Marietta, Ohio, and Parkersburg, West Virginia, are ideal adventure basecamps
PARKERSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA & MARIETTA, OHIO–MAY 2026–Parkersburg, West Virginia, and Marietta, Ohio, are emerging as ideal adventure basecamp towns, pairing walkable historic downtowns with immediate access to mountain biking, hiking, paddling and state park exploration. Just a two-hour drive via I-70 and I-77 from Columbus, Ohio, or Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, these river towns are located on the banks of the Ohio near its confluence with the Muskingum. Outdoor excursions, on land and water, are popular ways to spend a getaway here.
Hiking and biking trails are abundant here. To that end, Marietta, home to over 30 miles of single-track mountain bike trails, has just been recognized as a 2026 IMBA Trail Town, a new national designation from the International Mountain Bicycling Association. The designation recognizes communities with an exceptional commitment to creating, maintaining and celebrating their trails. Both Marietta and Parkersburg have plenty of trails to celebrate, including options for those looking for a mountain biking challenge, for hiking variety or a casual day cycling on city pathways. The latter includes the Rivertrail Bike and Pedestrian Path (740-373-5178), which begins on the Ohio River Levee and winds through Marietta’s historic downtown, ending at the Marietta Aquatic Center (233 Pennsylvania Avenue, Marietta, Ohio 45750;740-373-2445), which has daily rates for those who want to take the plunge at this family-friendly park. There are also seven miles of the North Country National Scenic Trail (Scenic River Trailhead on County Road 9, Marietta, Ohio 45750), which traverses historical and cultural portions of Marietta. Near Parkersburg, the North Bend Rail Trail (202 North Bend Park Road, Cairo West Virginia 26337; 304-643-2931) is a multi-use recreational trail, part of the coast-to-coast American Discovery Trail, that passes through 13 tunnels and crosses 36 bridges in the region.
The Wayne National Forest (13700 U.S. Highway 33, Nelsonville, Ohio 45764; 740-753-0101) has miles of scenic trails managed for both hiking and mountain biking and greater Parkersburg boasts more than 225 miles of single-track trails and 72 miles of rail trail to explore. Mountwood Park (1014 Volcano Road, Walker, West Virginia 26180; 304-679-3611) is consistently rated as one of the top trail systems in the region with 35 miles of flowing trail surrounding the lake. This 2,000-acre park is also a favorite for hikers, with trails ranging from one to 30 miles in length.
On-the-water adventures are just as abundant here. The 50-acre lake at Mountwood Park is surrounded by wooded hills and is a calm paddling spot for beginners and families and the Mountwood Marina (304-989-6075) offers kayak rentals. North Bend Lake, located in North Bend State Park (202 North Bend State Park Road, Cairo, West Virginia 26337; 304-643-2931 Ext. 304), is one of the area’s most popular flatwater destinations, with 300 acres of quiet water to explore. Boat rentals are available onsite from North Bend Outfitters (304-299-1768).
The more adventurous might choose to take to the Muskingum River from one of several access points in the Marietta area, including the historic Muskingum River State Park (1390 Ellis Dam Road, Zanesville, Ohio 43701; 740-453-4377). The Muskingum River Water Trail, with its 160-year-old navigation system and 10 hand-operated locks, is considered one of America’s great engineering accomplishments. The Ohio River Water Trail is a regional favorite for paddlers. The trail spans 39 miles of the Ohio River and 18 miles of the Little Kanawha River, and offers a variety of scenic routes. There are multiple public access points in Parkersburg and nearby towns and the river offers family-friendly flatwater sections as well as stretches of swift currents for those looking for more on-the-water action.
With these outdoor options and more, along with outfitters like Marietta Adventure Company (219 Second Street, Marietta, Ohio 45750; 740-538-0801) and Wild River Kayak Co. (113 Ann Street, Parkersburg West Virginia, 26101; 740-336-9328), it’s easy to plan a full outdoor weekend.
For an “outdoor meets history” experience, the favorite here is a visit to Blennerhassett Island, accessed by a sternwheeler riverboat. Many start at the Blennerhassett Museum of Regional History (137 Juliana Street, Parkersburg, West Virginia 26101; 304-420-4800). On the island, Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park (137 Juliana Street, Parkersburg, West Virginia 26101; 304-420-4800) features a Palladian mansion. Visitors can enjoy tours of the grounds and mansion, as well as horse-drawn carriage rides.
If you go
A day of adventure deserves a relaxing place to unwind and celebrate. These top spots for food and spirits offer just that:
Wine Down on Market (701 Market Street, Parkersburg West Virginia 26101; 681-588-0425) is Parkersburg’s first wine bar and a local favorite gathering place. The offerings include a distinctive variety of wine from around the world as well as exceptional food, drinks and service.
North End Tavern and Brewery (3500 Emerson Avenue, Parkersburg West Virginia 26104; 304-428-5854) is the place to unwind while enjoying delicious pub fare and hand-crafted beer from West Virginia’s original on-site microbrewery.
Harmar Tavern (205 Maple Street, Marietta, Ohio 45750; 740-373-8727) is Marietta’s oldest tavern known for its “Sure to be Famous Bologna Sandwich.”
Over the Moon Pub & Pizza (107 Front Street, Marietta, Ohio 45750; 740- 373-4000) is loved by locals for its hot pizza, cold beer and good time atmosphere.