Tygart Lake State Park, Grafton, WV. Mon-Tues, Sept 8-9, 2025. This state park, in the foothills…read moreof the Allegheny mountains in scenic north-central West Virginia, features a 10-mile long, 1,750 acre lake. The lake offers the usual water activities (swimming, boating, scuba diving, fishing (bass!), but also Adventure Lake with inflatables (closed when we visited). There are also trails for family-friendly hiking or biking, as well as options for staying overnight (a lodge and campground). There are also playgrounds for the kiddos. Our activities included: *Stopped at the PARK OFFICE to pick up a map. The ranger was friendly and helpful. The NATURE CENTER in the same building was closed. *Checked out the overlook near the DAM which regulates the waters of the Tygart Valley River. This is a tourist-friendly area with a visitors center/restrooms, informational signs, covered picnic tables, outdoor tables with phone charging stations, a WV photo-op at an "Almost Heaven" swing, free parking, and more. The U.S. Corps of Engineers also offers free tours of the dam every Friday in June, July, and August; pre-registration is required. *HIKED the easy Tygart Dam Trail (1.7 miles out-and-back, 160' elevation gain) that connects the Tygart Lake Dam to the Tygart Lodge. The trail was mostly flat, except for a steep paved section at the very beginning/ending on the dam side. There were limited views of the lake from the trail due to foliage, except near the lodge. Our turn around point was the lodge. We sat on a bench on the stairwell going up to the lodge to drink some water and eat a snack; a minor concern was that wasn't a bench in the shade. *Finally, we CAMPED overnight in our Class-B (van-sized) RV in the campground. There are 36 well-maintained sites, of which 26 are non-electric sites ($29.99/night) and 10 that offer 50-amp electric and water for $39.99. While the office on-site was closed when we arrived (Mon, 3:45 pm), there was a sign outlining ways to pay either by calling or online. Each site had a picnic table and fire ring. The restrooms/showers, about 50 yards from our site, were clean. We were one of only two campers on the night that we visited so it was very peaceful, and we enjoyed being able to see the dark night sky. We noted, however, that the sites are close together and campers wouldn't have much privacy at busier times. Also, wi-fi was unstable at our (but not all) sites. Overall, we had a very peaceful stay. While we encountered occasional people in the park office, on the trails, in the dam area, and in the campground, it was mostly a solitary experience on a Monday-Tuesday in early September. Also, some of the attractions (Adventure Lake, kayak rental, the Nature Center, campground office) were closed. We didn't have any security concerns. We hope to return one day.

I will never forget my experience at Tygart Lake State Park. What could have been a frightening and…read moredangerous situation instead became one of the safest and most welcoming places I have ever been in my life. Special, heartfelt thanks to Park Ranger Patrick Miller -- truly a power ranger in every sense of the word. Ranger Miller immediately understood that it would have been far more dangerous to turn me away from an RV site. I was a first-time RV driver, snow was coming in, and I am from Louisiana, with no experience driving in winter conditions. His judgment, compassion, and leadership quite literally kept me safe. He tried to help me reverse the camper himself, assessed the situation carefully, and made sure I was secure -- recognizing that I had a winterized vehicle with its own bathroom and that staying put was the safest option. Under his leadership, his team -- JR, John, JJ, and others -- checked on me repeatedly, helped me make a fire, and even jumped my car when it stalled, despite the fact that roadside assistance never showed up when it should have. When my car stalled again later at The Lodge, they were there for me again. People like Jason from Tygart Lake and everyone associated with this park showed up every single time I needed help -- calmly, professionally, and with genuine care. What stood out most was that they didn't just "do their jobs." They cared. Every person I encountered at Tygart Lake State Park made me feel protected, respected, and welcomed. Under the leadership of Park Ranger Patrick Miller, this team embodies what public service is supposed to be. I truly felt like I was meant to be here, and I have never felt safer anywhere. This park -- and the people who run it -- are a treasure. I am deeply grateful. Update: 12/18/25 Horrible Customer Service at GIFT SHOP I bought a one-of-a-kind, hand-blown glass ornament from the lodge gift shop that was supposed to light up. No one tested it at purchase, and when I got back to my room it didn't work. A staff member told me to bring it back for a battery replacement, but when I returned a different staff member was condescending and treated me like I was trying to get away with something over a $2 battery. I've spent close to $1,000 at the lodge in about a week, and this experience left me feeling accused instead of helped. By the time anyone tried to make it right, the tone had already done the damage, and I ended up canceling my New Year's Eve booking and taking my business elsewhere. This wasn't about the battery--it was about how I was treated.

