State Parks and Forests

Tomlinson Run State Park

Tomlinson Run State Park lies along the Ohio River, near the tip of the Northern Panhandle. This 1,398-acre park has a disc golf course that is great for a summer day. Make sure to plan a stay in one of the parks yurts which come with cooler, propane stove, lantern, cookware, picnic table and fire ring.

Coopers Rock State Forest

Just 13 miles from Morgantown, West Virginia Coopers Rock State Forest boasts some of the most iconic views in Almost Heaven. Coopers Rock offers premiere rock-climbing opportunities on its sandstone cliffs. The canyon overlooks at this state forest are a must-see attraction in the Mountain State.

Fairfax Stone State Park

One of the oldest markers in the United States, the stone rests at the junction of Tucker, Grant and Preston counties and marks the boundary between Maryland and West Virginia. When visiting this 4-acre park make sure to visit the historical marker.

Prickett’s Fort State Park

Prickett’s Fort State Park is a 188-acre state park north of Fairmont, West Virginia. This historical park commemorates late 18th-century life on the Virginia frontier. Hike the Prickett’s Fort Nature Trail that introduces guests to the flora and fauna of north central West Virginia. Launch your boat into the Prickett Creek that flows into the Monongahela River. 

Tygart Lake State Park

In the foothills of the Alleghany Mountains the 10-mile long, 1,750-acre lake offers many outdoor activities at the park. Rent a boat at Tygart Lake Marina and have a day surrounded by scenic mountains on the lake. Make sure to bring fishing poles to experience some of the best fishing in the state while staying at the lakeside lodging that is great for unwinding after a full day of adventures. 

Valley Falls State Park

Once the site of a lumber and grist mill, this 1,145-acre offers scenic beauty and historical significance. Bike the Tygart Valley (River) Trail with a fishing rod to catch some muskie and largemouth bass. Make sure to check out the four picturesque falls created by the dark, rushing waters of the Tygart Valley River.

Watters Smith Memorial State Park

The 532-acre historical park that is in Harrison County, shows the heritage of early West Virginia and pioneer spirit of Watters Smith. Visit the restored pioneer homestead from the 1700s for a tour of the house and museum to see artifacts from the era.

Cathedral State Park

Cathedral State Park is the state’s largest old-growth forest and contains one of the largest stands of virgin hemlock in West Virginia. Designated a National Natural Landmark, this 133-acre park offers sanctuary for these ancient trees, as well as 170 species of trees, ferns and wildflowers. During spring and summer, Cathedral State Park offers excellent hiking on its three miles of trails and unique photography opportunities.

Beartown State Park

Beartown State Park is a 110-acre natural area located on the eastern summit of Droop Mountain in northern Greenbrier County and a small portion of Pocahontas County. It is known for unusual rock formations and massive boulders that photographers love. The park is best known for the half-mile boardwalk that showcases the spectacular sights Beartown offers.

Blackwater Falls State Park

This Tucker County state park is home to some of the state’s most photographed spots. Make sure to bring the camera when hiking to these must-see areas; The falls, Elakala Falls, Lindy Point and Pendleton Point Overlook are some of the most beautiful places in the Mountain State. The park is home to the longest sledding magic carpet in the winter.

Calvin Price State Park

Calvin Price State Forest has 9,482-acres and is the newest in West Virginia’s system. The main outdoor recreational uses of the park are hunting and hiking this young state forest. Bring a tent and supplies for some primitive camping experiences in the area.

Canaan Valley Resort State Park

Located on a high plateau in the Allegheny Mountains, Canaan Valley Resort State Park is a gorgeous year-round destination. Golf while surrounded by the beautiful outdoors and afterwards eat at The Hickory Room with panoramic views of the valley. Take a ride on the scenic lift for some of the best views in Almost Heaven. The park was listed among the 50 Great Places to Stay by Washington Magazine. Make sure to visit in the winter to experience the top-notch ski slopes offered. 

Cass Scenic Railroad State Park

Cass offers an 11-mile heritage railroad and authentic company town which have proven to be some of the state’s most popular tourist attractions. The scenic railroad takes you back in time to relive in the era when steam driven locomotives were apart of everyday life. This historically rich state park houses the Cass Historical Museum and the Cass Historical Theatre where you can learn more about the relatively unchanged town.

Droop Mountain Battlefield State Park

Apart of the Civil War Discovery Trail, this park is known as the first West Virginia state park and offers some of the best views in Almost Heaven atop the iconic Droop Mountain Tower. West Virginia’s last important Civil War battle was fought here on November 6^th, 1863 and they have reenactments of battle in October of even numbered years. 

Kumbrabow State Forest

Kumbrabow State Forest in Randolph County is West Virginia’s highest forest with 9,474-acres of forest at an elevation of more than 3,000 feet above sea level. Hike Clay Run Trail along Mill Creek with some fishing gear to catch some wild brook trout.

