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.
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
BRUCETON MILLS, W.Va. — Twenty-five new campsites have been opened at Coopers Rock State Forest near Morgantown, West Virginia, doubling the number of sites on the 12,747-acre park renowned for its views of the Cheat River canyon. According to Brett McMillion, director of the W.Va. Division of Natural Resources, each new site is equipped with … Read more
BEAVER, W.Va. — To encourage West Virginians to walk at least one mile daily, state officials are designating one-mile hiking trails in 32 parks as “Mountaineer Mile” challenge trails. Governor Patrick Morrisey gathered with other state officials to announce the initiative at Little Beaver State Park, which boasts a mile-long walking trail encircling Little Beaver Lake. … Read more
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
