Published: March 22, 2007 10:30 pm      

McDowell tourism hits the Web

KEYSTONE — McDowell County officials are taking their efforts to promote tourism online.

“As many new attractions are being developed in the county, a new sense of pride of the citizens is being seen not only in the new attractions, but also in such beautiful destinations as Berwind Lake, Panther State Forest, Anawalt Lake and many others,” Randal Johnson, director of the Council of Southern Mountains, said. “Tourists to McDowell County are assured spectacular sights and experiences in one of the most ruggedly beautiful and unique areas of this nation. As a result, it is time for McDowell County to have a website dedicated solely to tourism.”

As of Thursday morning, more than 500 people had already visited the new www.visitmcdowellcountywv.com website, Miranda Adams, administrative assistant at the council, said.

“We were really, really surprised,” Adams said. “A lot of people don’t know about (McDowell County), and that is what we are trying to do — is let people know there is a lot here today, and there is a lot to do.”

Johnson said the website aims to facilitate tourism in McDowell County.

“With the opening of Hatfield-McCoy ATV trail near Northfork and the expected influx of four-wheeler riders, the addition of this website is expected to enhance the economic development of McDowell County,” Johnson said.

Several area tourist destinations are promoted on the website, including the Kimball War Memorial in Kimball, Camp Coalwood and the home of the Rocket Boys of McDowell County, the Hatfield-McCoy Trail, the Premier Park and ATV Center, the Black Wolf Golf Course, the Berwind Lake, Panther State Forest, the Anawalt Lake, area fairs and festivals, the proposed visitors center in Maybeury and other local attractions.

– Contact Charles Owens at cowens@bdtonline.com