Prickett's Fort State Park
Rate this placeNearby: Mylan Park Valley Falls State Park
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Prickett's Fort State Park in West Virginia is a historic site that offers visitors a glimpse into the life of early settlers in the area.
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Summary
The park is home to a reconstructed fort that was originally built in the late 1700s, as well as several other historic buildings.
One of the main reasons to visit Prickett's Fort State Park is for its history. The fort was originally built by Captain Jacob Prickett as a place of refuge for settlers in the area during times of conflict. Today, visitors can take a tour of the fort and learn about its history through exhibits and interpretive programs.
Other points of interest in the park include the Job Prickett House, which was built in the early 1800s and is furnished with period pieces, as well as a museum that showcases artifacts from the area's history.
There are also several outdoor activities available at the park, including hiking trails, fishing, and camping. The park is located near the Monongahela River, which offers opportunities for boating and water sports.
The best time of year to visit Prickett's Fort State Park is during the summer months, when the weather is warm and outdoor activities are in full swing. However, the park is open year-round and offers a variety of events and programs throughout the year.
Overall, Prickett's Fort State Park is a great destination for history buffs and outdoor enthusiasts alike, offering a unique look at the early history of West Virginia.
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Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Related References
Mylan Park
Valley Falls State Park
St Markellos Park
Krepps Park