25 Amazing Places Nearby

from Abrams Creek Retreat, Mt. Storm, WV 26739

    1.   Swallow Falls State Park (Oakland, MD)
    34 miles from Abram's Creek Campground
    located off Rt. 219 between Oakland and Deep Creek Lake.
    A magnificent 37 acre ancient hemlock and white pine forest with 2 rivers joining in the park (the Youghiogheny River and Muddy Creek), 4 waterfalls, and canyon and boulder filled hikes along the river connecting the 4 waterfalls. Simply the most amazing place within 100 miles of Abram's Creek. And you can swim and play in all of it.

    CAUTION: there can be dangerous currents, swift, cold waters, drowning potential, slipping potential. Popular with locals, but use common sense, particularly after rains when waters are higher and hydraulics beneath waterfalls are stronger and rocks are slippery and wet. No Dogs allowed in park but okay on opposite side of Yough river.

    For photos / additional information & directions:
    More Info. / Directions & Photos -- click here
    and click here for more photos
    and click here for dangerous whitewater kayak conditions



    Upper Swallow Falls on the Youghiogheny River
    Muddy Creek Falls -- 63 feet - highest in MD



    2.   Schell Road Swimhole and Laurel Run (WV/MD)
    5 miles from Abram's Creek Campground (rough roads)
    Schell Road swimhole (accessible from WV or MD side) is a magnificent swimhole reminiscent of a Caribbean lagoon with diving cliffs, while Laurel Run (on the Garrett Co., MD side), at same location, is a tributary of the North Branch of the Potomac River with multiple large waterfalls and pools.

    For lots of photos / directions: www.abramscreek.com/schell_rd_laurel_run.html


    N. Branch of the Potomac River (Schell Rd. swimhole)
    20-25 feet deep on cliff side
    Laurel Run at the N. Branch of the Potomac
    Waterfall and pool #4



    3.   Mt. Storm Lake (Mt. Storm, WV)
    10 miles from Abram's Creek Campground
    A thermally heated lake with bath water temperatures - usually about 20-25 degrees above normal water temperatures (due to 1.6 GigaWatt coal power plant). Water temp.'s still in the 90's in Fall (nearly 100 degrees in summer).

    For lots of photos / directions: www.abramscreek.com/Mt-Storm.html


    Mt. Storm (superheated, thermal) Lake
    popular with local swimmers, divers, and boaters
    The lake waters approach 100 degrees in summer
    and remain in the 80's/low 90's in Fall



    4.   The Pinnacle (WV)
    12 miles from Abram's Creek Campground
    An extraordinary scenic vista with 360 degree views all around. See for 100 miles on a clear day in every direction.

    For lots of photos / directions, click here: Pinnacle Gallery


    360 degree views after a very short walk
    100 mile views on a clear day



    5.   Ghost Towns of the Upper Potomac Rail Track Hikes (WV / MD)
    5 to 10 miles from Abram's Creek Campground
    Rail Hike from Gormania to Schell Rd. Swim-hole: An extraordinary 8 mile rail hike along the N. Branch of the Potomac River. Venture where few have walked before this century. See rugged white water, cascades, waterfalls, deep swim holes and tributaries of this pristine high mountain river as only those who once inhabited the past hamlets and abandoned towns once observed, very long ago -- revisit the forgotten river.

    For lots of photos / directions, click here: www.abramscreek.com/galleries/gormania-rail-hike/index.html

    Rail Hike from Kitzmiller, MD (Blaine, WV) upstream towards Schell Rd. Swim-hole: An extraordinary 8 mile round-trip rail hike along the N. Branch of the Potomac River is chronicled in photos in this gallery. Go by an abandoned ghost town once called Potomac Manor or Dill (private property- be respectful). With a couple of dozen structures, homes, out buildings, garden and fountain structures and more, this former virgin forest logging town died when the virgin forests accessible along the rail lines were obliterated early in the 20th century.

