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.
Could West Virginia residents lose control of their state parks? Some state officials are warning voters about what could be a threat to the park system, which has been nationally recognized for its beauty and accessibility. According to an article published in the Wyoming County Report and shared with permission here, every few years, the … Read more
The West Virginia Legislature this week is considering the privatization of the state’s park system. Mark Wylie, retired parks district administrator and long-time superintendent at Babcock and Watoga state parks is warning West Virginians that the bills have dire implications. “The recent legislative introduction of Senate Bill 485 and its companion, House Bill 4408, means … Read more
West Virginia State Parks announced a partnership with the Walking Miracles Family Foundation that provides lodging discounts to families in need of travel assistance due to childhood and young adult cancer treatment. The discount, which provides a 50 percent savings on state park lodge rooms and cabins, is available to families in the Walking Miracles … Read more
In the highest mountain valley in the eastern U.S., the Canaan Valley, Canaan Valley Resort will celebrate the history of the Mountain State and offer a variety of adventures and outdoor activities June 18-20 during West Virginia Days Weekend. Sam England, general manager for the resort at Canaan Valley State Park, said the resort is … Read more
The West Virginia State Parks system will host an on-site and virtual job fair at Pipestem Resort State Park on May 11 to recruit people for positions. From 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., the job fair is being hosted in partnership with the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources, Workforce West Virginia, and the Region … Read more
State-managed parks and forests in West Virginia have welcomed a record-breaking number of in-state guests so far this year, thanks to a promotional discount available through August, Governor Jim Justice announced today. The announcement comes as a result of a park promotion prompted by the coronavirus-19 outbreak and includes a 30-percent discount on all state … Read more
A remarkable remote cabin that requires a 3.3-mile hike to access has been opened at Camp Creek State Forest, providing guests the opportunity for an unmatched off-the-grid experience in West Virginia. The Ranger Outpost Cabin is the first of its kind to be offered at Camp Creek, which is both a state park and forest … Read more
Stonewall Resort in north-central West Virginia has begun reopening resort and state park amenities following recent rules and guidelines established by Governor Jim Justice. The resort’s campground and its Stillwaters Restaurant is now open, and its lodge and cottages are set to open Tuesday, according to general manager Andre’ D’Amour. “While we work to reopen the … Read more
A new state park is among the many things people in West Virginia can look forward to once the quarantine is lifted. And while spirits are dampened, they’re sure to rise along the lower Elk River where the park is being developed. Delayed by the outbreak of the COVID-19 virus, the opening of the first … Read more
West Virginia state park and forest campgrounds, as well as the scenic overlooks at Coopers Rock and Blackwater Falls, have been closed, according to Governor Jim Justice. The closure of scenic overlooks at Coopers Rock and Blackwater Falls is due to these areas being heavily trafficked and among the first stops across the state parks … Read more
