State Parks, Forests

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

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — West Virginia officials have launched the West “FURginia” State Park Ranger program, a pet-friendly initiative designed to help park guests and their dogs explore the Mountain State’s natural beauty together. Visitors to state parks who bring their furry friends will receive a certificate and their pooches a commemorative dog tag after completing … Read more

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — West Virginia State Parks officials today announced that tickets for the sled run at Blackwater Falls State Park are now available to purchase online. The quarter-mile sled run, the longest on the East Coast, will open for the winter season on Dec. 18 and will be open, weather permitting, Thursdays through Sundays … Read more

HURRICANE, W.Va. — The West Virginia State Parks Foundation has received a $17,500 grant from the “Hearts of STIHL” program to support critical forestry work at Bluestone and North Bend state parks. The funding will be used to remove dead and potentially hazardous trees in public recreation areas, an effort to improve safety for visitors … Read more

PIPESTEM, W.Va. — Tickets are now available for a special dinner series at Pipestem Resort State Park that offers guests a first look at the new upscale menu from the Mountain Creek Dining Room, which is set to reopen in spring 2026. Fine dining at Pipestem Resort State Park The “Taste of Mountain Creek” dinner … Read more

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — West Virginia officials today announced the opening of the first five stargazing cabins at Coopers Rock State Forest, adding a new way for visitors to stay overnight and experience one of the state’s most popular outdoor destinations. Dillard Price, acting chief of West Virginia State Parks, said the new A-frame cabins are … Read more