Audra State Park: The Complete Visitors’ Guide

Audra State Park is a hidden gem of natural wonders, tucked away just south of Philippi, West Virginia, on the border of Barbour and Upshur Counties. First established by the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad, this 335-acre park is now covered in wooded trails and campgrounds. Visitors can follow along the Alum Cave Trail loop for a picturesque view of the Middle Fork River. Audra State Park is open year-round, offering amenities and adventure, perfect for families and weekend explorers.

For an almost heavenly outdoor adventure, plan your visit to Audra State Park during the leaf-peeping season in the fall. Schedule your trip with our guide to the Top Spots for Leaf Peeping in Mountaineer Country.

Visitors can stay overnight at any of the sixty-five campsites available at Audra State Park. Electricity hook-ups are available for select sites, so RV’s and campers are welcome with prior reservation. On-site amenities include two bathhouses, a public picnic area, drinking fountains, a playground, coin laundry, and a camp store. Audra State Park is also pet-friendly, with lots of room for four-legged friends to run off some extra energy.

Since opening, locals have come to Audra State Park to dip their toes in the Middle Fork River to escape the summer heat. The designated swimming area is centrally located in the park and is open to visitors throughout the day between April and October. The waters have been called the clearest in West Virginia and have attracted visitors from all over.

Sunbathers are welcome to stretch out along the flat rock beach or enjoy a meal under the nearby picnic tables and pavilion. One of two public bathhouses is located close to the swimming area, making it ideal for those looking to wash off after a day in the water.

There are two main trails available to hikers and mountain bikers alike at Audra State Park. The Alum Cave Trail is a 2.7-mile loop around the northeastern portion of Audra State Park and is made up of two parts: the Upper Alum Cave Trail and the Lower Alum Cave Trail. The full loop is on relatively level ground, making it perfect for beginners and families.

However, natural foliage and slick rocks require hikers to take extra precautions and be wary of their footing while on the trail. In addition, the boardwalk portion of the Alum Cave Trail that takes hikers under the cave overhang is often made slick by the waters splashing up from below. Visitors with young children are encouraged not to run and to be mindful of the hand railings.

Another lesser-known hiking path is the Rock Cliff Trail, located just off the western entrance to the camping area. This small loop follows below a cliffside, taking hikers through a densely forested area. Botanists and nature enthusiasts alike will find many reasons to stop and appreciate the surroundings along this short trail, as Audra State Park is home to various plant and animal species.

Paddlers can find an easy put-in spot on the Middle Fork River located at the bridge in Audra State Park. This 2.9-mile whitewater run flows northward to connect with the Tygart Valley River and is rated a class III-IV difficulty during normal river conditions. Visitors are encouraged to check the river gauge located at Audra State Park before setting out on the waters.

The Middle Fork River is home to multiple species of trout, bass, and bluegill. Fishing is permitted throughout the park, with access from the shoreline along the main Alum Cave Trail loop. All visitors looking to fish in Audra State Park must have an active West Virginia fishing license which can be obtained through the State Department of Natural Resources.

Spend your day driving through history along the Covered Bridge Route in Mountaineer Country. This scenic drive features six stops at picturesque covered bridges, each with its own unique architecture and story to tell. Start your day at the Carrollton Covered Bridge, located at the intersection of Carrollton road and Century Junction road, just ten-minutes from Audra State Park.

Forge ahead to new horizons at Tygart Lake State Park and Valley Falls State Park, located about an hour north in Taylor County, WV. Each park sits along the Tygart Valley River, offering more opportunities for fun on the water and outdoor adventure. Extension walking trails and no-limits to on-the-water horsepower make Tygart Lake State Park the destination for those who like to go above and beyond. Cascading waterfalls, picnic tables, and a covered pavilion make Valley Falls State Park perfect for family gatherings and photo sessions.