TOMLINSON RUN W. Va. park offers a variety of scenery

The peaceful surroundings make it easy to forget the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
By STEPHANIE UJHELYI
VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT
NEW MANCHESTER, W.Va. -- Through overhanging cliffs of sandstone and shale, and trails bordered with wildflowers and fauna, it almost feels like Tomlinson Run State Park is beckoning you.
Located at the extreme tip of West Virginia's mountainous northern panhandle, Tomlinson Run provides a wide variety of spectacular scenic views and outdoor outlets for visitors.
What's in a name? The park's 1398 acres extend along a stream from which it borrowed its name, both named for a family of early settlers to within a mile of the stream's confluence with the Ohio River.
Divided in two sections, the park offers a wilderness area of heavily forested hills and beautiful yet challenging walking trails in addition to its developed area complete with picnicking, boating, miniature golf, swimming and camp areas.
As one walks through the wilderness area, one notes how Tomlinson Run stream has left its brand on the area by cutting a gorge as it drops approximately 100 feet per mile to the Ohio River.
Forget the hustle: Once entering the extraordinary scenic ways, it is easy to forget the hustle and bustle of everyday life in the peaceful surroundings on trails named Big Foot, Laurel and Poe whether on foot or on mountain bike.
And there is plenty of water around.
Fishing is plentiful in the almost 33 acres of water stocked full of bass, catfish, bluegill and trout. Boat docks, complete with rental row and paddle boats, are available.
In answer to the increased popularity of camping, Tomlinson Run offers a 54-site, horseshoe-shaped campground complete with gift shop, bathhouses and laundry facilities. All sites are suitable for tent or trailer and feature picnic tables and grills, while 39 sites have electric hookup. The campground is open from April 1 through Oct. 31.
For groups, a 100-capacity group camp is available as well. The group camp is a great site for family reunions and retreats, said James Harvey, park superintendent. Featuring 10 cabins that sleep 109 each and counselor's quarters for 12, the camp is a bring-your-own-cook proposition with a full-equipped kitchen and dining hall.
It is located conveniently near a recreation building, complete with a stage for skits and shows, plus tables for indoor projects or games.
Roughing it: For those who want to keep it simpler, there is the rustic camp area.
A big attraction for many is the Rent-A-Camp option through Tomlinson Run, Harvey said. Camping novices can enjoy the outdoors without maintenance of their own equipment through Tomlinson Run's Rent-A-Camp program. For $27 a day, one may rent a six-person lodge tent, complete with cooler, propane stove, lantern, picnic table and cookware.
& quot;The tents already are set up, and we supply them with all the necessary gear except bedding, food and utensils, & quot; he said.
The park also offers three picnic shelters that can be rented on a first-come, first-served basis for a modest fee.
According to Harvey, more than a half million people visit the park each year.
Making a splash: Harvey said one of the major draws is Tomlinson Run's swimming pool. Open from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day, the z-shaded, 280,000-gallon inground pool features a 182-foot, figure-eight-shaped water slide.
The park offers daily and season pool passes.
Tomlinson Run State Park is easily accessible by taking Ohio state Route 11 to East Liverpool, crossing the Newell Bridge -- the toll is 50 cents -- and taking Route 2 south to Route 8 south and following signs to the park, which is just north of New Manchester.
Through Labor Day, reservations must be made seven days in advance for a minimum of two nights.
XFor more information, call the park at (304) 564-3651, or visit their Web site at http://www.wvparks.com/tomlinsonrun.