Ten important skateboard spots in Huntintgon, West Virginia
1. Huntington Skate Park
Located in Harris Riverfront Park, this dedicated skatepark is the centerpiece of Huntington’s skateboarding scene. Featuring a variety of ramps, rails, ledges, and a bowl, the park accommodates beginners and advanced skaters alike. The picturesque location along the Ohio River adds a unique charm to this popular spot. Nighttime lighting ensures skaters can enjoy extended sessions, making it a community favorite.
Best Features:
- Concrete bowl
- Street-style elements (rails, ledges, stairs)
- Proximity to other recreational amenities
2. Ritter Park Trails
Ritter Park is well-loved for its lush greenery and walking paths, but its trails and smooth pavement also make it a fantastic spot for longboarders and street skaters. The shaded pathways provide a serene environment for skating, and the gentle slopes allow for carving and cruising. Though not a traditional skateboarding hub, it’s a favorite for those seeking a relaxed ride.
Best Features:
- Smooth, well-maintained paths
- Gentle slopes for beginners
- Aesthetic surroundings
3. Pullman Square
This vibrant downtown area combines shopping, dining, and skateboarding opportunities. With wide-open spaces, ledges, and stair sets, it’s a hotspot for urban skaters. While it’s not an official skateboarding location, Pullman Square's architecture naturally lends itself to creative skating. Skaters should be mindful of pedestrians and local regulations.
Best Features:
- Urban-style skating
- Ledges and manual pads
- Central location with access to food and entertainment
4. Marshall University Campus
The sprawling campus of Marshall University offers numerous opportunities for street skating. Skaters flock to the area for its benches, stair sets, handrails, and ledges. With smooth concrete and a variety of features, the campus is a haven for technical skaters. However, respect for the academic environment and its users is essential.
Best Features:
- Diverse street features
- Smooth pavement
- Iconic campus backdrop
5. Harris Riverfront Park
In addition to housing the Huntington Skate Park, the riverfront area provides open flatlands ideal for practicing flatground tricks. The paved pathways along the park offer a peaceful setting with stunning river views, making it a great spot for beginner and casual skaters.
Best Features:
- Open flatlands
- Scenic riverside location
- Ample seating for breaks
6. Heritage Station
A historic site turned cultural hub, Heritage Station features brick pathways and wide-open plazas that skaters enjoy. The area’s mix of old-school charm and urban architecture creates a unique skating experience. Heritage Station is an excellent place for practicing flatground tricks or simply soaking in Huntington’s historic atmosphere.
Best Features:
- Brick pathways
- Urban aesthetics
- Nearby cafes and shops
7. St. Cloud Commons
Situated slightly outside downtown Huntington, St. Cloud Commons is a spacious park with paved areas suitable for skateboarding. Though not specifically designed for skaters, the park’s smooth surfaces and open layout make it a hidden gem for local shredders. Families and recreational visitors also frequent the park, so skaters should be cautious of other users.
Best Features:
- Open spaces
- Smooth pavement
- Family-friendly environment
8. Camden Park
Known primarily as an amusement park, Camden Park also features paved areas and ramps that skaters occasionally utilize during quieter hours. While not a traditional skate spot, the park's unique layout and occasional lack of crowds make it a quirky addition to Huntington’s skateboarding scene. Always confirm permission before skating here.
Best Features:
- Unique amusement park setting
- Open pavement
- Occasional ramps
9. Downtown Huntington Alleys
The alleys of downtown Huntington are often overlooked but provide an adventurous terrain for skaters who enjoy rugged, urban skating. With uneven brickwork, curbs, and walls for wall rides, the alleys challenge technical skaters to adapt to unconventional surfaces. The graffiti and urban art add an edgy vibe to these hidden spots.
Best Features:
- Unique, gritty terrain
- Artistic surroundings
- Creative opportunities for tricks
10. Barboursville Park
A short drive from Huntington, Barboursville Park offers expansive paved trails and open spaces perfect for cruising and practicing tricks. The park is a peaceful alternative to busier urban spots, with plenty of greenery and scenic views to enhance the skating experience.
Best Features:
- Quiet environment
- Long, smooth trails
- Versatile skating options
Skateboarding is tribal and most locals are welcoming, but if you're new to a spot, or just passing through, have respect for the locals. Listen. Be smart. Have fun.
A human being
Art can change the world – and everybody is an artist. Those who scribble stickmen. Those who paint chapel ceilings. Those who tattoo biceps. Those who are careful with pigment on canvas. Those who create fantasy characters. Those who paint pet portraits. Those who yarn bomb. Those who write poems on crappy old cardboard.
My art lives on the bottom of skateboard decks. It's designed for you to destroy. For you, the rider, my art may come second to the deck’s ability to perform – and that’s awesome. To me, art comes first. Always.
It’s how I think. It’s who I am. It’s what I am.
A machine
This article has been created with the help of artificial intelligence platforms ChatGPT and Bard. If there are inaccuracies or there are opportunities for improvement, please let me know.
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