St. Marys offers outdoor lovers peaceful paddling on the Ohio River, easy fishing, and nearby trails for hiking and biking. This small town provides a quiet basecamp for nature escapes and calm river adventures from spring through fall.
St. Marys offers outdoor lovers peaceful paddling on the Ohio River, easy fishing, and nearby trails for hiking and biking. This small town provides a quiet basecamp for nature escapes and calm river adventures from spring through fall.
Outdoor Adventure in St. Marys, West Virginia
Located on the banks of the Ohio River, St. Marys is a charming small town perfect for travelers seeking calm and scenic outdoor experiences. With easy access to river paddling, fishing spots, and nearby hiking and biking trails, it’s an ideal destination for those who enjoy a slower pace and natural beauty.
Discover the unique natural wonders, summits, and scenic landmarks that make St. Marys, West Virginia special.
★ 7.5⌖ 12.94 milesEnjoy group camping at Nickerson State Park, just an hour from Boston. Ideal for families, this location offers hiking, biking, fishing, and swimming. Visit from late spring to early fall for the best experience.
★ 7.2⌖ 13.89 milesEasyExplore the Broughton Nature and Wildlife Education Area in Marietta, OH. This easy route offers serene wildlife viewing and educational opportunities. Enjoy birdwatching and capture scenic pond reflections, especially stunning in fall.
★ 7.5⌖ 41.85 milesEasyExplore Ben's Run in Spencer, WV. Ideal for a relaxing family outing, this easy route features a scenic bridge over a gentle stream. Perfect for hiking, photography, and picnicking, it's best visited in spring or fall to enjoy comfortable weather and capture the beauty of nature.
★ 6⌖ 43.97 milesExplore the Grave Creek Mound Historical Site in Moundsville, WV. This cultural landmark offers educational experiences with access to Adena artifacts and history. Visit the Delf Norona Museum for more insights. Best seasons are spring and fall.
★ 6.3⌖ 44.64 milesExplore Stroud's Run Beach in Athens, Ohio. A serene spot for kayaking and picnicking, with scenic trails for hiking. Enjoy wildlife observation and quiet relaxation year-round. No permit required.
★ 7.5⌖ 45.91 milesEasyCross-Country Skiing in Weston Ski Track near Boston offers 6 km of easy terrain with lighting for evening activities. It's a family-friendly spot accessible by car, perfect for a winter outing.
★ 7.5⌖ 48.61 milesEnjoy boating and fishing on Stonewall Jackson Lake in West Virginia's Stonewall Resort State Park. With family-friendly amenities, it's a serene spot for water activities and hiking amidst scenic views, best visited in spring or fall.
★ 7.8⌖ 49.91 milesExplore Saving WV Wildlife near Gandeeville, WV, a family-friendly spot for wildlife observation. Best visited in spring and summer, enjoy guided tours and photography opportunities to learn about native species and conservation efforts.
Discover the top adventure activities and curated experiences in St. Marys, West Virginia, verified by our editors to help you make the most of your trip.
Book unforgettable outdoor adventures, guided tours, and gear rentals with verified Local Experts in St. Marys, West Virginia.
⌖ 36.7 miA concise guide to Uncle Buck’s gentle, scenic 1-hour ride—what to expect, who can join, and the small historic landmark that gives the trail its name.
A 4-hour, self‑paced daytime access at the historic West Virginia Penitentiary in Moundsville — practical guidance for photographers, painters and visual artists who want to explore the facility independently.
A 6-hour overnight investigation at the abandoned West Virginia Penitentiary—starting with a 90‑minute guided tour before guests are released to explore the cellblocks and wards on their own—this guide lays out what to expect and what to bring.
A guided haunted-house experience at the West Virginia Penitentiary that puts groups through a maze, an inmate cell-block scenario and nightmarish scenes—this guide explains what to expect and essential accessibility notes.
⌖ 50.3 miA focused rental program for Indian Motorcycle riders that pairs a high-powered cruiser with clear safety and documentation requirements — this guide explains what to expect and what to bring.
