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.
CLAY, W.Va. — A visitor center and more than four miles of trail have been added to the 73-mile Elk River Trail in central West Virginia, a hiking and biking route that shares its path with the Elk River Water Trail, a popular kayak destination. The new center will open at a public open house … Read more
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
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — State parks in West Virginia are hiring seasonal employees for the 2026 summer season, and local residents are being encouraged to apply. Dillard Price, acting chief of West Virginia State Parks, said seasonal employees are needed annually to maintain the parks. “As visits begin to pick up with the return of warmer … Read more
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
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
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
HURRICANE, W.Va. — The West Virginia State Parks Foundation has received a $50,000 grant from the Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation to strengthen organizational capacity and expand public awareness of the value of West Virginia state parks, forests, and rail trails. Parks Foundation executive director Brad Reed said the grant marks a pivotal moment for the … Read more
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — As the 100th anniversary of West Virginia’s state park system approaches, officials say the network of 48 parks and forests has become an essential pillar of tourism, conservation, and community development. Few assets owned by West Virginians generate as much pride or economic return as its state parks and forests, according to … Read more
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 … Read more
HURRICANE, W.Va. — The West Virginia State Parks Foundation has launched a statewide campaign to replace and modernize aging West Virginia state park playgrounds, some of which date back decades and no longer meet current safety or accessibility standards. Aging West Virginia state park playgrounds need upgrades The new initiative, called Playground of Possibilities, aims … Read more
