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.
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
To celebrate early spring and Saint Patrick’s Day, ten West Virginia state parks and forests will host Green Day Hikes in mid-March, according to state park officials. The hikes are free to attend and will be led by park naturalists and superintendents. Participants who complete one of the hikes will receive a shamrock patch—an embroidered … Read more
To encourage families and would-be anglers to take up fishing, the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources has announced the dates and locations of more than 70 spring trout stockings at participating state parks and forests. The stockings are scheduled on Fridays and Saturdays in March, April, and May and start on March 13 and … Read more
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
