Spend time in state parks and forests, but be respectful of others and pick up your trash

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed how we spend our time, but West Virginia’s state parks and forests are open so folk have a place to enjoy fresh air and exercise.

If you do visit a park or forest, here are four visuals to help you stay six feet apart, whether you’re on the trail or fishing on the lake.

What six feet looks like

And as you enjoy state parks and forests, here are a few things to remember to keep ourselves and our public lands safe and healthy:

Leave No Trace

When visiting a park or forest, observing Leave No Trace principles minimizes your impact on the land. Use designated trails, don’t litter, don’t pick wildflowers and keep a respectable distance from wildlife. Pack out your trash and recyclables and dispose of everything when you get back home. And if you see people trashing a park or forest, report them.

Find some space

Make sure you avoid crowds and don’t join up with another group or organize a gathering. Adhere to six feet physical distancing guidelines.

Be mindful, kind and accepting

Everyone is dealing with the pandemic in their own way, so be kind and considerate to anyone you may cross paths with while in a park or forest. We’re all in this together.

For updates on closures and service changes due to COVID-19, check our travel alert page. For health and safety guidelines, check the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources COVID-19 page.