    For lots of photos / directions, click here: http://www.abramscreek.com/galleries/rail-hike-kitzmiller/index.html


    19th century rail town of Gormania, WV
    N. Branch Potomac cascades off the tracks



    6.   Cathedral State Park (WV)
    20 miles from Abram's Creek Campground
    Cathedral State Park is an ancient hemlock forest of majestic proportions, and one of the last living commemorations of the vast virgin hemlock forest which once flourished in the Appalachian highlands. Trees up to 90 feet in height and 21 feet in circumference form cloisters in the park.

    Directions: From Abram's Creek or Mt. Storm, simply proceed on U.S. Rt. 50 West for about 20 miles -- just a couple of miles past Rt. 219 you will see the park on the right hand side (note: you will pass through Maryland briefly just after Gormania).

    For photos and further description: (www.cathedralstatepark.com)



    Cathedral Falls
    Hug an old Hemlock



    7.   Deep Creek Lake State Park (McHenry, MD) and accompanying ski resorts, golf...
    35 miles from Abram's Creek Campground
    A large Swiss or Austrian style lake front community with dozens of resorts, lodges, and eateries. Boating, jet skiing, touring, hiking, camping...
    Wisp Ski Resort at Deep Creek offers a year round resort which includes a white water recirculating river (call ahead for reservations) and a single or two person speed controllable roller coaster that glides through forested tracks.

    Directions: From Abram's Creek or Mt. Storm, simply proceed on U.S. Rt. 50 West for about 18 miles and then turn right onto Rt. 219 North -- continue through Oakland until you see a virtual Austrian city (huge) on the lake.

    For further details / photos: www.visitdeepcreek.com



    A beautiful high mountain lake resort town
    The recirculating river at Wisp Ski Resort



    8.   Blackwater Falls (Davis, WV)
    27 miles from Abram's Creek Campground
    ust beyond Davis, this park offer WV's most photographed grand falls as well as gorge / river valley hiking in a state park.

    For photos / more information: www.blackwaterfalls.com/



    Blackwater Falls State Park
    62 foot tall double falls
    Elakala Falls at Blackwater Falls State Park
    Lots of waterfalls downstream...


    9.   Welton Park & Eagle's Nest Outfitters (Petersburg, WV)
    27 miles from Abram's Creek Campground
    A spectacular park located below the cliffs of the S. Branch Potmac River. This beautiful park has picnic areas, walking trails, restrooms, pavillions, kids play equipment, a boat launch area and ample places to put in your inner-tube and play in the sun.

    Eagles Nest Outfitters is your base camp while you explore the 909,137-acre Monongahela National Forest. Miles of hiking and biking trails surround their Outdoor Center where they can custom tailor canoe/kayak/whitewater rafting trips, camping and fishing sojourns to suit your taste. They offer 12 wonderful trips on over 80 miles of river right out our front door on the S. Branch Potomac near Welton Park!

    Eagle's Nest Outfitters, Peterburg, WV

    Directions to Welton Park / Eagle's Nest Outfitters from Abram's Creek: Take Rt. 50 West to Rt. 42 South (in Mt. Storm). Follow Rt. 42 down the mountain to Petersburg. Keep on Rt. 55 east until you reach the end of town. The park is about 1 mile beyond the town of Petersburg on Rt. 55.


    Welton Park just east of Petersburg on Rt. 55
    South Branch of the Potomac River
    Great swimming with high cliffs overhead
    Welton Park is quite magnificient


    10.   Seneca Rocks (WV)
    40 miles from Abram's Creek Campground
    between Petersburg and Harmon, WV
    Directions: Proceed on Rt. 50 east to Mt. Storm -- about 3 miles. Turn left onto 42 -- follow past Liberty gas, down mountain to Peterburg. Terminates at Rt. 55 -- bear right onto Rt. 55 west -- continue about 15 more miles to Seneca Rocks -- great riverside scenery.
    Click here for more photos of Seneca Rocks.
    Click here for info. on rock climbing at Seneca Rocks



