State Parks in West Virginia You Must Visit
West Virginia, nicknamed the “Mountain State” since it’s the only state to lie completely within the Appalachian mountain range, is seriously underrated. There’s about 45 state parks and forests in West Virginia that have a wide range of activities to do, from whitewater rafting, boating, hiking, snow sports, and more!
The state has absolutely stunning mountain and lake views and waterfalls galore worth exploring here in #AlmostHeaven.
With so many state parks to choose from in West Virginia, it can be hard to decide on where to start. The following parks are some of my favorite in the state. Enjoy!
>> Related: 4 Days Exploring West Virginia <<
Important Info for visiting
West Virginia state parks are free to visit currently.
They are also some of the cleanest parks I’ve been to, so please remember the leave no trace principles to keep them that way.
Many of the parks are in bear country, so make sure you read up on bear safety.
This is a mountain state, so make sure you bring the proper hiking gear.
Blackwater Falls
Blackwater Falls State Park
Located in the Allegheny Mountains, Blackwater Falls State Park has some of the state’s most photographed sites. The Blackwater River, which runs through the park, is named as such because of the dark, reddish-brown color of the water, which comes from the presence of natural organic matter containing tannins that can be found in the nearby mountains and valleys.
Easily one of the prettiest places (and most popular) in the entire state because of its rugged natural beauty. The two main waterfalls and the overlooks are just stunning, but there’s other activities as well. Definitely recommend this park if you’re looking for a good time in the mountains.
Top Sites to See & Do:
Blackwater Falls: Walk down over 200 steps along a boardwalk that follows the natural contours of the slope before stopping right before the impressive 57-foot cascade waterfall. It can also be viewed from a distance via the Gentle Trail.
Lindy Point: An observation deck that offers stunning views of the Blackwater Canyon.
Pendleton Point: Another great view of the Blackwater Canyon.
Elakala Falls: A stunning smaller waterfall in the park.
Pase Point: An amazing view of the North Fork of the Blackwater River.
Trails to Hike:
Elakala Trail: 0.5 miles (round trip, moderate) - leads you to Elakala Falls.
Lindy Point Trail: 0.3 miles (one way, moderate) - leads you to Lindy Point.
Balanced Rock Trail: 1 mile (one way, difficult)
Red Spruce Trail: 1.25 miles (one way, difficult) - winds through spruce and hemlocks.
Dobbin House & Pase Point Trail: 3 miles (round trip, difficult) - runs through hardwoods and rhododendron to Pase Point.
Where to Stay:
Blackwater Falls State Park has an amazing Lodge, Campground, or Cabins that you can stay at. There’s also places nearby you can stay at.
Also Nearby:
The charming mountain towns of Davis and Thomas
>> Related: Your Guide To Visiting Blackwater Falls State Park <<
Hawks Nest Overlook
Hawks Nest State Park
Located along the New River Gorge National River, Hawks Nest State Park is a 270-acre recreational area worth exploring. It’s home to one of the most challenging whitewater boating waterways, an absolutely stunning overlook, and more. The area used to be a nesting ground for osprey’s before a portion of the Chesapeake and Ohio Railway was completed in the late 1800s.
While it is a fairly small park with not too much to do (compared to other parks), it’s definitely still working visiting for the amazing views.
Top Sites to See & Do:
Hawks Nest Overlook: Provides a stunning view of the river below.
Aerial tramway: Explore the New River from the lodge to the marina below.
Boating and Fishing.
Trails to Hike:
Cliffside: 1.7 miles (one way) - leads you along high Nutall sandstone cliffs and a waterfall.
Hawks Nest Rail Trail: 1.8 miles (one way) - leads you past waterfalls, bridges, and the remains of a 1920’s coal mine.
>> Related: Hiking As A Solo Female: 5 Tips <<
Where to Stay:
The state park doesn’t have its own campground, but it does have a lodge you can stay at. There’s also places nearby you can stay.
Also Nearby:
Glade Creek Grist Mill Waterfall
Babcock State Park
Spanning over 4,000 acres, Babcock State Park has about 15 hiking trails that lead you through stunning mountain scenery in West Virginia. The main road that goes through the park has multiple overlooks with stunning views of the mountains. Aside from the natural beauty, the park is filled with history from the grist mill to an old railway along one of the trails.
Top Sites to See & Do:
Glade Creek Grist Mill: One of the most iconic landmarks in the state, this fully operational grist mill is a must-see.
Swinging Bridges: Can be found near the cabin area or along the Narrow Gauge Trail.
Natural Arch: Located near the main park entrance along a short trail off the side of the road.
Boley Lake: Here you can go fishing, rent a paddleboat or go for a short hike.
Fishing and Biking.
Trails to Hike:
Island in the Sky: 1 mile (roundtrip) - leads you through high cliffs to a stunning vista
Skyline: 2 miles (one way) - follows a natural cliff line with spectacular vistas
Narrow Gauge Trail: 2.5 miles (one way) - follows the bed of Manns Creek Railway
Where to Stay:
Babcock State Park has a great campground and cabins you can stay at. There’s also places nearby you can stay.
>> Related: Tips For Your First Solo Female Camping Trip <<
Also Nearby:
View from Raven Rock Overlook
Coopers Rock State Forest
Another stunning area of West Virginia. Coopers Rock State Forest boasts canyon overlooks, historical sites, 50 miles of trails, and more. The best part? This forest is only 13 miles outside of Morgantown. The forests’ name comes from a legend that a fugitive hid near the main overlook, a cooper who made and sold barrels from the hideout.
Top Sites to See & Do:
Rock climbing
Henry Clay Iron Furnace - western Virginia’s first steam-powered blast furnace
Biking, fishing, skiing
Coopers Rock Overlook
Raven Rock Overlook
Trails to Hike:
Ravens Rock: 1.5 miles (one way) - leads to the amazing view of Cheat River Canyon.
Clay Run: 1.8 miles (one way) - leads to the historic Henry Clay Iron Furnace.
Where to Stay:
Coopers Rock has two campgrounds, with about 50 total campsites. You’ll also find the cool new Tentrr Campsites after a short hike. If camping isn’t your thing, then Morgantown is close by with other accommodations.
Also Nearby:
Cheat Lake
