Overlook at Coopers Rock State Forest in West Virginia closed for repairs

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The renowned main overlook at Coopers Rock State Forest in northern West Virginia will be closed for scheduled repairs to the pedestrian bridge used to reach the top of the rock.

The project is expected to be finished in July, according to Dillard Price, acting chief of West Virginia State Parks. “Ensuring the safety of our guests is our top priority,” Price said.

“This new bridge will provide a safer and more enjoyable way for visitors to experience one of West Virginia’s most iconic overlooks.”

Those visiting the forest during this time are encouraged to check out the forest’s other trails and amenities, which are not impacted, Price said.

Over the next several months, the aging bridge will be replaced to maintain safety standards. State parks officials expect the work to be completed in July 2026, but more specific timelines will be announced as the project progresses.

About Coopers Rock State Forest

Coopers Rock State Forest is one of West Virginia’s most celebrated public recreation areas, encompassing more than 12,000 acres of rugged plateau, sandstone cliffs, and mixed Appalachian hardwood forest east of Morgantown.

Established in 1936, the forest takes its name from a local legend about a fugitive frontier-era cooper who is said to have hidden among the cliffs and practiced his trade there.

Its most famous feature is the Coopers Rock Overlook, a massive sandstone outcrop offering expansive views of the Cheat River Gorge, a natural canyon carved over millions of years.

Numerous structures throughout the forest—including picnic shelters, steps, and stone walls—were built by the Civilian Conservation Corps and remain defining examples of New Deal–era park architecture.

Rich in outdoor recreation, the forest offers nearly 50 miles of hiking and biking trails, world-class rock climbing and bouldering, and seasonal opportunities for hunting and cross-country skiing.

The forest is also home to diverse wildlife, including black bear, white-tailed deer, and a wide range of songbirds and raptors that thrive in its protected habitats.

Managed cooperatively by the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources and West Virginia University’s Division of Forestry and Natural Resources, Coopers Rock serves not only as a popular destination for visitors from across the Mid-Atlantic but also as a living laboratory for forestry research and environmental education.

The Cooper of Coopers Rock

According to local lore, the “Cooper” in Coopers Rock was not a family name but the profession of a fugitive—a cooper, i.e., a barrel-maker. The story goes that in the early 1800s, this man fled into what is now the forest to escape the law.

Hidden among the cliffs above the chasm of the Cheat River Gorge, he made a new life for himself. Setting up shop in seclusion, he built and sold wooden barrels to nearby communities. Over time, the cliffs where he hid and worked came to be known as “the cooper’s rock,” a name that stuck and eventually became the name of the forest.

That said, the legend appears to be more folklore than documented history. There is no definitive historical record identifying the fugitive cooper by name, nor archaeological proof of his hideout. Many sources recounting the story acknowledge that there is little record of the cooper. Because of that, the tale remains a piece of regional storytelling rather than a verified fact, but it contributes to the forest’s sense of mystery and helps explain why the place carries its distinctive name.

Rock climbing at Coopers Rock

Coopers Rock has become one of the Mid-Atlantic’s premier destinations for rock climbing, offering an extensive landscape of exposed sandstone cliffs, boulders, and overhangs that appeal to climbers of all skill levels.

The sandstone outcrops at Coopers Rock are well known for their durability and texture, providing excellent friction and a wide variety of holds, making it ideal for technical climbing and bouldering.

Popular areas such as Roof Rocks, Tilted Tree, and Upper Rock City draw both local enthusiasts and visiting climbers from Pittsburgh, Washington, D.C., and beyond. More than 100 recognized bouldering problems and numerous roped routes are scattered throughout the forest, many accessible by short, scenic hikes.

For more information, visit the forest’s official website at Coopers Rock State Forest.