State Parks and Forests
Explore West Virginia’s 35 scenic state parks, 9 state forests, three rail trails and countless adventures. Discover four-season recreation and cozy accommodations. Observe scenic overlooks, cascading waterfalls, deep valleys and sprawling meadows. Tee off at a lakeside golf course, take in the views from above on a zipline or aerial tramway and enjoy fun in the sun at splash parks and adventure lakes.Welcome to our parks – where Almost Heaven beauty and serenity surround you no matter where you go. From hiking and biking to scenic train rides and snow sports, West Virginia State Parks offer something for everyone! We provide affordable family fun, romantic getaways and endless opportunities to go outside and explore the great outdoors.
What better place to plan your next trip than the Mountain State?
Browse By Region
Northern Panhandle
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.
Mountaineer Country
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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 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.
Potomac Highlands
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.
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 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.
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 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.
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 6th, 1863 and they have reenactments of battle in October of even numbered years.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Eastern Panhandle
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 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.
Mountain Lakes
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
Mid – Ohio Valley
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 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.
North Bend Rail Trail stretches 72 miles across north-central and western West Virginia. This wilderness path takes travelers across 36 bridges and through 10 tunnels and is part of the 5,500-mile American Discovery Trail, which spans the length of the United States. The trail has become one of the most renowned recreational trails through the Appalachians, and is known for its mountainous scenery and varied views of shaded tree canopies, rock cuts and farmland.
Metro Valley
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.
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.
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!
Elk River Trail
Step outside and discover the scenic beauty of the Elk River along the Elk River Trail, the newest addition to the West Virginia State Parks system. Explore 28 miles of the Elk River Trail’s proposed 72 miles by walking, hiking or biking. The trail provides easy access to the Elk River for canoeing, kayaking or fishing and several beautiful waterfalls await along the trail. Thanks to its flat terrain, the Elk River Trail is perfect for all outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. The Elk River Trail is easily accessible from multiple exits off I-79.
The Duck to Hartland section of the Elk River Trail is currently open and includes 28 miles of beautiful rail trail to explore.
Hatfield & McCoy Mountains
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.
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.
New River – Greenbrier Valley
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The Greenbrier River Trail is a 78-mile former railroad now used for hiking, biking and horseback riding. It is the longest trail of its kind in West Virginia. The trail provides many breathtaking views as it passes through several small towns, crosses 35 bridges, goes through two tunnels and cuts through some of West Virginia’s most remote areas.
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