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.
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
Governor Jim Justice today announced an $11-million investment package for Pipestem Resort State Park that will include new outdoor-adventure infrastructure and updated park accommodations. Beginning this spring, visitors to Pipestem, in southern West Virginia, will be able to enjoy a new splash park, lake adventures, guided trout-fishing trips, stand-up paddleboard tours, rock climbing and rappelling … Read more
The habits of West Virginia’s butterfly population, including the state butterfly, the monarch, will be the theme of North Bend State Park’s annual Winter Wonder Weekend scheduled for Jan. 18-20. The winter weekend also will feature other favorite park activities, including hiking, sleigh riding, crafts demonstrations, and performances by local musicians. “During Winter Wonder Weekend, … Read more
It’s time to make New Year’s resolutions, and seven West Virginia state parks and forests are inviting people to join a First Day Hike on Tuesday, Jan. 1, and adopt healthier lifestyles by spending more time outside in 2019. “Hiking is a year-round activity and the experience is different each time, depending upon the season … Read more
The ultimate gift for a West Virginia state park fanatic, park system gift-cards for 2019 include eight bonus coupons for park amenities if purchased before Dec. 14, according to system spokeswoman Miranda Cope. Extras include — A buy-one, get-one-free admission to the fort at Pricketts Fort State Park. Free admission to the wildlife exhibit at Chief Logan … Read more
The expansion of facilities at Cacapon Resort State Park is expected to have a promising impact on tourism at nearby Shops at Berkeley Springs[/caption] “We’re particularly excited to see the increase in conferences that can be accommodated here,” Smith said. “We expect this to significantly increase traffic into our shops and restaurants and, of course, … Read more
Few better places from which to enjoy the approach of autumn exist than the Canaan Valley, perched high in the Alleghenies of eastern West Virginia. Here, where the lowest elevations exceed 3,000 feet above sea level, the leaf change is vivid and comes early — as early as mid-August, says Steve Drumheller, superintendent of Cannan … Read more
