Tomlinson Run State Park WV: Family‑Friendly Hikes for Kids & Dogs (Scenic Trails + Lake)

Tomlinson Run State Park WV: A Scenic Family Adventure

A slice of home; wedged between the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and The Ohio River.

Why Tomlinson Run Is Great for Kids and Dogs

Neighbors are all around us, and adventure is at the Top!

Where Is Tomlinson Run State Park Located?

Directions from Wheeling and Pittsburgh

West Virginia is home to 36 State Parks.

Scattered all over the Mountain State.

Ready for you and your family to explore.

Driving time; some places are much closer.

Tomlinson Run State Park is only 90 minutes from Morgantown, WV!

I’ve lived on borders my entire life.

Born in Hampshire county, on the Virginia border. I grew up in Mineral County, along the Potomac River to Maryland. In the last 10 years, I’ve been a stones throw from Pennsylvania.

My life on the Edge, within arms reach of our Neighboring States.

(there ARE cool places everywhere!)

Living in Morgantown, I’ve spent a good part of my career as a Professional Road Tripper in Pennsylvania.

Working as a courier, Six days a week. Driving between 300 to 500 miles a day. All those years and mileage; I’m extremely familiar with SWPA (South Western Pennsylvania).

SWPA South Western PA Fish Fry Guide — The Ultimate Guide to Western PA Fish Fry Culture

Down to every tiny township and borough; Western Pennsylvanians are some of the nicest folks around. And they love a good fish fry!

Love your neighbor, as yourself; for God loves All.

Tomlinson Run Activities Beyond Hiking

Very first impression: As we pulled in, I said

“Whoa! This place has a waterpark!

We scooted on down the road, past Tomlinson Run State Park Headquarters.

Down to the picnic area/playground/creek. Parked the car, under a shady tree. A little voice chimed from the backseat:

“I wanna go to the playground!”

The bright sunshine and blue skies made for a perfect day at the park! Quite a few other folks had the same idea.

I love the way some folks think!

At the Mineral Springs Picnic Area, The kids quickly made new friends. The adults made small talk, then we gradually discovered how connected we really are.

The atmosphere is FAMILY.

A few of the folks I had good conversation with, were Pennsylvanians. Living on the borders West Virginia; Boom! Connection! For them, this place is a stones throw.

Ironically, also a Pennsylvanian.
*Please*, won’t you be my neighbor?

Neighbors are people who are close to us.

Wedged right between Ohio and Pennsylvania; it’s a neighborly day for a beauty.

Hiking Trails With Views + Lake Access

The Beautywood

The Bigfoot Trail begins right across the playground.

Starting off on the Big Foot!

A pine needle covered trail; with a smooth and gradual climb.

The land here is gentle.

It’s not the typical rugged and jagged hiking that West Virginia is known for.

Looking for typical West Virginia hikes? We enjoyed these hikes

Cathedral State Park: West Virginia Hiking with Kids and Dogs

Cedar Creek State Park: West Virginia Hiking with Kids and Dogs

Best Photo Spots & Picnic Areas

Tomlinson Run Lake is BEAUTIFUL!
That’s fo’ shore.

Tomlinson Run State Park offers many amenities;

Fishing Boat Rentals
Paddleboats
Pool/Waterpark
Mini Golf
Disc Golf
Camping (primitive, RV, Cabins, and Yurts all dog friendly!)
And lots of playgrounds!

Half King Trail

The trail system at Tomlinson Run State Park is very well-marked. However, there was a “gap” on the Big Foot Trail that had me wondering. Continue walking behind the lake, you’re fine!

As we reached the end of the Half King Trail, we found another playground!

There was shade and a nice bench. The dogs got a water break. Our little ball of energy was ready to play!

Right next to the playground was Poe Campground Store.

A Snack Shack along the Trail

I was so glad we stopped here! The lady working the store was super friendly and informative. We bantered about West Virginia, the landscape, and everything this wonderful park has to offer. Dog friendly Yurts, the swimming pool, and.. A West Virginia swing!

A Sweet Adventure!

Here’s the scoop;
Ice Cream and Hiking goes hand in hand!

Poe Trail

Tomlinson Run State Park is one of the seven parks (as of May 2024) with the iconic West Virginia swing!

Poe Trail starts out pretty rugged and steep. Then it meanders along a creek, in the most gentle way. Then we reached the highway. There’s the car! And the first playground!

Jody Hulka Trail

We were on a mission. To find the West Virginia Swing. The one that the super friendly lady told us about! She had mentioned that the Jody Hulka Trail is her favorite trail in Tomlinson Run State Park.

Mineral Springs

Walking along the creek, the park becomes diverse.

The landscape changes.

The rhododendrons lined along the banks; we’re still here.

Right here in West Virginia. 💙💛

Is Tomlinson Run State Park Dog Friendly?

Absolutely! Between the gentle hills and creeks to wade in: Pups will have a wonderful time here. Plus, they have dog friendly yurts for overnight stays!

Well, well, well.. What do we have here?

Swing by West Virginia!

Whether you’re at the very top, way up in high the Spruce; this land is so diverse.

The Creator of All;

Loves All. ❤️

Reflect the Journey

The little square is the location of the Swing!

From Morgantown, Tomlinson Run State Park was a 90 minute drive,

with 70 minutes spent traveling through Pennsylvania.

Driving to Tomlinson Run State Park; we went through five counties;

Monongalia (WV)
Greene (PA)
Washington (PA)
Beaver (PA)
Hancock (WV)

Tomlinson Run State Park geographically looks and feels like Pennsylvania.

The Gentle Gradual Hills.

The Green Horizons.

Smooth and Winding Knolls.

A neighborly invitation for all of us.

Anyone who’s traveled I-79 South; you know the contrast! The six mile hill climb from “Mount Morris” (938ft elevation) to “EXIT 155”, West Virginia University, (1301ft elevation); the terrain literally changes before your eyes.