Photos by Shannon Bennett Campbell A scenic view of the mountains near Hillsboro.

The Pearl S. Buck Birthplace near Hillsboro.

With summer soon arriving, there is a desire to get moving and enjoy this amazing environment where we are proudly planted. We look for opportunities to take our families not only where they can recreate, but also learn about their rich heritage.

Many long-held beliefs that formed our ancestors’ thinking would be considered well above some of the ideas kicked around today. Day trips that accelerate children’s knowledge and judgment, and fulfill their desires for activity and enjoyment are abundant as we review highway maps.

One of these ventures that would provide a great deal of learning and smiles can be found in Pocahontas County, about 20 minutes beyond Marlinton on Rt. 219 South, where history, picnicking, walking, beauty and laughs all take equal presence.

The charming town of Hillsboro is what to look for on the map, and once you arrive there, some of the most beautiful landscapes in West Virginia will have already passed your vehicle’s window. With great roads leading you, finding the Pearl S. Buck Birthplace, Beartown State Park and Droop Mountain Battlefield State Park very close by can richly complete the day.

Any of these venues will offer a large wooden table to spread your prepared picnic, but make sure cold drinks are with you, because back in these mountains a McDonald’s will not be nearby.

It would not be my style to send readers someplace without a brief preview of what could be anticipated. Surprises are not necessarily appreciated. Some reflection could explain why I am fond of these locations and why I think families could gain a great deal of pleasure by seeing these particular spots, as well.

About 20 minutes after leaving Marlinton, and near the edge of Hillsboro, the Pearl S. Buck Birthplace (an old, well-kept home) is marked and will appear before one gets into the town’s limits. It is an honor for any West Virginian to place a foot in the front yard because this literary woman, according to “A Living Gateway” pamphlet, received not only a Pulitzer Prize for Literature, but was a 1938 Nobel Laureate for Literature, as well.

It becomes important to take a tour through the home so young people can visualize how her family lived and the kind of surroundings she had, even though she spent much of her young life in China with her missionary father and mother. There is no way to measure how many young girls this lady has inspired to take on the work of a writer.

A phone call to 304-653-4430 can allow you to speak with the Museum’s director and a tour may be scheduled. Church groups, Women’s Clubs and teachers are among others who often have picnics and guided tours here when weather permits.

Continuing on Highway 219 South, our next place of interest that appears will be Droop Mountain Battlefield State Park, but I suggest that following the Beartown State Park signs across the road from Droop’s entry and on down the way a couple miles might be a better second stop.

Beartown offers a wonderful place to picnic by walking completely down the trail, where rock formations and children’s recreation facilities will be very interesting for them to see and enjoy. The young people I interviewed regarding their trip to Beartown were thrilled with their visit and the varied ways this State Park kept their attention. It should provide lots of live action for the entire family.

While stopping at Droop Mountain State Park on the return home, especially if done during the last part of June or early July, eyes may be opened by the endless appearance of Rhododendron spread throughout this fabulous State Park’s grounds.

According to author E. Lee North in “The 55 West Virginias – A Guide to the State’s Counties” — published in 1998 — the acquisition of much West Virginia forested area in the 1920s and 1930s as part of the National Government’s land purchases for forest preservation involved nearly half of Pocahontas County. Development of the Droop Mountain Battlefield State Park was completed by our state and explained the importance of the battle ending any “serious Southern military resistance” in West Virginia “from then on till the Civil War’s end.”

Creating a State Park to honor those involved in the terrible Droop Mountain Battle, which according to author North involved 9,000 soldiers, can cause us to remember the results of war and provides a perfect opportunity to discuss conflict’s sadness. It is critical in this age to understand computer games do not represent the death and destruction of real war. While we cannot go out the gates of this State Park without feeling some reverence and remorse, it is a healthy environment to help youth determine whatever can be done to preserve peace.

A parting thought as we end our travels is offered by Pedro Calderon de la Barca, who noted in a recent publication by the Catholic Father that about the Boystown charity, “Green is the prime color of the world, and that from which loveliness arises.” I hope you have a lovely trip. I know you will be surrounded by things that are green. Are we not the lucky ones that can say, “We are West Virginians”?

A canon on display at Droop Mountain Battlefield State Park.