Hampshire County (Photo: )
Surrounded by the Appalachian Mountains, Hampshire County is in northeastern West Virginia. The oldest county in the state, this area is home to Cacapon River, North River and the South branch of the Potomac River. Hampshire County hosts annual events, such as the South Branch Bluegrass Festival and the Hampshire Heritage Fest, and offers attractions ranging from the historic memorials of Indian Mound Cemetery to train excursions on the Potomac Eagle Scenic Railroad.
Hampshire County is home to the Fort at Joseph Edwards (fortedwards.org), a historic site in the eastern area of the county. Established in the mid-18th century, the fort served as a base for George Washington's regiment during the French and Indian War. The location has a visitor's center, gift shop and garden. The Confederate Memorial in Indian Mound Cemetery (no website; U.S. Route 50, Romney) is in Hampshire County's central region. The centerpiece of this historic site is a white marble memorial honoring soldiers of the Civil War. Originally erected in 1867, the structure was renovated in 1984.
Hampshire County has a number of wildlife areas managed by the West Virginia Department of Natural Resources (wvdnr.gov). Edwards Run and Short Mountain are in east Hampshire County, while Fort Mill Ridge and Nathaniel Mountain occupy the county's central region. A portion of the South Branch Wildlife Management Area is in southern Hampshire County as well. Hunting opportunities include deer, turkey, fox, grouse and squirrel. Nathanial Mountain features bear hunting. The state permits angling at Edwards Run, Fort Mill Ridge, Short Mountain and South Branch. Fishing prospects include trout, smallmouth bass, pan fish and catfish.
Geological attractions in Hampshire County include Caudy's Castle Rock, a formation in the northeastern area of the county. Named after James Caudy, a soldier in the French and Indian War, the rock overlooks the Capon River on White Mountain. Caudy's Castle Rock towers more than 400 feet and has a partial granite composition. The Ice Mountain Preserve is a geological formation in east Hampshire County. This attraction features a base that produces ice, even in warmer months. The mountain has two nature trails, and tours guided by the West Virginia Nature Conservancy (nature.org) are available.
Hampshire County is home to the Crystal Valley Ranch (crystalvalleyranch.com), an equestrian center in the town of Romney. This attraction features horseback riding over guided trails, as well as riding lessons, boarding and special events such as rodeos. The Potomac Eagle Scenic Railroad (potomaceagle.info) offers train tours of the Potomac River and South Branch Valley region. Train excursions last approximately three hours, and holiday, evening and murder mystery train trips are optional. The Potomac Eagle Scenic Railroad has three departure points, and one train station is in Romney.
Leaf Group is a USA TODAY content partner providing general travel information. Its content is produced independently of USA TODAY.