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.
BERKELEY SPRINGS, W.Va.—Volunteers are being recruited to help monarch butterflies by participating in Cacapon Resort State Park‘s monarch research study Friday, July 26, beginning at 8:30 a.m. The search site is a pollinator field that has been created for a citizen science study in cooperation with the Monarch Joint Venture. The study will be part of … Read more
Historical figures from Mark Twain to Sacagawea will visit West Virginia state parks on weekends this summer as part of the West Virginia Humanities Council’s History Alive! program. These living-history portrayals by scholars will provide a passage through time for student and adult audiences, according to Paulita Cousin, a naturalist at Blackwater Falls State Park … Read more
Greenbrier Valley Brewing Co.’s new “35 Parks WV Pale Ale” will be available at Pipestem Resort State Park beginning June 20 in celebration of West Virginia Day. The park’s official brewery, Greenbrier Valley features several of its flagship beers at restaurants in the park, which also supports regional West Virginia craft beers from Weathered Ground … Read more
A wide range of Civil War-themed events and craft displays has been scheduled at Canaan Valley Resort to honor the anniversary of West Virginia’s statehood June 21-23. West Virginia Days festivities start Friday, June 21, with wagon rides and an encampment, according to Steve Drumheller, general manager of the resort. On Saturday, visitors can watch … Read more
Pipestem Resort State Park unveiled the state’s newest aerial adventure—a series of zip-lines that lets riders soar for more than a mile above the breathtaking Bluestone National Scenic River. Stephen McDaniel, director of the state Division of Natural Resources, heralded the zip-line network as among the world’s most fantastic canopy-tour venues and thanked the state’s … Read more
Stressing his commitment to a diversified state economy, West Virginia Governor Jim Justice on Wednesday announced the inclusion of a new state park—a trail that wanders a 72 mile stretch of the Elk River in Clay County. Introduced by West Virginia Tourism Commissioner Chelsea Ruby, the governor told a crowd of more than 100 dignitaries … Read more
At the heart of one of the most-photographed scenic regions in West Virginia, Canaan Valley Resort this week has unveiled a new program of 13 guided hikes that wander some of the park’s most beautiful landscapes. Some hikes may include lunch, and all are assured to reach fabulous photographic locales sure to light-up your social … Read more
Bald eagles—never before seen in southern West Virginia—have become inhabitants over the last decade, and naturalists at Pipestem Resort State Park are inviting the public to help survey these beautiful birds them during its twelfth annual spring survey March 1-3. Part of the park’s epic Winter Birding Weekend, activities will include a bird-watching instruction program … Read more
Lushly forested West Virginia is a ideally suited to the production of rich, golden honey, and North Bend State Park is fostering the industry this year by hosting a free beekeeping program February 28. Master Beekeeper Janet Clayton will host a free program at 6:30 p.m. at the park lodge during which she will discuss … Read more
The eighth annual Winterfest celebration at Coopers Rock State Forest Feb. 9 provides guests free hikes, introductory courses in snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, and wintry competitions, including a new Men’s Snowball Showdown. Near Morgantown, West Virginia, the forest famously overlooks the canyon of the Cheat River from the summit of the Chestnut Ridge and is a … Read more
