Few People Know There’s A West Virginia Island You Can Walk To
Most of west Virginia’s Islands are generally accessible by ferry, but in the town of St. Mary’s, there is an island on the Ohio river that hugs the shore, making access to the island just a few steps away.
Along the small town of St. Mary's, Middle Island sits upon the Ohio River, separated only by Back Channel, a narrow canal also called The Thoroughfare.
The island is one of many Ohio River Islands protected by the National Wildlife Refuge. Upon the island is a series of trails maintained by the NWR to allow visitors access to the precious wildlife habitats that exist there.
Access to the island is a simple walk across a short bridge. Although closed in this photograph, it is usually open, as this is the only way to and from the 240-acre island.
Interestingly, the only way for residents of St. Mary's to actually see the Ohio River proper is from the island itself, since the small stretch of land actually blocks the view from the coast. Only from the south-western tip of the town can the full stretch of the river be seen, with the state of Ohio visible on the other side.
Not far past the entrance to the island, hikers can get a good look at the St. Mary's Bridge as it crosses the river into Newport, Ohio. Although easily visible from the mainland, it is only from the island that you can see it from this particular angle.
On the island itself are many wooded trails. The foliage is full and lush during the warm months. The environment and wildlife it hosts are mostly unaltered. The greenery is only disrupted by dirt trails.
Often, you will catch a view of the river and the boats that pass along it, since the trail systems mostly run along the edges of the island. There are five trails total - four are foot trails, with the fifth designated for cars. No bikes or pets are permitted on the foot trails to protect the habitat.
This is an island that is intended to remain undisturbed and unaltered. In vast contrast to the populated city that sits right next door, stepping onto the island, is very much like stepping into another world - uninhabited, undisturbed and completely beautiful.
St. Mary's and her adjacent island are located on the western edge of West Virginia, about 23 miles northeast of Parkersburg.
Have you ever visited Middle Island? Feel free to comment below and tell us about your visit.
While it may sound intriguing to tour an island that’s like a different world, how would you like to visit an island that is like entering a different time? Check out this one of a kind ferry boat adventure to a historic island.
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