Carnifex FerryBattlefield in West Virginia, USA - map and visitor information

Research checked: 2026-11-05. Check linked official notices before travel.

Carnifex Ferry Battlefield State Park near Summersville, West Virginia, preserves a Civil War battlefield on the rim of the Gauley River Canyon. Walk the Patterson Trail for the river overlooks and visit the Patterson House Museum when it is in season.

The battlefield and the Gauley River overlooks

The 2-mile Patterson Trail loops around the park and passes three overlooks. If the museum is closed, the loop still lets you see the landscape around the battlefield.

Know before you go

Fees, hours, and seasonal access

Canyon overlooks

Use the marked approaches to the overlooks. Allow time to finish the loop before the park closes, especially if you arrive late in the day.

Visit a preserved battlefield

Use the mapped trails and picnic areas. Pause at the historical markers to read how the fighting unfolded in the terrain around you.

Group picnics

The park has five reservable group shelters. Check the park activities page and call the park office to plan a group stop.

Drive in from WV-129

From US-19 south of Summersville, turn onto WV-129. Use 1194 Carnifex Ferry Road, Summersville, WV, for the park entrance. The state park map shows the museum, trails and overlooks.

Nearby parks

• Summersville Lake State Park. Find it near Summersville for a stop at the lake.
• Hawks Nest State Park. Drive to Ansted for another gorge setting.

Pair the Patterson House with a loop walk

When the museum is open, begin there to learn about the Civil War site. Then take the Patterson Trail around the park. If you have time for only a short stop, consult the map for an overlook near the picnic area.

Picnic tables, shelters and play space

The picnic area has tables, grills and playground equipment. A group can also use one of the park’s reservable shelters. Check the restroom season when planning a late fall or winter stop.

About the battlefield

The fight for the Kanawha Valley

The battle took place on September 10, 1861. Confederate forces failed to regain control of the Kanawha Valley. Patterson House now serves as the site’s interpretive museum.

The Gauley River Canyon

From the overlooks, look down from the canyon rim to the Gauley River. The views show the steep terrain beside the battlefield.

Contact West Virginia State Parks

Call 304-872-0825 or visit the official park profile for conditions.