Document your trip to a West Virginia State Park using the hashtag #WVStateParks

West Virginia’s state parks and forests are full of stunning views and photographable overlooks. No filters needed to bring out their natural beauty! If you’re looking for a place that will inspire you and your social media followers, check out these Instagramable spots, and don’t forget to use the hashtag #WVStateParks!

Boardwalks at Audra and Beartown

Take a hike along along the Alum Creek and Cave Trail at Audra State Park, and you’ll see why this park’s iconic winding boardwalk, hedged in by the Alum Cave overhang, is one of the most photographed locations in West Virginia. The boardwalk provides a spectacular view and colorful photography opportunities of the Middle Fork River, perfect for Instagrammers, video bloggers and nature photographers!

For another unique boardwalk photo, check out Beartown State Park. This park’s half-mile boardwalk winds through unusual rocky formations, massive boulders, overhanging cliffs and deep crevices, which will give your photos an interesting perspective.

Glade Creek Grist Mill at Babcock

It’s graced the covers of magazines around the world and been featured on thousands of people’s Instagram feeds. There’s a reason the Glade Creek Grist Mill at Babcock State Park is a popular destination for photographers. Beautiful in any season, this location is photographed most often in the fall, when leaves turn fiery red and create a natural frame for the iconic mill. Small waterfalls also surround the mill, making this spot perfect from almost any angle. Let the likes roll in!

Waterfalls at Blackwater Falls and Valley Falls

Located in the Allegheny Mountains of Tucker County, Blackwater Falls is another popular photography destination. The park’s iconic waterfall attracts amateur and professional photographers alike. It’s 57-foot cascade of amber waters tinted by the tannic acid of fallen hemlock and red spruce needles is a one-of-a-kind location. If you have a DSLR camera, make sure you bring a tripod and snap a long exposure photo of this marvel of nature. There are several viewing platforms, so make sure you check them all out. And while you’re at the park, don’t miss out on hiking one of the park’s winding scenic trails to get a stunning view of the Blackwater Canyon below.

While not as tall as Blackwater Falls, you don’t want to miss your chance to see the series of four picturesque waterfalls at Valley Falls State Park.  A popular spring and summer destination, these falls take on new life in the fall. Take a hike along the Tygart Valley River trail and document each cascading waterfall for your Instagram account.

Bald Knob at Cass Scenic Railroad

This Instagramable location will take you back in time on a steam-driven locomotive high into the West Virginia hills. Catch a ride on Cass Scenic Railroad State Park’s 4.5-hour train ride to the overlook at Bald Knob, the third highest point in West Virginia. From there, you’ll have plenty of breathtaking views that’ll make for an amazing photo to share with your followers.

Overlooks at Coopers Rock and Hawks Nest

Located 13 miles outside of Morgantown, Coopers Rock is one of the state’s most popular travel destinations. The forest’s trails lead you out to several overlooks that offer beautiful views of the Cheat River Canyon. Go at sunset and watch the sun dip below the mountains and paint the sky deep purple, pink and blue. You’ll never want to leave!

If you’re looking for scenic overlooks, you’ll want to drive south to Hawks Nest State Park. The Hawks Nest Overlook trail is a short, paved path that leads you directly to a perch that offers panoramic views of the New River, the Hawks Nest Tunnel area and surrounding mountains. From this vantage point, you can survey the New River Gorge, much like the birds of prey this park is named after. At this park, you can also get great photos of two bridges and waterfalls along the Hawks Nest Rail Trail.

Observation Towers at Droop Mountain Battlefield and Seneca State Forest

Sometimes, you have to climb up high to get the best views. Thankfully, several parks have observation towers where you can see miles of beautiful mountain scenery. The historic lookout tower at Droop Mountain Battlefield State Park offers remarkable views of the Greenbrier Valley. Take the stairs to the very top of the tower and capture the beauty of the Mountain State.  This park was the location of the last major American Civil War conflict in West Virginia, so you might just learn a few things along the way!

For another inspiring tower view, drive about an hour to Seneca State Forest and check out the Thorny Mountain Fire Tower. The 65-foot tower provides 360 degree views of lush forestland. Pictures of the lofty tower as well as the views from its balcony will surely spark comments of curiosity and delight.

Take a photo at one of these parks, or visit them all. Either way, the natural beauty you’ll see at West Virginia’s state parks will inspire you and your followers. Plan your trip today!

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