Droop Mountain Battlefield State Park Is An Inexpensive Road Trip Destination In West Virginia That's Affordable
By Melissa Mahoney|Published September 14, 2021
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Melissa Mahoney
Author
I'm an east coast girl living in a west coast world. I grew up in New England before moving to SoCal for several years. I then lived in NYC or a year before moving to AZ in 2009. I worked in the entertainment industry for many years of my adult life and have a deep love for photography, writing, and traveling around the U.S. as well as to far-flung locations around the world. Travel is my life and writing about it is a dream!
Are you looking for a road trip destination that’s fun, scenic, educational, and affordable? Droop Mountain Battlefield State Park in Hillsboro is an ideal place to spend a day exploring. Grab your hiking boots, a picnic basket, and a camera, and head to this incredibly scenic and inexpensive state park that’s a perfect road trip destination.
Located in Hillsboro, Droop Mountain Battlefield State Park is a 267-acre park. Not only is this West Virginia's first and oldest state park established in 1928, but it was home to the last of the Civil War's battles.
If you happen to visit Droop Mountain Battlefield State Park during October of an even-numbered year, you can witness a reenactment of the Battle of Droop Mountain. It's also a stop along the Civil War Discovery Trail that links over 300 Civil War sites across 16 states.
The Battle of Droop Mountain occurred on November 6, 1863. With 400 casualties, it was one of the largest Civil War battles that occurred in West Virginia. It's a historically significant battleground that everyone should visit at least once.
During the Great Depression, the Civilian Conservation Corps transformed the former battlefield into an outdoor recreation area for all to enjoy. Here you can find several hiking trails, an observation tower, a history museum, and picnic shelters.
Take one of several trails to explore the incredible grounds of the state park. Some trails lead to an overlook while others to cliffs and a series of small caves. Among the most popular trails is the Cranberry Bogs Trail which leads through mountain bog where hikers can see plenty of plants and wildlife.
Hike to and climb up the observation tower to get a better vantage point of the mountainous landscape. The views from here are nothing short of spectacular!
Remember to take a picnic! There are two picnic shelters that can be reserved ahead of time if you so choose. Additionally, there are two play areas for children in the park.
Have you been to West Virginia’s oldest state park, Droop Mountain Battlefield State Park, yet? If not, you should make plans to visit this inexpensive road trip destination. For more information, visit the Droop Mountain Battlefield State Park website.
If you want to explore more of West Virginia’s state parks, we compiled a list of 17 that you should add to your bucket list!
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