Tomlinson Run State Park: West Virginia Hiking with Kids and Dogs

Tomlinson Run is a 1398 acre State Park in New Manchester, WV.

Hike and Discover the Landscape of The Top of West Virginia.

Kids and Dogs will enjoy hiking the easy winding knolls.

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

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

Planning the Adventure

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).

Down to every tiny township and borough; Pennsylvanians are some of the nicest folks around!

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

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Arriving the Destination

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.

Neighbors are people who are close to us.

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

The Beautywood

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.

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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

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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!

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. 💙💛

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

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.

The land is different.

The hills are different.

It’s a different state.

The wide grassy horizons disappear.

The mounds of trees and knobs appear.

You are here.

Almost Heaven,

Home sweet Home.

The show to my tell 📷📝

Huge shout out to

Camera Photography