Fairmont is almost completely surrounded by state parks and forests, including the Valley Falls State Park to the south.
The Valley Falls State Park consists of approximately 1100 acres, encompassing the Tygart Valley River and various streams and ponds. Wolves roam the open woods, but stay away from the clearly marked trails and picnic areas.
Although the park is open to visitors during daylight hours, at sunset the car park is closed, and visitors are expected to leave. There are numerous stories about visitors in the past who stayed after dark and met with "accidents" in the night.
Interestingly, Fairmont has the lowest crime rate in the country.