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.
UPDATE (May 31, 2017): Bluestone State Park has reopened following its closure over Memorial Day weekend. Due to high water from flooding on Bluestone Lake, sections of the park were closed during the holiday. According to a release from the W.Va. Division of Natural Resources, all park facilities have reopened, with the exception of the … Read more
Pipestem Resort State Park on May 27 will host a pet adoption festival featuring rescue groups and services from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at park headquarters. The “Pets-Become-Family Extravaganza” is free and open to the public and will bring together a large group of animal adoption agencies and services, according to Misty Porterfield, a … Read more
Blackwater Falls State Park is taking its trademark winter Cardboard-and-Duct-Tape sled race to the water May 27 in its second annual Cardboard-and-Duct-Tape Boat Race. As a means to help encourage recycling and outdoor fun, the mid-day race on Pendleton Lake invites inventiveness using simple recyclable products, according to race coordinator Paulita Cousin. “Everyone has cardboard … Read more
Sacagawea, who accompanied Lewis and Clark on their expedition into the West in 1805, has inspired countless enduring myths and legends and will be the subject of a free historical program being presented at Cacapon Resort State Park on Friday, May 26. The program, which begins at 7:30 p.m. in the park lodge, will include … Read more
Hikers up for a challenge are invited to join in a free 9.5-mile trek at Pipestem Resort State Park on May 27, part of the state park system’s 100-mile hiking challenge. Led by the volunteer team of Mark and Donna Barton of Princeton, West Virginia, the hike will be steady-paced and not an interpretive walk, according … Read more
Summer officially starts June 21, but Canaan Valley Resort marks the season Memorial Day with an eventful long weekend that includes hikes, wagon rides, dinner theater, and a golf tournament. General manager Steve Drumheller said the staff has designed the weekend to introduce or re-familiarize visitors with the resort and Canaan Valley Resort State Park … Read more
At the peak of woodland wildflower season in West Virginia, Babcock State Park is offering midweek discounts at its rustic and classic cabins. Guests who rent a cabin for two-or-more consecutive nights will receive a 20-percent discount through May 24, 2017. Each year visitors from throughout the U.S. visit the park to photograph its landmark … Read more
The popular “Birding Around the Sun” nature hikes will return to Kanawha State Forest this May, and, for the third year, the hikes will be led by Sara Miller, a seasonal naturalist for two years who’s returning as a volunteer naturalist this year. Miller has recorded many species seen and heard in the forest since the beginning … Read more
May is a magical month in the Canaan Valley, where visitors may stroll fields of Allegheny wildflowers while being serenaded by songbirds. Officials at its premier state park, Canaan Valley Resort, have scheduled a line-up of programs designed to enhance the appeal of spring in the highland valley. “I’ve lived and worked in Canaan Valley for more than … Read more
West Virginia Governor Jim Justice announced late Tuesday that he is ending a plan proposed by the the Division of Natural Resources to charge visitors an entrance fee at several state parks and a state forest. The Governor called the division’s announcement an error and ordered the pilot program canceled. The initiative was put in motion without the … Read more
