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.
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
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