Lost River State Park

This quiet 3,934-acres park is perfect for a secluded adventure for nature lovers and has 26 cabins that give you the full experience of the area. Hike up to its widely known Cranny Crow overlook atop the Big Ridge Mountain that gives a commanding view of five counties. Ride horseback through the wooded trails that offer a scenic adventure lead by experienced guides.

Seneca State Forest

West Virginia’s oldest and largest state forest has 12,884-acres of woodlands to explore. Best known for their 65-foot Thorny Mountain Fire Tower that have some spectacular 360-degree views and can be booked for overnight stays. Boat or kayak the 4-acre Seneca Lake to fish for trout and bass.

Watoga State Park

Located in the mountains of Pocahontas County, Watoga State Park is West Virginia’s largest state park with 10,100-acres of land. Walk along the Greenbrier River Trail after staying in one of the many updated cabins the park has to offer. Make sure to bring your rod and reel to catch some smallmouth bass out of the easily accessed Greenbrier River.

Berkeley Springs State Park

Berkeley Springs State Park is home to a mineral spa that has been in use since colonial times. Known for its warm spring that flows at a constant temperature of 74.3 degrees. Visit the park’s Old Roman and Main bathhouses offer a wide selection of spa services for visitors.

Cacapon Resort State Park

Cacapon Resort offers 6,000 acres of exciting outdoor adventures year-round. Known for their premiere golfing at the par-72 Robert Trent Jones, Sr. golf course, that is a top 100 course in the country, according to USA Today. Stay in one of the vacation cabins or at the resort in the 48-room lodge that offer amazing amenities and hospitality.

Stonewall Resort State Park

The park features Stonewall Jackson Lake, one of West Virginia’s most undeveloped and scenic lakes with over 82 miles of beautiful shoreline that provide some of the best bass and muskie fishing in the state. Make sure to bring golf clubs to play on an Arnold Palmer signature course and finish it off with dinner at Stillwaters, the resorts signature restaurant. 

Audra State Park

Audra State Park is a heavily wooded area bisected by the Middle Fork River located in southwestern Barbour County and a portion of Upshur County. The Middle Fork and its beautiful surroundings draw in lots of visitors every year. Hike the Alum Creek and Cave Trail to be met with a spectacular view of the Middle Fork River.

Carnifex Ferry Battlefield State Park

Located on the rim of the Gauley River Canyon and just minutes away from Summersville Lake, there are plenty of adventures to do when visiting this historical park. Learn about how the confederates failed to regain control of the Kanawha Valley at the Patterson House Museum, then take a hike along this official Civil War Discovery Trail that commemorates the 1861 Battle of Carnifex Ferry.  

Cedar Creek State Park

Set on 2,588 wooded acres near Glenville in West Virginia’s central region, Cedar Creek State Park’s rolling hills and wide valleys provide an ideal backdrop for a variety of recreational activities. Play some miniature-golf and afterwards jump in the park’s outdoor pool to cool off. Hike the 14-miles of trails that show you the beauty of Almost Heaven’s central region. 

Holly River State Park

With 8,101 acres of dense forest, Holly River is West Virginia’s second largest state park. Located in a narrow valley in the Mountain Lakes region, the park is surrounded by heavily forested mountains, some reaching more than 2,800 feet in height. The dense forests of Holly River provide guests with a natural setting where they can find peaceful solitude. Recreational opportunities in this park include camping, hiking, swimming and tennis.

Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park

Located on a small island in the Ohio River, Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park is home to Palladian mansion and museum that is visited by 40,000 people each year. Take a horse-drawn carriage tour of the area to get the full historical experience of the park. 

North Bend State Park

North Bend State Park in nearby Cairo and Harrisville, West Virginia, offers a multitude of outdoor recreational facilities in a beautiful rural setting. Kayak on the 305-acre lake that is a great fishing spot for all anglers. The year-round park offers many trails with abundant wildlife to see when exploring.

Kanawha State Forest

The 9,300-acre park is just seven miles from the capitol city of Charleston, West Virginia. Head to the state forest’s public gun range to get ready for hunting season. Rich cove forest sites provide nesting habitat for 19 species of wood warblers, a feature which draws bird watchers from as far away as Canada to hike the trails of this beautiful state forest.

Beech Fork State Park

The 3,144-acre park houses 275 campsites with 99 of them being lakefront which make this park a great destination for a family camping trip. Cast a line on the 31-mile shoreline to catch some of the most popular sport fish in the state. Rent a kayak or paddle boat to explore the gorgeous lake. Just a short drive from Huntington and Barboursville makes for a great weekend trip to the park.

