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. — 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
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
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