Stayed here for an extended stay, rooms were dirty and had caked on dirt on the floor, my kids…read moreslept on the sofa bed and were bit by bed bugs, The girls in the front were so glued to their phones...I wanted to buy a few drinks and she wouldn't even look at me, just said "yeah uh huh"..I asked several times for our room to be cleaned and it never was, got new towels that's all, no new soap, toilet paper, sheets, anything...so disappointed in this courtyard.. worse experience ever! Brought my concerns to management who brushed them off,...I guess if someone is staying one night maybe 2 it's ok but geezz it's bad

Very disappointed. We stayed here in November of 2025 and it was awesome! We stayed most recently…read morein June 2026. What a huge difference! Our shower was moldy, the bathroom sink was plugged and barely drained, the exhaust fan in the bathroom was filthy and the AC was annoying and VERY loud

Amazing 3 night stay in the Abbey room of this historical and gracious Bed & Breakfast. Charla, the…read moreowner is the kindest most hospitable of hosts. The breakfast that she creates and serves are accurate to the Victorian time period that the home was built, and the care she takes in preparation is only exceeded by the exceptional quality of food. A five course breakfast gets five stars from me! Mind blown.....

Great stay! "Charming" in every detail, from the first tour of the restored house when we arrived…read moreto the exquisite breakfast. Our hosts were welcoming, friendly and helpful. We cannot wait to go back.

My parents and I stayed here for 2 nights for an event, and we greatly enjoyed our stay. They were…read morestill updating and doing some renovations at the hotel, but they took a lot of steps to make sure there was minimal inconvenience to guests. The staff were friendly and professional, especially one of the housekeeping staff, Ms. Nancy. It was really quiet when we were there, even though there seemed to be a lot of guests at the hotel and with the renovations they were undergoing. Our room was fairly clean and well-stocked with the normal toiletries and other amenities. They definitely updated a lot of things in the room. The only thing I would've wished they also updated and made sure was clean was the heat/AC unit in the room. It looked like the filter should've been replaced or cleaned because of all the dust bunnies attached to it. Other than that, no other complaints. The beds were comfortable, and my entire party napped all day because we had travelled quite far after working a full week. The breakfast was from 0630-0930, and they had a good variety of hot breakfast foods as well as fruits, cereals, yogurt and drinks. They keep them well-stocked, and if something was low, it looked like it was because they were in the process of prepping more. We didn't have to wait very long for replenishments. Breakfast definitely has solid choices. I work out at 0500 and had the opportunity to eat after my workouts, so it was really convenient for me. It was also very quiet with not very many guests up at the time, which I enjoyed very much. Overall, our experience was really pleasant. We would definitely come back and use their services should we have something in the area.

This is a great and easy to access off the interstate Hotel. I was greeted very warmly and assisted…read moreby a gentleman named Morgan. He was very helpful in finding restaurants and experiences that were close by. The rooms were very clean and felt new. The breakfast as always was Very well balanced and always had the famous cinnamon rolls. This hotel was a great representation for Holiday Inn.