Tu-Endie-Wei State Park

Located at the junction of the Ohio and Kanawha Rivers that is home to an 84-foot granite monument that commemorates the frontiersmen who fought and died in the 1774 Battle of Point Pleasant. Visit the Mansion House Museum that was built in 1796 to learn more about this historical site. There is no admission fee!

Chief Logan State Park

Chief Logan State Park is one of the most visited facilities in West Virginia and has plenty of activities to choose from on this 4,000-acre haven. Known for the Liz Spurlock Amphitheatre to catch an outdoor performance. Each Summer they perform the historical drama “The Aracoma Story” which is about the area. The park being just a short drive from the Hatfield-McCoy Trail System makes this location great for an overnight stay after a long day on the trails. 

Cabwaylingo State Forest

This 8,296-acre park that is heavily forested is a beautiful place to relax and unwind from a long week. The Wayne County forest gets it unique name from the four surrounding counties: (Cab)el, (Way)ne, (Lin)coln and Min(go). Bring a helmet for the Cabwaylingo Trail, the first in the Hatfield-McCoy Trail to be in an Almost Heaven State Park. Riders can find nearly 100 trials for off-road use.

Moncove Lake State Park 

This 250-acre park with a 500-acre wildlife management area offers many activities to do within this beautiful state park. A prime spot for birding with over 160 different species that can be seen in the area. The park has excellent fishing and water recreation opportunities at the Moncove Lake. 

Pipestem Resort State Park

Located near Bramwell, West Virginia the park has 7 miles of trails that can be hiked or biked. Bike the trails to the popular overlook atop Pinnacle Rock and snap some pictures of the gorgeous scenery. Take advantage of the parks picnic tables to take a break from exploring the wooded trails.

Pinnacle Rock State Park

Located near Bramwell, West Virginia the park has 7 miles of trails that can be hiked or biked. Bike the trails to the popular overlook atop Pinnacle Rock and snap some pictures of the gorgeous scenery. Take advantage of the parks picnic tables to take a break from exploring the wooded trails.

Panther State Forest

Almost Heaven’s southernmost state forest sits on the border of West Virginia and Kentucky. The park occupies 7,810 rugged acres that offer several outdoor activities. Take one of the heavily wooded trails up to one of the several overlooks for awesome views.

Twin Falls Resort State Park

Set on a high, wooded ridge in the rugged mountains of Wyoming County in southern West Virginia, Twin Falls Resort State Park an ideal destination for nature lovers. Golf the 18-hole course that has terrific views and challenges golfers of every skill level. Visit the fully functional Pioneer Farm, which gives a glimpse of what frontier life was like.

Hawks Nest State Park

Nestled in the heart of whitewater rafting country, Hawks Nest State Park is a 270-acre recreational area that offers plenty of outdoor adventures for the family. Take a ride on the aerial tramway to see some of the state’s most spectacular views. Visit the nature museum to learn more about the nature we love dearly.

Babcock State Park

Located just 20 miles southeast from the New River Gorge Bridge, Babcock State Park is one of the most iconic West Virginia locations. Visit the beautiful and popular Glade Creek Grist Mill, a fully functional replica of the original Cooper’s Mill, which once stood on the grounds. Head to the New River Gorge and enjoy the of the world’s best white-water rafting. 

Bluestone State Park

This lakeside retreat offers lots of outdoor activities for an amazing weekend getaway. Rent a boat and fish for some striped bass in the third largest body of water in the Mountain State. The state’s record holding longest, and heaviest striped bass were both caught at this location. Take a ziplining tour to see some scenery you only see above the treetops. 

Little Beaver State Park

With 562-acres, Little Beaver State Park offers plenty of family fun, beautiful scenery and outdoor recreation. The park features nearly 20 miles of trails to explore and an 18-acre lake where anglers may fish for a variety of species year-round. Make sure to paddle boat the gorgeous lake to experience all of Little Beaver State Park.

Camp Creek State Park & Forest

The nearly 6,000-acre State Park and Forest is known for its photogenic waterfalls and great camping. The 35 miles of trails offer something for every hiker, biker and horseback rider to enjoy. 7 miles of seasonally stocked trout streams are an angler’s dream. 

Greenbrier State Forest

Covering 5,200-acres in southeastern West Virginia, Greenbrier State Forest delivers secluded natural beauty with a wide range of recreational options. Magnificent views are surrounding and a hike up to the imposing and impressive 3,280′ high Kate’s Mountain will not disappoint. Hit the disc golf courses for a competition out in the wilderness.

Fort Boreman Historical Park

Located just two miles from downtown Parkersburg, the park features a reconstructed Union Civil War fortification and trenches. Take walk along the nature trail for some great scenic beauty of the Little Kanawha and Ohio Rivers. Take a seat at a picnic table with family at this historic park.