This beautiful red bridge was completed in 1887 and it originally spanned the Tug Fork of Big Mill…read moreCreek. It was named after Enoch Staats, whose water-powered mill and store anchored the surrounding community. The Staats family were early settlers, arriving around 1780. Enoch's father, Isaac Staats, built the first mill on the site. H.T. Hartley built it using the Long Truss system, patented by Stephen Long in 1830, featuring distinctive "X"-braced diagonals across 11 panels. In 1971, the bridge was modified with steel girders inside the original trusses to support modern loads and in 1983, it was relocated about three miles to here and converted to pedestrian only use. The park can get quite busy on beautiful summer days so be prepared to be challenged finding a parking space. [Review 571 of 2025 - 156 in West Virginia - 24132 overall]

This lovely piece of history has been a constant in my life growing up. We have many outings at…read moreCedar Lakes Park in Ripley, and this lovely red wooden historical covered bridge has been in the scenery backdrop all those many years. The bridge is well built since 1887. Built in 1887, the Staats Mill Covered Bridge originally crossed the Tug Fork of Big Mill Creek and was named for Enoch Staats' water-powered mill.. The Staats family were early settlers to the area, arriving around 1780. The bridge is a 97-foot-long "long truss" built by Henry Hartley This location is not the original location it was moved here for safe keeping and easy public access. My people use this lovely old bridge as a back drop in photo ops for weddings, prom, graduation, birthday pics, various different ideas. This is a lovely bridge and FREE to enjoy

The park sits along the Ohio River at a bend known as the Great Bend, a landmark noted on maps as…read morefar back as the 1700s. - George Washington himself claimed two land tracts in this area, one at Ravenswood and another at Millwood, which inspired the park's original name. The park is home to a 1918 lock house, which now houses the Great Bend Museum. Unfortunately, that was closed when we were here late on a Saturday but we were able to explore the park and enjoy being near the Ohio River. The park includes a refreshed Civil War Trails marker commemorating Confederate Gen. Albert Jenkins' crossing of the Ohio River at Ravenswood to capture Racine, Ohio. There is plenty of parking, some picnic and playground facilities and a boat launch. All have a view of the beautiful William S. Ritchie Jr. Bridge. [Review 586 of 2025 - 170 in West Virginia - 24147 overall]

Tonight went to Ravenswood Riverfront Park to see the Christmas Lights with Kayla Beth Fields and…read moregrandbabies Saige & Deacon Hunt. We had a really nice time seeing all the lights. The day was long but full of so much love and fun!!!

One of Nitro's best kept secrets, conveniently close to town but far enough out to be the perfect…read moreway to escape the hustle and bustle for a little while. Beautiful and peaceful place to relax, spend time with the family (including the canine members of the family), fish, hike (with a mix of clear gravel trails or rougher dirt trails), or even take a canoe or kayak out on the lake. Also great for group picnics, community events, weddings, birthday parties, or just gathering with friends for a relaxing day by the lake.

Nice walk around the lake and (if you like) through the woods. Picnic areas. Gazebo. Dog run. I go…read morethere in all seasons.

Unfortunately, it's a dive. Splash pad doesn't work and the grounds are poorly maintained. Giving…read moreit one star is too much

This is a pretty fun place that my family and I went and visited while we were on our adventure…read morethrough 14 different states. First date that we went through with West Virginia so we decided to stop at this Magic Island Park. It was raining that day so we did not get to spend too much time here unfortunately but the little amount of time that we didn't get to spend while the sun was out my children have fun and it was nice to see

This is a great place for picnic and quick history lesson for folks of all ages. American Civil War…read morebuff? Follow the "Morgan's Raid" road signs for an adventure. Love Native American history? Check out the mound!

