How to spend July 4th 2020 in Tucker County, West Virginia

As July 4^th quickly approaches, Tucker County is gearing up for a busy week of fun in the mountains. We have compiled a list of must do’s over the July 4^th week. As you might be guessing, this year will see a reduction in large gatherings and events because of Covid19. Think of it as another great summer getaway in the mountains of West Virginia.

Like a shot in the arm, let’s go ahead and get the painful announcements out of the way. There will be no Mountaineer Days or fireworks show in Thomas this year. The nearest public fireworks show will be in McHenry, Maryland at the Wisp Resort. For details on this fireworks event click HERE. The annual Celebration of the Arts and Wheeling Symphony Orchestra has also been canceled.

One of the best traditions of July 4th is spending time on the water with friends and family. In Tucker County this entails a day with Blackwater Outdoor Adventures located in Saint George, West Virginia. With options of whitewater rafting, canoe and kayak trips, or a lazy tube float down the Cheat River. Ideal for all ages.

Take in the views by horseback with Mountain Trail Rides and Double S Stable. Both are located south of the town of Davis in Canaan Valley. A variety of trips are offered lasting from one hour to a full day adventure into Dolly Sods Wilderness Area. Mountain Trail Rides also has a petting zoo for young children.

Kite enthusiasts head to Canaan Valley Resort every year for the annual Windfest Kite Derby July 3rd – 5th. On site is a professional kiting club showing off a wide variety of high fliers and demonstrations. Kites are on site for sale along with kite building workshops that take you from design to flying instructions. For event details click HERE.

Spend the afternoon on the golf links. Golfing is not for everyone, but in Tucker County it is. We are home to three totally different ways to play the sport. Disc golf, foot golf (played with a soccer ball), and traditional golf. Blackwater Falls State Park has an 18 hole course at Pendleton Lake and is free to use. Chip Shots Footgolf is a must for soccer fans and anyone of any age that can kick a soccer ball. Two golf courses are located in the county, Canaan Valley Resort and Holly Meadows Golf Course in Parsons

Check off that bucketlist of wild and wonderful overlooks found high up in our Appalachian Mountains. This mission will take a few days but the rewards will be worth it. Hike deep into Dolly Sods for the Lions Head overlook. Make the simple 2/3 of a mile walk to the sunset spectacular Lindy Point in Blackwater Falls State Park. Click HERE for the best overlooks Tucker County has to offer.

Tucker time is better spent on two wheels with wind in the hair. Whether you are a motorcyclist taking in our country roads or pedal power is more your speed, we have the goods. Call Canaan Valley home base and explore four distinct motorcycle routes in our region covering around 100 miles a day. Click HERE for motorcycle riding itineraries. Road cyclists to mountain bikes come for legendary scenery and the challenge of riding our mountains and rail trails. For bike rental and all your cycling needs head to Blackwater Bikes.

For simple and fun activities with an emphasis toward family check into programs being offered at Canaan valley State Park and Blackwater Falls State Park. Each park puts on small events or programs intended for groups of less than ten. From guided hikes to educational talks about the natural environment found high up in the Appalachian Mountains, there are a variety of choices. Stop in each parks nature or recreation centers to sign up for each activities.