I had high hopes and am kicking myself for not reading the reviews…read more.. Convenient location for a visit to Stonewall, the Asylum, hiking etc.. At check-in there were crumbs on the table/counters, jelly fingerprints on a kitchen cabinet, cobwebs, dust bunnies etc. And bring your own towels, pillows and sheets (the ones on site are so thin and ratty). Other supplies are limited - only had a few paper towels, 1 garbage bag, we almost ran out of toilet paper etc.. There is also a binder with tons of rules and fines if you don't follow them. I get that to some extent but it could be presented in a much better way.

https://youtu.be/JJV9nfVYORw…read more My wife and I went here for our honeymoon but I had to feature the cabins in our Vlog that went up on my Traveling gamer on YouTube!!!!

I was in the area for some family stuff, and I needed a room last minute. I booked one about an…read morehour before I arrived. The concierge at the front desk was kind and patient even though she couldn't find my reservation at first. Eventually we got it figured out, and I was able to get to my room. The room was clean in general. The bed was comfy and the amenities were what I needed: shower, parking, free breakfast and quiet room. I also was really glad they had a luggage rack; some hotels nowadays don't have them! I also had forgotten to bring toothpaste with me, so I ended having to come down to ask if they had some as courtesy, which they did. The only thing I really noticed that I wish was cleaner was the tub. The corners looked like it was dirty; I'm not sure if it was dirty or moldy but it was dark. Breakfast was decent with reasonable hours of availability. They had waffles and other hot breakfast dishes like scrambled eggs and sausage along with an array of cereals and breakfast pastries. They also had milk, coffee, water and a couple fruit juices available. Overall, pretty decent choices. I had a really solid experience and wouldn't mind staying again if I need to whenever I'm in the area.

This was our first stay here, and all in all Not bad!! First of all, I'm a Diamond member and the…read moreHilton site told me my total with taxes and using 10K points was $49.84, they charged my card $78. When I asked the clerk at check in she said Not sure why, take it up with clerk at check out! The site told me online since a Diamond member, no deposits or incidental charges! The room was a King Bed with a extremely hard and non comfort Sofa. My hubby wanted to sit and enjoy football on TV. Good thing he's easy going, he sat there enjoying his PBR and watched the playoffs....not me, I stretched out in bed working from my laptop! TV great, shower great water pressure and hot water and comfy bed..that's what matters the most. Quiet room facing rear of hotel and residential homes. But, we aren't at the Beach, so no need for spectacular view. Breakfast next day was Southwestern Egg Omelets w cheese, sausage, hard boiled eggs, bagels with cream cheese and waffles. No fruit! Hot Tea, Coffee, milk and juice. Free breakfast, free coffee and pretty good stay!! Indoor pool with towels and no hot tub. Definitely recommend and will stay again! I will let you know if they give me the right rate! Definitely would stay again!

The staff is always so nice and helpful, they always smile…read more The rooms are clean,the ac is Cold And comfort height toilets The little little things make this a A+ Hotel Not to mention great sunsets

Had trouble opening door with keycard. Staff said old doors stick. No light bulb in pendant light…read morebeside the bed. Staff said they were being replaced but ours won't be during our 2 day stay.