I had long heard about Buffington Island, but don't get down this way much. When I was driving to…read moreNorth Carolina I noticed it was only a few miles off my route, so I had to swing by. The only Civil War battlefield in Ohio- how could I pass that up? It is small, and probably not of much interest unless you are a real history buff, in which case it is fascinating. There is a small park with plenty of parking, an Indian mound, and a small outbuilding with bathrooms. A few historical markers and a small pavilion with display panels round out the amenities. The story is fascinating: John Morgan, later imprisoned in the old State Pen in Columbus, was a Confederate raider who attacked all along the Ohio River. This was the only major battle, and it eventually led to his capture. The displays explain the background, battle, and aftermath. It's quiet and isolated, and pretty cool. Maybe not worth a special trip unless you are a Civil War buff, but if you live in the area or are traveling nearby, definitely worth a visit.

Strouds Run State Park is a gem, just a few miles from the City of Athens in southeastern Ohio…read more Lots of great trails around the lake and above on the many ridges throughout the park. Fairly large campground with spots that aren't too close together. Beach is typically dragged each morning in the summer and canoes, kayaks, and even motorized pontoon boats for rent. The motorized pontoon is blasphemy for those of us who have been going to the park since the 1970s, but they aren't so many that it is too loud or disruptive. There is one short trail that is accessible for all and there is a mix of pit and flush toilet facilities. There is no life guard at the beach but there is a safe and sizable enclosed playground for young ones.

Pretty spot for a day in nature. They have a nice playground, boat launch, and plenty of bench's…read moreoverlooking water. They do have bathrooms too!

I love this riverwalk!…read more It's about a half mile long, and has several very cool statues and a huge mural that spans the entire walk. I came to the town for the Mothman Museum, and got to enjoy this gorgeous riverwalk as well.

It was so relaxing to walk along this river front as well as have a seat on the amphitheater style…read moresteps. Walking along the river was so lovely as we took in the water and other views. Different art and statues along the route as well.

The USDA Forest Service website is really confusing for this recreational area, which apparently…read moreconsists of several unlinked areas across southeastern Ohio. The address for this listing is for the Marietta Unit, which was the closest official address I could find. I'm still not totally sure where the trailhead was (obviously, I was not the one who drove up), but the trail we took was the "Scenic River Trail." There wasn't much of a view due to all of the trees still being leafy, but it was a good challenging hike. We actually did not make it to the end of the trail, and I'm not really sure how far we went since the trail did not seem to have mile markers. There were the yellow diamond trail markers and some posts in the ground, but neither were labeled. It would be lovely to take the trail again when the leaves start to change, and again when the leaves are down and you can actually see the "Scenic River."

Good community park, only could use more connected trails to even more of the city, for cross city…read morehooks that can help connect to a mobile-city feel. Some maintenance issues and reinvestment in older space rehabilitation also needed, and curation tied to local entities to expand and do more with some of the open space that is aged out. Great updates to the kid park a few years ago, now they just need to keep it going.

This park looks wildly different from anything else in Huntington, with various stone features, an…read moreample playground, paths running along a stream, and some roses. Not many roses, mind you, but you can get some cool views. The aesthetic is much more upscale than the waterfront parks, and this area is usually crowded on a nice day. While there's some parking inside the park itself, the surrounding streets are free as well. And there's really no reason not to head on over if you're in the area.

Tony Vanoy and I left the Hampton Inn in Morehead KY about 945 going straight to Beech Fork State…read morePark outside of Huntington WV area. The Almost Heaven Swing is located on the hill across from the Visitors Center near front of Park. Its free to enjoy! The hike is about 1 mile round-trip and straight up the hillside! Tony went about half way and found a rock to wait for me on!! So, I went a lone to enjoy the view and its absolutely gorgeous!!

Such a beautiful park and campgrounds! We stayed here for 2 nights on our trip. We booked the…read moreMoxley branch campsite which had a fantastic view of the river and mountains. The state park headquarters had an office to check in at, arcade room, restrooms and camp store. Our electric site had restrooms nearby, water spout, and WiFi! Plenty of trails to hike nearby along with a disc golf course & fitness trail.