6 Hidden Gem West Virginia State Parks You Need to Visit
State Parks in West Virginia perfectly encapsulate the state’s natural beauty (and best-kept secrets). Whether you’re looking for a spot to go on an uninterrupted hike or want a peaceful backdrop for your picnic date, you’ll find more than you expected at a state park.
Pay these six West Virginia State Parks a visit and explore what makes them true hidden gems.
1. Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park ⛴️
Would you believe us if we told you there’s an island in West Virginia? Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park is a hidden gem along the Ohio River. The island was first settled in 1789 by Harman and Margaret Blennerhassett, wealthy Irish aristocrats fleeing political persecution and personal scandal. Over the years, the couple’s mansion gained a reputation for being the West’s most beautiful home.
While the original mansion no longer stands, there is a replica that captures the same charm as the original. From May until October, take a 20-minute ride on a 19th-century-style sternwheeler to the island and tour the mansion, hop on a horse-and-carriage ride and get a feel for this historic gem.
2. Cathedral State Park 🌳
In Preston County, Cathedral State Park is the perfect place for tree huggers to explore different species of trees. This state park has West Virginia’s largest old-growth forest and contains one of the most extensive stands of virgin hemlock. Designated a National Natural Landmark, this 133-acre park offers sanctuary for 170 species of trees, ferns and wildflowers. Cathedral State Park offers excellent hiking on its three miles of trails and makes for a great backdrop for scenic photos.
3. Fairfax Stone State Park 🪨
Did you know there’s a state park dedicated to a rock? Fairfax Stone State Park comprises four acres, named after the Fairfax Stone, a surveyor’s marker and boundary stone used in the 1700s to settle a dispute over land in the English colonies of Maryland and Virginia. The stone rests at the junction of Tucker, Grant and Preston counties and marks the boundary between Maryland and West Virginia.
To get there from Blackwater Falls State Park, continue north on Route 219 or Seneca Trail and make a slight right turn onto Kenston Road. Turn right onto Fairfax Stone Road and continue for about two miles. You will eventually come to a loop where the stone lies beside nearby picnic tables, making this a quiet, relaxing spot.
4. Holly River State Park 🌷
With 8,101 acres of dense forest tucked away in the Mountain Lakes region, Holly River State Park is West Virginia’s second-largest state park known for its wide range of flora, including wildflowers and ferns. Heavily forested mountains surround Holly River, 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. Amenities include picnic shelters, corrals for campers with horses and the Cookhouse.
5. Tomlinson Run State Park 🌿
Known as West Virginia’s “top” state park, Tomlinson Run State Park lies along the Ohio River, near the tip of the Northern Panhandle. The park’s 1,398 acres are divided into two sections: a wilderness area with heavily forested hills, overhanging cliffs of sandstone and shale, and many wildflowers and fauna, and a developed area with traditional park offerings. The park features many recreational activities, including hiking, fishing, boating and swimming. Extend your trip by renting a camper cabin or pitching a tent under the stars. Don’t forget to take your picture on the Almost Heaven swing!
6. Watoga State Park 🌌
With 10,100 acres of land in Pocahontas County, Watoga State Park is West Virginia’s largest state park. Watoga boasts many recreational activities, including hiking, fishing and boating. Watoga Lake is known for excellent fishing opportunities and is regularly stocked with trout and other fish species. The Nature Center, museum and observation tower are just a few unique attractions. This state park is even an official Dark Sky Park, meaning stargazing here will have you starstruck. Watoga is a beautiful destination to pitch a tent beneath a stunning, starry sky.
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