**PLEASE NOTE: While this cache is still active for you to enjoy, all the coins for this trail have been claimed. If you are still interested in earning a coin, check out the gadgets of Marion County Geocaching Trail.**
Welcome to the Marion County Geo Trail!
The Marion County Geo Trail is comprised of 10 unique caches designed to help you explore Marion County. Nestled in the rolling hills of West Virginia, Marion County is home to a plethora of historic and scenic locations from the first fathers-day service to breathtaking waterfalls. After completing all 10 geocaches on the tour and exploring everything Marion County has to offer, stop by our visitor center (GC8T5FR) to claim a unique souvenir from your time in the middle of everywhere! More information is available here: https://marioncvb.com/geocaching/
MCGT #7: Valley Falls State Park
Once the site of a lumber and grist mill community, the scenic treasure of Valley Falls State Park is located only a short drive from Fairmont and Grafton. This 1,145-acre day use park hosts a variety of outdoor recreation including fishing, picnicking, kayaking, and 18 miles of hiking and mountain biking trails. The beauty of the park is enhanced by the spectacular series of foaming falls which were created by the dark, rushing waters of the Tygart Valley River and provides a boundary between Marion and Taylor counties. The prevalent rock formation known as Connoquenessing Sandstone, forms the cap of the falls over which the river plunges and swirls and appears both as ledges and huge room size boulders for over a mile down the narrow canyon floor. Before Valley Falls became a state park, this section of the Tygart Valley River in the 1800s was a thriving railroad community and a popular recreation area. During this "boom" period, Valley Falls had a B&O Railroad Depot Station, grist mill, post office, sawmills, shops and a ferry. Between 1886 and 1888, a fire and flood swept through the community. Some repairs were made but the town never fully recovered. In 1964, the state park system acquired the falls and the surrounding land. This picturesque river gorge became Valley Falls State Park.
Don't forget to record the special code word written on the lid and first page of the logbook!
About This Cache: To access this cache, please park in the large parking lot and make your way across the bridge. DO NOT, under any circumstances, attempt to access this cache by crossing the train tracks. After crossing the bridge, a view of the falls should be visible. Turn right and follow the purple blaze trail for a few hundred feet to GZ. You will need to depart from the trail either 50ft before or after ground zero; there is a slight elevation change so chose your path wisely. Please replace the cache exactly as you found it to ensure other people do not stumble upon it. Thanks for visiting!