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.
In celebration of West Virginia’s 154th birthday, the state Division of Tourism will give away a vacation package every hour on Tuesday, June 20. The West Virginia Day giveaways wrap up the division’s two-week-long Almost Heaven social media blitz, which spurred hundreds of thousands of residents and lovers of West Virginia to share images of … Read more
Encouraging visitors to try new outdoor activities, rangers at North Bend State Park this weekend are offering introductory courses in kayaking, rappelling, mountain biking. Park rangers and activity guides will provide instruction in an affordable group format during the daylong Introduction to Adventure event, according to park superintendent Steve Jones. Along with skill development, instructors … Read more
Now that school is out, West Virginia state parks and forests are offering early summer lodging specials to help visitors enjoy even more hiking, biking, swimming, and other outdoor activities. Beginning June 4, nine state parks and forests will offer a “Parks Are In” accommodation discount of 30 percent off cabin and lodge room rentals at … Read more
From a festival dedicated to avian species of the Alleghenies to a two-day celebration of native Irish road bowling, many “cool” opportunities beckon travelers to the upland Canaan Valley Resort in June, according to Steve Drumheller, its general manager. Locals like Drumheller, a long-time resident of the valley, say June is one of the most pleasant months of the … Read more
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
