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.
Editor’s Note: Despite their economic value, state parks in West Virginia are suffering from a lack of funding. Greg Bray, president of the West Virginia State Parks Foundation is asking for public support of Senate Bill 517, which would channel royalties received from the leases of state-owned gas, oil, and other mineral rights below the … Read more
Though the forecast calls for a snowy mix, many visitors at Cacapon Resort State Park this weekend will be planning summer butterfly gardens during a three-day nature program with naturalists. Biologist Sue Olcott and park naturalist Valerie Chaney will guide guests through a weekend of events that includes a birding excursion, a visit to Berkeley … Read more
Has winter got you down? Perhaps a weekend of nature programming at Chief Logan State Park this weekend (January 17-19) will warm you up. A star-watching program, a winter birding adventure, two monarch-butterfly workshops, and a discussion of newly introduced elk herds round out the weekend full of events held in one of the state’s … Read more
Plant the seeds of fun, conservation, and education during Winter Wonder Weekend at North Bend State Park Jan. 17-19. Activities will include sled riding (weather permitting), winter hikes, tours of the area, programs, crafts, games, and entertainment. This year’s event includes a Friday night dessert contest where guests are encouraged to bring their favorite dessert … Read more
Autumn is an ideal season for woodland walks and, to celebrate, six West Virginia state parks and forests are offering guided hikes with park naturalists in October 2019. Participants will receive a special West Virginia State Parks hiking patch and are encouraged to stay overnight in parks where lodging is available, according to parks chief … Read more
How fares the Mountain State’s new herd of free-range elk? Hikers will have an opportunity to find out in September and October during a series of guided tours of the reintroduction site. The four-hour tours start at the Chief Logan State Park lodge and range over two miles or more of rugged terrain, according to … Read more
A public comment meeting that concerns a proposed 75-room lodge and conference center to be developed near the Beech Fork Dam and Recreation Area near Huntington, West Virginia, has been scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 12, 2019. The meeting is open to the public and will be held at the Lavalette Elementary School cafeteria from 6 … Read more
West Virginia has opened its state parks to travelers seeking shelter from Hurricane Dorian, offering a 50 percent discount on park cabins, campsites, and lodge rooms. West Virginia Governor Jim Justice emphasized the welcoming nature of state residents while making the announcement Wednesday morning. “West Virginia stands ready to welcome anyone who may be in … Read more
North Bend State Park’s Nature Wonder Weekend—North America’s premier and longest-running wild foods event—will celebrate its 52nd year Sept. 20-22. “Participants this year will learn how to bring their favorite wild edibles into their own backyards,” said Emily Fleming, deputy director for the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources. “Also, as in past events, participants … Read more
The lodge at Tygart Lake State Park is not only a place to stay overnight near Grafton, West Virginia. It’s now the name of the new park restaurant, which opened this month along shimmering Tygart Lake. The restaurant operation had been contracted out, according to park superintendent Jim Browning, but it is now managed and … Read more
