August Tourism Update for Pocahontas County

We recently had an opportunity to speak with Chelsea Faulknier of the Pocahontas County Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB,) and she provides us with an update on exciting tourism activities in August.

“August is a wonderful time to explore Pocahontas County,” said Faulknier. “With summer still in full swing, it’s the perfect opportunity for both visitors and locals to get out and experience Nature’s Mountain Playground. As we begin looking ahead to fall, there’s still plenty of time to soak in all that summer has to offer here in the mountains. Along with endless opportunities to get outdoors, the next few months are packed with festivals and family-friendly events. Whether you’re looking for live music, local festivals, or outdoor adventures, there’s something for everyone. Be sure to visit PocahontasCountyWV.com to view our calendar of upcoming events happening throughout the county.”

“Of course, hiking, biking, and outdoor recreation continue to be some of the biggest reasons visitors choose Pocahontas County. From exploring the Monongahela National Forest and enjoying scenic drives or motorcycle tours, to mountain biking, stargazing in our International Dark Sky Parks, and discovering our one-of-a-kind attractions, this is the perfect time of year to retreat, unplug, and reconnect with nature. Speaking of outdoor recreation, we’re excited to share some great news from the Mon Forest Towns Partnership. Working alongside The Conservation Fund, the partnership was recently awarded $442,000 through the Expedia Trails Fund to support the development of two new trail systems in Durbin and Franklin. A portion of that funding will help construct Durbin’s nearly one-mile Connector Trail, linking downtown Durbin to the West Fork Trail, while also supporting improvements that strengthen connections between the town, the rail trail, and the Allegheny Trail. Engineering and design work is already underway, with construction expected to begin early next year.”

“Marlinton and Durbin are two of the twelve gateway communities that make up the Mon Forest Towns Partnership, and we’re incredibly grateful to be part of a regional collaboration that’s investing in projects like these. Together, these efforts are creating new outdoor experiences, strengthening our communities, and making it even easier for residents and visitors alike to explore the Monongahela National Forest.”

“There’s also an exciting new project led by Emma Crow-Willard, and Generation West Virginia’s NewForce Insights program, who are leading the charge on data and research surrounding the Allegheny Trail to better understand the economic impact of the trail and adjacent communities it passes by or through.  Originally from Colorado, Emma worked as a planetary scientist with NASA before building a career in documentary filmmaking and science communication. Her journey, which she calls the Allegheny Trail Economies Expedition, combines a 25-day backpacking trip with interviews in communities along the route. As she hikes from one end of the trail to the other, Crow-Willard meets with business owners, tourism officials, nonprofit leaders and longtime residents to learn how mountain towns whose economies once depended on industries such as coal, timber and manufacturing are adapting to changing times. In the coming weeks, Emma’s research and Generation WV’s NewForce Insights program will have an interactive dashboard that compiles the data for each trail community at a glance.”

“The Pocahontas County CVB hopes everyone takes some time to get out and enjoy what makes Nature’s Mountain Playground such an incredible destination to explore in the summer. For more information and resources, please visit PocahontasCountyWV.com.”

Thank you, Chealsea.