Overview
Experience Outdoor Fun at the Gardner Center in Mercer County, WV
Embrace the beauty of winter and enjoy a variety of outdoor activities at the Gardner Center in Mercer County, West Virginia. This free public recreational facility offers hiking trails, a disc golf course, and horseshoe pits, providing fun for all ages.
Explore the Outdoors at the Gardner Center:
- Hiking Trails: Discover over 6,000 feet of walking trails winding through the 23-acre woodlands. These trails, originally built by the U.S. Forest Service, offer a fascinating glimpse into the area’s history. Enjoy a scenic walk through the trees and shrubs, experiencing the unique beauty of the winter landscape. Remember to check the local weather forecast, wear appropriate clothing and footwear, hike with a friend, keep pets and children in sight, store food in animal-proof containers, and refrain from feeding wild animals, smoking, or using ignition sources. Consult the standard or interactive map to view the trail network.
- Disc Golf: Challenge yourself on the exciting and challenging 12-hole disc golf course that weaves through the Gardner Center’s lawn and woodland areas.
- Horseshoes: Test your skills at the horseshoe pits located near the Poor Farm Cemetery Trail.
A Brief History:
The Gardner Center’s facility and woodlands were once home to the U.S. Forest Service’s Forestry Sciences Laboratory, established in 1962. The woodland trails were created by employees during the construction of the laboratory. After the lab’s closure in 2016, the Mercer County Commission acquired the property and began restoring the facility and improving the recreational areas.
Visiting the Gardner Center:
- Location: 241 Mercer Springs Road Princeton, WV 24740
- Hours of Operation:
- Sunday: 2:00 PM – Dark
- Monday: 7:30 AM – Dark
- Tuesday: 7:30 AM – Dark
- Wednesday: 7:30 AM – Dark
- Thursday: 7:30 AM – Dark
- Friday: 7:30 AM – Dark
- Saturday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Guidelines: Please observe the following guidelines: No littering or leaving food, no public display of alcohol, no hunting, no disorderly conduct. Use of the facilities is at your own risk; Mercer County is not liable for personal injuries.
Plan your visit to the Gardner Center today and enjoy a fun-filled outdoor experience with family and friends!
