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.
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
LOGAN, W.Va. — Chief Logan State Park has unveiled a new, fully ADA-accessible playground, offering children of all abilities a welcoming space for play and recreation. Designed for children ages 2 to 12, the playground features a rock-and-rope climbing unit, a multi-slide play structure, swings with ADA- and infant-accessible options, and a wheelchair-accessible merry-go-round. Dillard … Read more
PIPESTEM, W.Va. — After two years of construction, a new aerial tram at Pipestem Resort State Park has reopened. At a ribbon-cutting at the top of the tram at Pipestem, Brett McMillion, director of the W.Va. Division of Natural Resources, said the project marked a major milestone in the park’s history and will highlight the … Read more
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The highly anticipated Farm-to-Table Dinner Series to be hosted at 10 West Virginia state parks in 2025 will celebrate local flavors, scenic settings, and unforgettable dining experiences. Guests are invited to enjoy curated menus crafted with locally sourced ingredients, highlighting the best of Appalachian cuisine in serene and stunning park environments. Each … Read more
