Spring/Summer 2011

There’s still a bit of the wild at Blennerhassett Island State Historical Park in Parkersburg, West Virginia. “Three nights ago I saw a coyote,” says Park Superintendent Donna L. Smith. “Our herd of deer numbers around 100 and we have red fox. There’s plenty of wildlife to see if you take the time to be quiet and observe.”

Eagles soar in the air over the island, flocks of yellow finches rise from the meadow, and turtles bask in the sun on the banks of this nearly 500-acre island in the Ohio River that is only accessible by boat. A passenger ferry transports people and bicycles to the island during the park’s May–October season, and occasionally kayakers, canoeists and pleasure boaters will tie up south of the ferry landing while they visit the island. “The best birding is in the meadow,” says Smith. “Two years ago we began a program of reintroducing native grasses there and it has attracted a lot of birds.”

The wide carriage trail that travels to and around the meadow in a two-mile loop is shared by horse-drawn wagons, hikers and even bicyclists. It’s a rough gravel track, so mountain bikes are best, though the trail is mostly flat. The trail also passes behind the recreated Blennerhassett Mansion, and through a dense poplar grove and beautiful walnut grove that is said to be haunted by the spirit of Mrs. Blennerhassett, who with her husband settled on the island in the late 18th century when the Ohio River Valley was a true wilderness.

- State - West Virginia

- Type - Outdoor Adventures

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