    Seneca Rocks Visitors Center off Rt. 55
    Yokum's Retaurant and General Store across the street
    Great climbing / hiking expeditions here
    (about 45 minutes from Abram's Creek)


    11.   Dolly Sods Wilderness Area (WV)
    17 miles from Abram's Creek Campground
    (about 17 miles to entrance off Rt. 42 towards Petersburg
    (note: rough gravel and dirt roads throughout park)
    Directions: Proceed on Rt. 50 west about 3 miles to Mt. Storm, turn left onto Rt. 42 towards Petersburg -- continue past the Liberty Gas and down the mountain. Right hand turn past Best convenience store on left.
    Click here for more photos of Dolly Sods Wilderness Area
    and Click here for even more photos of Dolly Sods Wilderness Area


    Dolly Sods wilderness area
    Beautiful hiking trails


    12a.   BackBone Food Farm & X-C Ski Farm (Oakland, MD)
    20 miles from Abram's Creek Campground
    Winter Cross Country Skiing and Seasonal Organic Farm
    Located at the foot of Backbone Mountain in Pleasant Valley , MD, Backbone Food Farm is a small family farm holding on to the idea that small scale, independent agriculture, stewardship and diversity are not only ideas from the past.� Entering their tenth season as organic growers , they market their products through their CSA (in its 7th year), local farmers markets and local restaurants.

    Managed and owned by Max and Katharine Dubansky
    530 Lynndale Rd.
    Oakland MD 21550
    301-334-5633
    For additional information / directions:
    BackBone Food Farm and X-C Ski Farm - click here


    12b.   Mountain Fresh Farmer's Market (Oakland, MD)
    20 miles from Abram's Creek Campground
    A seasonal Farmer's Market in Oakland, MD and another in Deep Creek Lake (McHenry) MD

    GARRETT COUNTY
    Mountain Fresh Farmers' Market - Oakland
    Town Parking Lot, 2nd St. & Town Park Lane
    Wednesday: 10:00 am to 1:00 pm June 13 - October 24
    Saturday: 10:00 am to 1:00 pm June 9 - October 27
    Contact: Garrett County Extension Service 301-334-6960
    www.mountainfresh.org
    WIC and Senior FMNP Checks Accepted

    Mountain Fresh Farmers' Market - McHenry (New Location)
    Parking Lot of Deep Creek Volunteer Fire Department
    1906 Deep Creek Drive .
    Monday: 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. June - September
    Contact: Garrett County Extension Service 301-334-6960
    www.mountainfresh.org
    WIC and Senior FMNP Checks Accepted


    13.   Church View Farm -- Sustainable Farming (Romney, WV)
    30 miles from Abram's Creek Campground
    Local Farm with sesaonal organic produce, honey, natural and organic grocery prodcuts...
    Steven and Ruth Martin
    Church View Farm
    Three Churches (Romney), WV
    Phone: 304.822.3878
    Email: churchviewfarm@frontiernet.net
    Web site: http://churchviewfarm.info
    Blog: http://churchviewfarm.blogspot.com  
    Product List: http://churchviewfarmproducts.blogspot.com
    Email: churchviewfarm@frontiernet.net 
    Romney Farmers Market: http://www.romneyfarmersmarket.com
    WV Products: www.wvfarm2u.org
    For farm updates,news and announcements please subscribe with your email address at our Blog 




    14.   The Romney Farmer's Market (Romney, WV)
    30 miles from Abram's Creek Campground
    A seasonal farmer's market in the nearby town of Romney, WV
    Romney Farmers Market: http://www.romneyfarmersmarket.com


    15. / 16.    Towns of Thomas and Davis (WV)
    25 miles from Abram's Creek Campground
    Water front towns located on the Blackwater River, these two up and coming towns (2 miles apart off on WV Rt. 32) include fun eateries, antique shops, bed and breakfasts, art galleries, a bakery, and even live music and organic foods. Both villages include lots of interesting "Main Street" shops. Thomas is a 19th century town where every building is considered historic and qualifies for 50% matching restoration funds from the Federal Government. Blackwater Falls State Park (detailed below) and Canaan Valley area (detailed below) are both nearby.