Roadtrip! But, be…read morecareful - you might miss the driveway. Yes, even some of us seniors still take (as SNL Steve Martin and Dan Ackroyd said) "wild and crazy" road trips. Except in our case....maybe not so wild, just a bit crazy. Truth be told, there was some method to our madness in straying from the beaten path. After a 3000+ mile driving trek across the Southern and Mid-Atlantic states, my wife and I decided to avoid high traffic truck-infested roads on our return home to Middle Tennessee. So we programmed our GPS to use only secondary and tertiary rural roads through Virginia, West Virginia, and Kentucky. What a hoot...what a great trip! At the outset of the trip (and for the record) the Isaac Jackson Hotel isn't exactly off the beaten path, but then again, it doesn't sit right next to a major Interstate. Regardless, it was on our route and it did fit our needs perfectly. Only tiny glitch - again at the outset - was that we overshot the driveway to the hotel. A quick trip around the block and we were back on track. The hotel sits up on a hill overlooking a part of Elkins and the driveway is adjacent to a nice restaurant, the 1863 Grill. You actually have to drive through the parking lot of the 1863 to get to the hotel! Once conquered, the hill proved negligible in our stay, and we quickly settled into a beautiful, comfortable hotel. Nice size room, clean and well-stocked with toiletries, towels and essentials. Great shower with detachable hand wand. Clean and neat accommodations. After a comfortable night, a notable moment: breakfast. Attention to detail! The breakfast lounge is spacious and spread out over a beautifully decorated lobby that includes traditional table and chair sitting areas, a larger family-size or conference table, and a cozy fireside sitting area with overstuffed chairs. The selections include standard "free hot breakfast items" along with some locally prepared specials. The egg and cheese omelet is plain but can be enhanced with the addition of sausage or you might add one of the small containers of Tostito Salsa and make it a Southwest style omelet. Add a side of locally prepared stewed apples (or use them to top your "make your own" fresh waffle. If you lean more toward a simple bagel or English muffin with jelly, pick one of several individually wrapped (yes, personally wrapped for freshness and to keep wayward, clumsy fingers off). Cold cereal, fresh juices, hot freshly brewed coffee or tea, or a glass of Vita water...the selection is amazing. But wait...there's just a bit more. How about some freshly cut fruit or...on this morning, famous fresh 1863 Grill Cinnamon buns....Oh, so, sweet! And a real Roadtrip delight only slightly off the beaten path.

This was my second visit to Elkins, WV & my first visit to Isaac Jackson hotel. On my first visit,…read moreI stayed at a different hotel which was quite sketchy. The Isaac Jackson is an older hotel which has been remodeled recently & looks very nice. The lobby is quite large & the entire hotel smelled nice! No musty smells at all!! The rooms were very clean and spacious. The bathrooms were large & clean as well. The beds were very comfortable & I got a nice night of sleep on them. They do offer complimentary breakfast which included biscuits & gravy, sausage, potatoes, cereals, waffles, juices, coffee & some of the best damn cinnamon rolls you will ever eat! I must also say that the hotel staff was very friendly.

Very Late checkin due to travel- reservation / room was held no issues. Plulocated in nice area…read morewalkable shops Walgreens, Kroger(grocery) and restaurants Wendy's, Longhorns. Lots of parking, Lobby and sitting area was clean with lots sitting areas/room. Coffee available. Had two bedroom suite, clean, spacious and functional able with kitchen area microwave, stove and fridge. Typical free breakfast - no empty offerings as Jessica promptly refilled items quickly. Jessica was definitely a hard worker and kept the dine in area in top shape. Only issue was lack of water fountain and the water machine in fitness area was non functional. Check out went well with Susan providing copy of receipt via email.

We booked these rooms two months in advance. We just got here and they gave both of our double…read morequeen beds away to someone else and lied and said that there was a flood in our room we will be contacting corporate in the morning..

