The name Paint Creek goes back as far as 1774 when European explorers traveling along the creek discovered numerous colorful pictographs painted on the trees. Native Americans used these pictographs to transmit information on war, hunting

and settlements while en route between eastern settlements. Later in its history, Paint Creek became the location of West Virginia’s first mine war when coal miners in Paint Creek and nearby Cabin Creek went on strike in 1912. Originating in Paint Creek, unrest swelled throughout the coalfields and contributed to the later battles of Matewan and Blair Mountain. Today, visitors can peacefully travel this historic landscape along the Paint Creek Scenic Trail, a West Virginia scenic byway/backway. Winding its way for 44 miles through breathtaking scenery, visitors can learn about the natural, historic, and cultural heritage of Paint Creek.

GeoTrail Kickoff / May 1-2

Snapshot from the Trail