    For photos / additional information:
    More about Davis, WV - click here  /   More about Thomas, WV - click here   /   and even more about Thomas, WV

    Thomas includes:
    • The Purple Fiddle (detailed below) -- live mountain / bluegrass music and orgainic foods
    • Lena's-- an new bakery serving pastries, cakes, and sandwiches/coffee.
    • Mountain Made Gallery -- www.mountainmade.com -- a large collection of local artist handicrafts.

    Davis includes:
    • Sarianni's Pizza -- a local hang out and pasta/ pizza place
    • an Art Co-op -- featuring local artwork from about 100 artists
    • Hell Bender's Burrito's -- a new Burrito place with great vegitarian options


    Directions to Thomas / Davis from Abram's Creek: Take Rt. 50 West to Rt. 42 South (in Mt. Storm). Proceed a few miles, then bear right onto Rt. 93 towards Blackwater Falls / Canaan Valley. Continue to dead end at Rt. 32 -- bear right to get to Thomas, left to get to Davis. If going to Thomas, go a couple of miles, and at end of town, make a hard left U-turn along one-way river front street -- Rhythm is the second shop and Purple Fiddle is the last shop at the end of this small river front strip. If going to Davis, proceed about a mile and you will find the heart of town about where Sarianni's Pizza is located. Park here.

    17.   Canaan Valley (WV) and accompanying ski resorts, golf, horse back riding, ski lift rides...)
    35 miles from Abram's Creek Campground
    Summer or winter, this valley offers spectacular mountain view and summer ski lift assisted trail hiking and lots of fun eateries and lodging.

    For more information / photos: http://www.canaanvalley.org/


    18.   The Purple Fiddle (Thomas, WV)
    25 miles from Abram's Creek Campground
    The Birchmere of West Virginia, the Purple Fiddle gets some of the best bluegrass and mountain music bands across the country. This full service restaurant is a former turn of the century pharmacy located in a 19th century town on the Blackwater River.
    The menu includes organic and natural healthy foods as well as a significant gourmet soda and beer selection + great gourmet coffees (my favorite wrap is called "World Peace").

    For more information / band-music schedule: www.purplefiddle.com


    19.   Golf Courses near Abram's Creek Campground

    • Golf at Wisp Resort, Deep Creek Lake: about 40 miles from Abram's Creek Campground:
      Golf at Wisp -- click here


    • Golf at Canaan Valley: About 35 miles from Abram's Creek Campground:
      Golf at Canaan Valley Resort -- click here


    • Mill Creek Country Club: (located between Keyser and Burlington, WV)-- about 20 miles east of Abram's Creek Campground on Rt. 50 -- 18-hole golf course along beautiful Mill Creek. Carts available -- Very inexpensive. Call for details and prices: 304-289-3160


    • Polish Pines Golf Club: located in Keyser, WV, about 15 miles from Abram's Creek campground. 301-786-4131. Carts available -- Very inexpensive.


    • Alpine Lake Golf Club: located in Terra Alta, WV -- An 18 hole golf course -- very affordable. About a 40 miles from Abram's Creek campground. Call 800-752-7179 / 304-789-2481.
      Golf at Alpine Lake -- click here


    20.   Grover Hole along the Dry Fork River (Harmon, WV)
    about 40 miles from Abram's Creek
    Directions: From Abram's Creek Campground -- heading beyond Canaan Valley -- Rt. 50 east, Rt. 42 South, Rt. 93 west towards Thomas / Davis, Rt. 32 East past Canaan Valley resort -- 8 miles of back roads off Rt. 32...


