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State Parks, Forests

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.

Blackwater Falls Wildflower Pilgrimage in West Virginia

Hundreds attend May wildflower weekend at Blackwater Falls

April 3, 2018 by David Sibray

Blackwater Falls State Park, near Davis, West Virginia, will welcome hundreds of wildflower enthusiasts to the area May 10-13 for a weekend of springtime outdoor adventure and nature exploration during its 57th annual West Virginia Wildflower Pilgrimage. The Wildflower Pilgrimage is one of the longest-running special events sponsored by the W.Va. Division of Natural Resources. … Read more

State Parks, Forests

Chief Logan State Park to host 35th annual Browning wildflower hike

April 2, 2018 by David Sibray

The 35th annual Sue Browning Wildflower Hike is scheduled for Saturday, April 7, at Chief Logan State Park near Logan, West Virginia. The popular hike commemorates local wildflower enthusiast and Logan Garden Club member, Sue Browning. Two hikes are planned, according to a release from the W.Va. Department of Commerce. The principal hike will follow … Read more

Campgrounds on New River, New River Gorge Region

State Parks, Forests

W.Va. state parks anticipate banner camping year

February 14, 2018 by Will Reedy

Expecting an increased demand for campsites in 2018, staff at West Virginia state parks and forests will begin processing site reservations on Feb. 15, in advance of camping season this spring. State park campgrounds begin opening between mid-March and April, depending upon the park and weather, according to parks district administrator Matt Yeager. “We’ve been … Read more

State Parks, Forests

W.Va. State Park gift cards include “something extra” to encourage visits

November 14, 2017 by David Sibray

The perfect gift is one that keeps on giving, and state parks in West Virginia are including something extra this holiday season on gift-card purchases of $100 or more, according to a parks spokesperson. Through Dec. 18, 2017, the state parks system is offering “Something Extra” coupons for every $100 gift card purchased. The bonus includes … Read more

Restored pioneer farm at Twin Falls Resort State Park, Wyoming County, Hatfield & McCoy Region

State Parks, Forests

Songwriter’s Retreat at Twin Falls state park scheduled Nov. 10-12

October 30, 2017 by David Sibray

Nationally known songwriters Jim Ritchey and Kelly Hunt will host the third annual retreat for songwriters at Twin Falls Resort State Park Nov. 10-12. The workshop is designed for songwriters of all levels but will be particularly helpful for those who already have written and need help perfecting their craft. Participants need not play an instrument, … Read more

Twin Falls is one of several West Virginia state parks and forests offering veteran discounts

State Parks, Forests

W.Va. state parks offer veterans discount Oct. 29-Nov. 16

October 20, 2017 by David Sibray

The West Virginia State Parks system is giving back to men and women who have served in the military by offering a special discount to veterans who stay overnight at select parks and forests between Oct. 29 and Nov. 16, 2017. Good for 50 percent off regular lodge and cabin rental rates, the offer is … Read more

State Parks, Forests

Heron Festival set for Oct. 14 at Beech Fork State Park

October 13, 2017 by Will Reedy

Beech Fork State Park near Huntington, W.Va., will host its 2017 Heron Festival on Saturday, Oct. 14. A celebration of one of the park’s most notable residents, the event is also a day for family fun, including free pontoon boat and hayrides, children’s games, art and crafts, gospel music and other events and activities, according … Read more

Boats dock at Tygart Valley Lake State Park, West Virginia

State Parks, Forests

Construction at Tygart Valley Lake to extend boating season

October 6, 2017 by David Sibray

A major upgrade to the boating facilities at Tygart Lake State Park will begin this fall, according to park superintendent Jim Browning. Construction is tentatively scheduled to begin Monday, Oct. 9, and is expected to be completed by early summer 2018, and visitors should be aware that the entire marina and boat ramp will be … Read more

Officials at Canaan Valley are expecting a vivid Allegheny autumn in West Virginia

State Parks, Forests

Canaan Valley park gearing up for brilliant Allegheny autumn

August 31, 2017 by David Sibray

One of the most lofty resort-parks in the Allegheny Mountains in West Virginia, Canaan Valley State Park is gearing up for a vivid autumn, and its staff is emphasizing its location as an ideal base for exploration. Within an hour’s drive of some of the region’s most popular outdoor attractions, including Dolly Sods and Blackwater … Read more

State Parks, Forests

Eleven W.Va. state parks will offer eclipse celebrations

August 16, 2017 by Will Reedy

Eleven West Virginia state park will celebrate the near-total solar eclipse that will darken most of the country the afternoon of Monday, Aug. 21. Visitors to Beech Fork, Blackwater Falls, Cacapon Resort, Canaan Valley Resort, Hawks Nest, North Bend, Pipestem Resort, Twin Falls Resort and Tygart Lake state parks, Chief Logan Lodge and Cabwaylingo State Forest … Read more

The forgotten story behind Wheeling’s historic Madonna of the Trail monument

Road closures to affect access to Cranberry and Williams River recreation areas

Ancient river once flowed across West Virginia before vanishing during the Ice Age

Tomlinson Run preserves unusual Appalachian forest rarely found in Northern Panhandle

Fireflies are peaking across West Virginia this week. Here’s where to see them

Why West Virginia may be the East’s best escape from the Fourth Of July heat

West Virginia University study finds judges welcome AI, but say justice must stay human

Charleston’s drinking water depends on thousands of small mountain streams

Why visitors to Berkeley Springs in eastern West Virginia keep asking, “Where’s Bath?”

Where to watch Fourth of July fireworks in West Virginia in 2026

Why Appalachian music still echoes through West Virginia’s New River Gorge

How modern engineering is changing the way people live in West Virginia’s mountains

Here’s why West Virginia is the East’s premier whitewater rafting capital

West Virginia’s wild turkeys have made one of America’s greatest wildlife comebacks

More New River Gorge hikers are leaving Endless Wall for the Grandview Rim Trail

New Peters Mountain Trail System takes shape in Monongahela National Forest near Franklin

State Parks, Forests

Hundreds attend May wildflower weekend at Blackwater Falls

Chief Logan State Park to host 35th annual Browning wildflower hike

W.Va. state parks anticipate banner camping year

W.Va. State Park gift cards include “something extra” to encourage visits

Songwriter’s Retreat at Twin Falls state park scheduled Nov. 10-12

W.Va. state parks offer veterans discount Oct. 29-Nov. 16

Heron Festival set for Oct. 14 at Beech Fork State Park

Construction at Tygart Valley Lake to extend boating season

Canaan Valley park gearing up for brilliant Allegheny autumn

Eleven W.Va. state parks will offer eclipse celebrations