Did you know that West Virginia is lousy with bears? I did not know this before visiting West…read moreVirginia. Did you know that I am incredibly afraid of bears? I am, and I agreed to stay in a cabin in the West Virginia woods without doing any bear research beforehand. I learned about the bears -- all 14,000 of them roaming the state -- a day before I was supposed to stay at Mountain Creek Cabins, which are located in the middle of the woods in Bruceton Mills. I was ... a little anxious about my stay, you could say. Never mind that a bear attack has never been recorded in the state of West Virginia. There's always a first, right? And it could be me! I'm writing this review unmauled, with all of my limbs intact, and with great memories of my stay at Mountain Creek Cabins. Staying at our cabin was one of the highlights of my visit to the area, and my kids agree: We all loved staying here. There are eight cabins on the property, so we weren't as isolated as I thought we'd be. We weren't isolated, but we were also far enough away from other people that we felt very much like we had lots of privacy. We stayed in the White Tail cabin, which can sleep five with one king bed, two twin beds and a rollaway bed. The twin beds are upstairs, but everything else is downstairs, including a living room with a big TV connected to Roku, a push-button fireplace, a full kitchen and dining table, and a restroom. The kitchen has everything you need to cook and eat at the cabin. The living room has a cabinet with board games. We played one of them (Rummikub) and loved it so much that we ended up buying it once we got home. There's also free and fast wifi, which is important to each person in my family. The decorations in the cabin are sparse, but what decor there is included Bible verses and deer paintings, which is definitely a choice. I was not blown away by the aesthetics of this cabin, but it was the garish lighting that really messed me up. There's one soft lamp in the living room, and everything else is bright, cool, alarming overhead lighting. If you're a person who notices lighting like I do, this place will have you all effed up. My advice: Turn on the lamp, turn on the little light above the stove, and just be OK with the place being a little dark. Your only choice is this or prison lighting. Every cabin comes with its own hot tub, which my children used multiple times during our stay. It was immaculate and steaming when we checked into our cabin, which was much appreciated after a long drive to get to the cabin. The hot tub overlooks the woods, so it was nice to sit in the hot tub and see nothing but trees and a small creek that runs through the property. Well, it was nice for my kids to do that -- I was standing outside on the deck, looking out for bears. I was not about to let the bears dine on Indiana-children soup. All of the cabins have access to a free laundry room, plus there are firewood bundles and eggs (?!?!) that you can purchase on the honor system. We had a great time at Mountain Creek Cabins. It was so relaxing to stay at a place that had everything we needed. I never did end up seeing a bear, so I would stay here again without hesitation.

Had a wonderful three-night stay in the Shawnee cabin. Used the cabin as a home base for my Wisp…read moresnowboarding trip with the girl I'm dating. The cabin has a fire pit out front, a front porch, and a back porch that's covered with a hot tub. There are two cabins close by on either side but it still feels private, especially the hot tub. It's a little weird that the door to the back porch and the kitchen window don't have curtains but I guess the trees probably blocked some or all of the view in. It's a cabin so don't expect a ton of room, but it's cozy and there is still plenty of space for two people. A family of four would be fine, but unless you're super close I wouldn't recommend two couples sharing the Shawnee cabin. There's a couch and TV but the TV doesn't really turn much (not a big deal). TV has Roku built in and there is dish satellite channels. There's plenty of heat, with two space heaters and an electric fireplace, which is basically another heater. The kitchen has basically everything you need. There's a small oven and an electric stove (that takes a while). There's also a tiny dishwasher which is nice. The fridge was turned on right before we arrived so it took like six hours to cool down. I wish they turned it on earlier but it wasn't a big deal. There's a coffee maker that can make kcups or regular coffee, and they provide a bunch of kcups. There's also salt and pepper, as well as aluminum foil. The bed was super comfy and we slept great all three nights. Bathroom was standard and worked fine. Hot tub was the true MVP of the trip. There's nothing better than ending a long day with a cold beer and a hot soak. Don't forget to hydrate too! The hot tub smelled a bit weird but we got used to it. Set that bad boy to 104° and you're good to go. It snowed a little and we don't have all wheel drive. All the driveways seems to be on an incline so we had to park strategically on the road that splits to the different cabins. They recommend AWD but if there's less than 4" of snow, you probably will be fine. The snow was beautiful! The owners/managers were hard to get a hold of. We called a couple times to get in touch but did not hear back at all. In the end, it was fine because the email we got after booking was very detailed and there's a binder on top of the fridge with more information. Note: wifi password was on the side of the fridge, not the front. As you're entering, follow the instructions on your email, and not your google maps/Waze/etc. Just remember to take exit 15 and take that route. As of early 2021, Verizon and TMobile had service until the last five minutes of the drive and no service at all around the cabins. There are no gas stations or grocery stores remotely close. I recommend getting food and gas in Frostburg or Cumberland (coming from DC) or Morgantown (if you come from West/North/South). Apparently one pizza place delivers to the cabins but we didn't order. I definitely recommend coming to stay at Mountain Creek Cabins and I think I'd love to come back in the future.