    Road leading to Grover Hole outside Harmon, WV
    ...small cliffs are popular to jump from


    21.   Mill Run Waterfalls / Mill (Anitoch, WV)
    18 miles from Abram's Creek Campground
    in Antioch, WV (also known as Grayson's Gap)
    Proceed about 18 miles east on Rt. 50, turn right onto Knobley Rd. -- proceed about 2 miles -- to right of old Grist Mill
    More on Grayson's Gap - click here


    Mill Run, just upstream from the
    the old Grist Mill (circa 1767), in Antioch, WV
    These falls and pools provide popular
    summer dipping pools


    22.   The Smallest Church in the lower 48 states (Silver Lake, WV)
    25 miles from Abram's Creek Campground
    Directions: Go West on Rt. 50 from Abram's Creek to Rt. 219 South.
    Proceed on 219 South (towards Thomas) to the town of Silver Lake.


    The smallest church in the lower 48
    Complete with seating and altar


    23.   Stoney River Hike
    5 miles from Abram's Creek Campground
    Stoney River is a big stream a bit larger than Abram's Creek located along Rt. 50 about 5 miles west of the campground. Stoney River is as yet unexplored by staff and we would love to hear of your experiences and see your photos. There are supposedly great swim holes -- use caution after heavy rains.
    Directions: Proceed on Rt. 50 past the town of Mt. Storm where Rt. 42 interesects Rt. 50 and continue on Rt. 50 just a couple of more miles to the green truss bridge -- Stoney River is below. Park near the bridge along Rt. 50 and hike North or South.


    24.   Sights along Rt. 55 (WV)
    25 - 40+ miles from Abram's Creek Campground
    WV Rt. 55 at Petersburg is 25 miles from Abram's Creek
    Directions to Petersburg: Proceed on Rt. 50 west about 3 miles to Mt. Storm, turn left onto Rt. 42 -- continue past the Liberty Gas and down the mountain. Rt. 42 terminates at Rt. 55 in Petersburg. Go left towards Welton Park and right towards Seneca Rocks, Seneca Caverns, Smoke Hole Caverns...


    Baker Rocks along Rt. 55
    Also an old general store located here off Rt. 55



    Roadside scenery along Rt. 55
    Up close and personal (more like Utah than WV)



    Jutting stonework by nature along Rt. 55
    A hawk watches over new highway Rt. 55 construction



    Town of Cabins, WV off Rt. 55.
    Nice cliffs in the background and river below



    More cliff bluffs off Rt. 55
    on the way towards Seneca Rocks



    More Rt. 55 scenery en-route to Seneca Rocks
    This is the North Branch of the South Fork of the Potomac River



    Clifford Hollow off new Rt. 55 by-pass (Corridor-H)
    Another view of the new Corridor-H (Rt. 55 bypass) highway



    Clifford Hollow off new Rt. 55 by-pass (Corridor-H)
    View looking down into Clifford Hollow from bridge



    Rt. 55 cave just before Elkins, WV
    a giant pillar (apple core) supporting the roof



    Around the interior you go
    and cavernous inside (50 feet high?)



    A view out of one of two entrances
    May flood during non-drought



    25.   Miscellaneous Places Nearby (WV / MD)
    5 to 40 miles from Abram's Creek Campground



    Line of Windmill turbines near Thomas / Davis, WV.
    150 foot blade diameter



    An interesting farm as seen from Rt. 28
    Rt. 28 connects Rt. 55 to Rt. 50
    Another view of the barn
    This is just outside of Moorefield, WV on Rt. 28



    Wind turbine photos as seen from Rt. 219.
    About 10 minutes from Thomas, WV
    19th century town of Gormania, WV
    about 7 miles away on West on Rt. 50.



    North Branch of the Potomac River in Kitzmiller, MD
    This is what Abram's Creek empties into
    Another view of the shallow Potomac River Branch
    About 8 miles away passing through Elk Garden, WV

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Mailing Address:
166 Abrams Creek Dr.
Elk Garden, WV 26717
Get directions

304-825-3555

304-446-5383