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.
Rangers at North Bend State Park on July 21 will helps guests learn new outdoors skills, offering introductory courses in backpacking, geocaching, and backcountry camping. The courses last anywhere from two hours to overnight, according to Steve Jones, superintendent of North Bend. “Sometimes you need a little help learning a new outdoor skill,” Jones said of … Read more
Visitors to Canaan Valley Resort in the highlands of northeastern West Virginia are learning the fundamentals of wilderness living from experts in the field, thanks to a new educational program being provided there. Through September, the resort is offering classes designed to teach participants how to build shelters, light fires, navigate the back-country, and identify … Read more
Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park will debut an early 19th century-style garden party June 23 at the park’s recently restored Blennerhassett Pleasure Garden. The party will feature lawn games, period music, and dancing, as well as an appearance by Harman and Margaret Blennerhassett and their English gardener, Peter Taylor, as portrayed in costume by historians … Read more
The historic spa at Berkeley Springs, West Virginia, is introducing a loyalty-card program to accommodate regular patrons of its bathhouses, according to spa officials. One of the Mountain State’s most popular tourist attractions, the warm mineral springs in use since colonial times also hosts an audience of regular guests who soak in its waters and … Read more
Featuring stunning views of the New River Gorge, The Vista Restaurant at Hawks Nest State Park has opened under park management, the W.Va. Division of Natural Resources announced today. The upscale restaurant in the park’s cliffside lodge will begin serving alcoholic beverages after July 1. “It’s a new start at Hawks Nest State Park,” superintendent … Read more
The lake at Little Beaver State Park has been nominated one of the best places to go for family-friendly fishing and boating in West Virginia, according to the W.Va. Division of Natural Resources. The lake is featured on a “Top Mom-Approved Places to Fish and Boat” list “made for moms, by moms,” according to a … Read more
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — I can’t think of a West Virginia state park that wouldn’t be ideal for a summer getaway. Many boast swimming pools and streams ideal for wading, and almost all are shady with forest trees. But when our staff asked me to provide a list of our favorite summer parks, coming up with … Read more
Three state agencies have partnered with the W.Va. Farmers Market Association to host eight farm-to-table dinners in West Virginia state parks. Each will take place at a park restaurant, pairing locally grown produce and products for menu items. The goal of the dinners is to introduce more locally sourced products into restaurant menus, while developing … Read more
Blackwater Falls State Park, near Davis, West Virginia, will welcome hundreds of wildflower enthusiasts to the area May 10-13 for a weekend of springtime outdoor adventure and nature exploration during its 57th annual West Virginia Wildflower Pilgrimage. The Wildflower Pilgrimage is one of the longest-running special events sponsored by the W.Va. Division of Natural Resources. … Read more
The 35th annual Sue Browning Wildflower Hike is scheduled for Saturday, April 7, at Chief Logan State Park near Logan, West Virginia. The popular hike commemorates local wildflower enthusiast and Logan Garden Club member, Sue Browning. Two hikes are planned, according to a release from the W.Va. Department of Commerce. The principal hike will follow … Read more
