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.
BRAMWELL, W.Va. — Towering above the valley of the Bluestone River in southern West Virginia, legendary Pinnacle Rock has captivated visitors for millennia. A capstone on a giant wall, it soars more than 120 feet above the spine of Black Oak Mountain in Pinnacle Rock State Park. But there’s far more to the rocky tower … Read more
POINT PLEASANT, W.Va. — Tu-Endie-Wei State Park has been added to a national Underground Railroad program to honor the role of the Shawnee in protecting enslaved people who escaped to freedom in their territory in the late 1700s. Though the Shawnee could not legally prevent the return of freedom seekers, they fiercely protected their loved … Read more
LOGAN, W.Va. — A new 4.6-mile trail connecting Chief Logan State Park and the Hatfield-McCoy Trails system has opened in southern West Virginia. This new trail connects to the system’s Bearwallow Trail with the lodge at Chief Logan State Park, allowing riders to stay at the park without trailering off-road vehicles to the trails. According … Read more
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Lost River State Park and Cass Scenic Railroad State Park will enjoy nearly $13 million in expansions to be completed in 2025. According to Gov. Jim Justice, the projects are part of West Virginia’s ongoing investments to enhance outdoor recreation and tourism. The governor announced that Cass is adding its first campground … Read more
DROOP, W.Va. — Among the smallest state parks in West Virginia, 110-acre Beartown State Park is nevertheless among its most fascinating. For decades, it’s inspired visitors as a natural wonder—a densely shaded landscape of ferns and mossy rocks. On the summit of Droop Mountain—very near Droop Mountain Battlefield State Park—a thick sandstone has weathered into … Read more
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Guided hikes in nine state parks and natural areas in West Virginia are being hosted on January 1, 2024, as part of a nationwide outdoor recreation initiative instituted by America’s State Parks. Hailing the opportunity to start the new year with an outdoor adventure, Brett McMillion, director of the W.Va. Division of … Read more
DAVIS, W.Va. — Nothing beats an old-fashioned ride on a sled, and one of the nation’s longest sled runs, at Blackwater Falls State Park in West Virginia, is confirmed to be the largest on the East Coast. As old-school as sledding may be, the park is attracting guests in record numbers, and officials are employing … Read more
LOGAN, W.Va. — Tickets for guided tours of southern West Virginia’s elk management area are available and expected to sell out quickly, according to state officials. The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources and West Virginia State Parks announce the much-anticipated return of Elk Management Tours, which allow nature enthusiasts and wildlife lovers to witness … Read more
SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Restaurants at state parks across West Virginia will begin sourcing local ingredients and refreshing their menus with native flair, thanks to the enlistment of a groundbreaking chef known for his exploration of native cuisine. Known widely as the “Vagabond Chef” and frequently seen on a motorcycle as he travels the state … Read more
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — On the north shore of Summersville Lake, West Virginia will soon open its 36th state park. Summersville Lake State Park will transform the northern shore of the state’s largest lake into an outdoor adventure park. The park is a 15-minute drive by the US-19 expressway from the nation’s newest national park, the … Read more
