Directions:
1. Proceed to Martinsburg, WV on I-81, Exit 13, then
2. Turn west onto Tuscarora Pike and drive for about three miles, then
3. Turn left onto Poorhouse Road (County Highway 45/8) and drive for about
one mile, then
4. Look for the Berkely County Poorhouse Farm compound on your left (the
fist thing you'll see are the horse show buildings), then
5. Proceed up the driveway and park off on your right in the grass
overlooking the soccer fields.
Trail Information: There is a delightful set of hilly trails in
this park that are not initially apparent. They are up and over the set of
hills to your EAST (North Mountain is on your west), but well worth the effort
to find. Consider a warm-up by running the periphery of the park, making
your way to the EAST side of the park to find the trail system. There is
usually some staff about you can ask. There are about five miles of easily
runnable mowed grassy trails with lots of interconnecting loops; make your run
as long as you like.
Miscellaneous Information: Be ready for some serious hills
(well, after all, this IS West Virginia). This is a nicely maintained
park, one of the best kept secrets in the Eastern Panhandle and a credit to the
County of Berkely. The trails cut through some old fields that are
reverting to hardwood forest. Apart from me and some dog people, you'll
have it to yourself most days, a sweet contemplative running experience.
There are deer hunters on the adjacent properties, so wear bright colors in the
Fall.
Exit 13 on I-81 has lots of places you can pop into afterward for a recovery
snack.
Michael S. Arant