⌖ 50.5 miA rental offering that puts four Indian Pursuit models—engineered for long‑distance comfort and advanced ride tech—at your disposal with daily and weekly terms.
⌖ 53.3 miShare a stable tandem kayak with a partner and paddle the Ohio River from Wheeling Watersports — a beginner‑friendly way to take in Wheeling’s waterfront and skyline on 2, 4 or 8‑hour rentals.
⌖ 53.5 miThree distinct rappels — a 40 ft flat wall, Ohio’s only 60 ft canyon rappel (accessed by two sky bridges), and a 75+ ft descent off Fern Island — led by High Rock Adventures on private cliffs; this guide distills what to expect and how to prepare.
⌖ 55.1 miA scenic roundtrip from Nelsonville that culminates in an organized Easter egg hunt—this guide distills the timing, ticketing, and accessibility details you need to plan the experience.
⌖ 55.1 miRide behind an authentic 1920 coal‑fired steam locomotive from Nelsonville to East Logan and back; this guide explains what to expect, how to prepare, and the operator rules you must follow.
⌖ 55.1 miA 22-mile, diesel-powered round trip from Nelsonville that runs weekends from Memorial Day through September; this guide explains timing, accessibility and on-route stops like Robbins Crossing.
⌖ 57.1 miA guided, 3–4 hour kayak trip from Float the River Zanesville that visits Ohio’s only double‑chamber lock and is led by local legend Jodi “Dutch” Holland.
⌖ 57.4 miA one-hour scenic train in Mount Perry led by historian Dave Adair that traces the stories of the Little Cities of Black Diamonds and includes a keepsake 'diamond in the rough.'
⌖ 58.9 miA concise, one‑hour train outing in Mount Perry that lets you bring your dog aboard — this guide covers logistics, accessibility notes, and what to expect.
⌖ 59.2 miA family-friendly, festive train in Mount Perry that pairs a 40-minute ride with Santa with treats, gifts and seating choices—this guide explains what to expect and what to bring.
Make the most of your visit to St. Marys, West Virginia with these essential planning tips, seasonal events, and protected lands.
St. Marys, West Virginia hosts celebrated events throughout the year showcasing the region's culture, outdoor lifestyle, and community spirit.
Experience the vibrancy and unique outdoor heritage of St. Marys, West Virginia during the iconic St. Marys Riverfront Festival. Plan accommodations and permits early.
Experience the vibrancy and unique outdoor heritage of St. Marys, West Virginia during the iconic Ohio River Paddlefest. Plan accommodations and permits early.
Experience the vibrancy and unique outdoor heritage of St. Marys, West Virginia during the iconic Local Farmers’ Markets and Outdoor Concerts. Plan accommodations and permits early.
St. Marys, West Virginia is surrounded by incredible protected natural lands offering pristine trails, wildlife habitats, and wilderness conservation.
Wayne National Forest encompasses over a quarter million acres of diverse terrain in southeastern Ohio, offering a wide range of outdoor recreation opportunities.
Salt Fork State Park is Ohio’s largest state park, offering extensive outdoor recreation opportunities centered around a 2,952-acre lake surrounded by forested hills and open fields.
Hocking Hills State Park, located in Ohio, is known for its rugged beauty, stunning rock formations, and lush forests. It's a top destination for hiking and exploring natural wonders.
Monongahela National Forest offers diverse ecosystems and abundant recreational opportunities in the Appalachian Mountains of West Virginia.
Pack insect repellent during warmer months for river and forest areas.
Check river flow conditions before paddling—Ohio River can vary by season.
Local outfitters offer gear rentals for paddling and fishing.
Early spring and fall offer cooler weather and fewer crowds.
Bring binoculars for birdwatching in riverine habitats.
Limited lodging; consider booking accommodations in advance.
Always check local regulations, fire restrictions, trail conditions, and weather forecasts before setting out on any adventure in St. Marys, West Virginia. Respect nature, wildlife, and fellow adventurers by following Leave No Trace principles.