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State Parks, Forests

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State parks and forests in West Virginia offer visitors a perfect blend of outdoor adventure, natural beauty, and family-friendly recreation in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains. From the stunning waterfalls and rugged canyons of Blackwater Falls State Park to the tranquil trails and scenic overlooks of Coopers Rock State Forest, these protected areas showcase the best of the Mountain State’s diverse landscapes. West Virginia’s state parks and forests provide opportunities for hiking, camping, fishing, boating, and wildlife watching, making them ideal destinations for weekend getaways and memorable vacations. With well-maintained facilities, charming cabins, and a range of year-round activities, West Virginia’s state parks and forests invite everyone to explore, relax, and connect with nature. For more information on West Virginia state parks and forests, visit our directory.

West Virginia Explorer publisher David Sibray explores a remote section of Tomlinson Run within Tomlinson Run State Park. The park protects one of the largest remaining forested watersheds in West Virginia's Northern Panhandle and supports plant communities uncommon elsewhere in the region.
State Parks, Forests

Tomlinson Run preserves unusual Appalachian forest rarely found in Northern Panhandle

by David Sibray

NEW MANCHESTER, W.Va. — Many visitors know Tomlinson Run State Park as West Virginia’s northernmost state park, but park officials and naturalists say its ecological significance may be even more important than its location. The 1,398-acre park in Hancock County protects the Tomlinson Run watershed, a tributary of the Ohio River, and preserves plant and … Read more

National Trails Day encourages people of all ages to get outdoors, connect with their community, and become trail stewards.
State Parks, Forests

West Virginia state parks celebrate National Trails Day with hikes, volunteer events

by Clyde Craig

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — In celebration of National Trails Day, officials at West Virginia State Parks announced a lineup of guided hikes and trail cleanup events across several state parks and forests, scheduled for Saturday, June 6, 2026. Organized nationwide by the American Hiking Society, National Trails Day encourages people of all ages to get outdoors, … Read more

Rocket Boys: the ceremony is one of several activities being hosted across the West Virginia state parks system as part of National Kids-to-Parks Day.
State Parks, Forests

Rocket Boys event at Pipestem headlines kids’ day at seven W.Va. state parks

by Clyde Craig

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The “Rocket Boys” of Coalwood—the small-town students whose homemade rocket experiments inspired a bestselling memoir and Hollywood film—will be honored at Pipestem Resort State Park during the inaugural West Virginia Hall of Fame induction ceremony during National Kids-to-Parks Day on May 16. The event is scheduled to take place from 4-6 p.m. … Read more

The online shop features T-shirts and sweatshirts showcasing the distinctive “Love WV State Parks” logo
State Parks, Forests

West Virginia State Parks Foundation launches online merchandise store

by David Sibray

HURRICANE, W.Va. — The West Virginia State Parks Foundation has launched an official online merchandise store, offering supporters a new way to celebrate West Virginia’s parks while directly supporting projects across the state park system. The online shop features T-shirts and sweatshirts showcasing the distinctive “Love WV State Parks” logo, highlighting the state’s parks, forests, … Read more

Each bottle of Smooth Ambler in the collection features custom artwork celebrating the landscapes, history, and outdoor experiences that make the parks iconic destinations. (Photo courtesy W.Va. Tourism)
State Parks, Forests

West Virginia state parks, Smooth Ambler expand branded bourbon partnership statewide

by Clyde Craig

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — A partnership blending West Virginia’s outdoor heritage with its growing reputation for craft spirits is expanding statewide. Officials with West Virginia State Parks announced that a new series of state-park-branded bourbons produced by Smooth Ambler Spirits will soon be available for purchase at select retailers across the Mountain State. The expanded retail … Read more

At the most personal level, state parks quietly support people through life’s challenges.
State Parks, Forests

Longtime West Virginia state parks leader details the park system’s real impact

by David Sibray

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — After more than five decades working inside the West Virginia State Park system, former superintendent Scott Durham says the actual value of state parks goes far beyond scenic overlooks and cabin reservations. “State parks seem like a simple thing, and we take them for granted,” Durham said. “But the effects they bring … Read more