as a memorial to the pioneer spirit of Watters Smith who settled here in 1796. The park came into being when Burr Smith, a descendent, died in 1949 and willed his 236-acre farm to the state to be developed into a park to honor his paternal great-great-grandfather. Guided tours of the Smith House Museum and of the Visitor's Center are conducted daily, 11 a.m. to 7p.m., Memorail Day Weekend to Labor Day. Other times by reservation. Admission is free, however donations are accepted.

  • Picnicking

    Contact the park for more information.

  • Water Sports

    Watters Smith Memorial State Park offers a modern swimming pool to park visitors.

Seasonality/Weather

The swimming pool is open daily 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. (closed on Wednesdays), Memorial Day Weekend to Labor Day (Subject to change).

Guided tours of the Smith House Museum and of the Visitor's Center are conducted daily, 11 a.m. to 7p.m., Memorail Day Weekend to Labor Day. Other times by reservation. Admission is free, however donations are accepted.

Directions

Driving

Watters Smith Memorial State Park may be reached by taking Exit 110 off I-79 (Lost Creek exit) and following the directional signs to West Milford, left on Duck Creek Road to Watters Smith State Park (approximately 7 miles). Visitors traveling US 19 should turn off at West Milford and follow signs three miles to the park.

Phone Numbers

Primary

(304) 745-3081

Links