Come see what makes Clay County the best kept secret in West Virginia.
Clay County Contact Information
Clay County West Virginia is Appalachian charm second to none. Minus stoplights and traffic jams, the county’s winding mountain roads offer great journeys for the motorist and bicyclist alike. Lake Sampson, the Elk River and Wallback Public Hunting Area provide the perfect back drop for weekend or week long year round fun.
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Curry’s Cabin. This rustic, 100 year old farmhouse is the perfect den. Sitting on 80 private acres, it borders the Wallback Public Hunting Area, in the head of “Booger Hole” Holler. The property has a varied habitat of woods and meadows. Trails and roads provide walking, biking and ATV riding opportunities. Sighting of deer, turkey and small game are common, as well as the occasional “Boogerhaints”... For the angler, fishing for bass, walleye, musky, catfish and trout in the nearby Elk River and Laurel Creek is only a short drive away. From Big Otter (Exit 40 I-79) take Route 16 South. Go about 2.5 miles, take first right onto Rush Fork Rd. Go up Rush Fork about 1.8 miles. Take next right. Actually, it is straight onto a gravel road. Do not cross the small bridge on the left fork of the road. The cabin is about 1.25 miles from this intersection. Go past church (Rush Fork Community Church on left), take next right and continue up hill until you reach the top. Turn left into driveway at top of hill. You made it! Online: http://curryscabin.com 0r toll free 1-866-406 5111
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Obrion Oval Speedway. P.O. Box 206, Duck, WV 25063
Dirt track racing fun during the summer months. See web site for schedule www.obrionoval.com. Easy to find and easy access. From Clay turn left off Route 4 on Obrion Creek Road. For more information call Mark Thompson at (304) 587-364-5209 or e-mail cmchap@myway.com.
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One of two remaining cable suspension swinging bridges in the state. Two wheel drive access. Just East of downtown Clay. Bear right at Hartland bridge from Rt. 16 onto Elkherst Road. Go about 1-1/2 miles, bridge is on the left.
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Historic Clay County Courthouse in downtown Clay. Still used for Magistrate duties, the upstairs courtroom is being renovated for indoor events. Genealogy library open by appointment.
Built in 1902, exhibits an early 20th century eclecticism, reflected in the structure's combination of classical elements of style. Although the lines of the building are simple, the presence of the Beaux Arts style domed cupola and Doric-columned portico add grace to the somewhat utilitarian facade.
Call Jerry Stover 304 587-2164 for arraignments.
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JG Bradley Campground offers tent, campers and RV camping along the mouth of Buffalo Creek and the Elk River. Water & electric on site. Nestled in a valley and home to the Buffalo Creek & Gauley Railroad, enjoy Clay County from a quiet camp spot near downtown Clay. Cross the Dundon Bridge and turn right at signs. Easy year round access. Watch for signs. Call Roger Nutter 304 587-6055
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Lake Sampson, is located within five minutes of the Wallback Exit of Interstate 79. Turn on Summer Fork Road and follow signs. Easy year round access with any vehicle. Target range also available as is a level two mile graveled walking or bike trail around the 15 acre impoundment. Great for strollers and suitable for all age groups.
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Widen Cemetery – From Widen take CR 15/4 down Buffalo Creek appx. 1-2 mile. The Cemetery is on the bank across the railroad tracks. The Widen Cemetery is divided into 134 plots in 10 rows. However, only 72 known people are buried here. Coal company employees were given numbered headstones without names. Family member’s graves were marked by fieldstones. “Colored” referred to different nationalities, not necessarily African-American.
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Don’t forget to take in the one mile hiking trail at Clay County Park near Maysel. Graveled and nearly level trail winds in and out of the tree lined borders of our 15 plus acre County Park.
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Want to have a reunion or just a quiet picnic by the river? Then Mary Chilton Park on Rt. 4 is the place to go. Locally known as Spread Park, picnic shelters available, barbecue grills and easy river access. Call (304) 587-4259.
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Morris Creek WMA (9,874 acres) Clay and Kanawha counties. Located near Clendenin, primary access is from county Route 67 along Morris Creek, or county route 65 in Leatherwood Creek. The area is steep and predominantly forested with hunting opportunities for deer, squirrel, turkey and bear. In addition, more than one mile of Elk River frontage is a feature of this area. Stream access to Elk River is available in the vicinity. Boat ramps are located at Queen Shoals and the Clendenin Water Plant. Camping is not permitted. Wildlife Resources, Box 38, French Creek, WV 26218, (304) 924-6211.
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Wallback WMA (11,757 acres) Clay, Kanawha and Roane counties. Take Wallback exit 34 off I-79 and follow DNR signs to the parking lot, or travel north of Clendenin on state Route 4 to King Shoals Road, or from Amma exit 25 from I-79 to Pigeon Run Road (county Route 29/9). Hilly topography prevails with varied habitat types providing hunting opportunities for deer, turkey and small game. Accommodations provided for the Class Q hunter. Includes approximately 3 miles of Elk River frontage along state Route 4 and county Route 5. Angling opportunities are excellent for bass, walleye, muskellunge and catfish in the Elk River and stocked trout in Laurel Creek. Camping is not permitted. Owned by WVDNR.
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Elk River – Trout Fishing and Rafting. A gem among trout streams. A fertile, alkaline, aquatic environment, the Elk River is a limestone influenced stream with free stone structure. Has a 5-mile stretch of headwater that is commonly referred to as the "Slatyfork" section. After an underground journey of about 6 miles, it re-emerges at Elk Springs, pumping up out of three huge springheads, sweetened by its subterranean limestone causeway and cooled to a trout-friendly 52 degrees. Because of three large springs, the Elk River is a true 12-month fishery.
The mighty Elk River meanders the entire length of the county with 46 miles of kayaking, canoeing, tubing, swimming, and fishing excitement. River Access points are marked RA on the map and offer year round opportunities to the Elk.
One of the scenic drives along Guy Mullins Road.
NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES:
Old Clay County Courthouse #79002573
Main Street
Clay, WV
