Historic structures, buried geocaches, and million dollar views are waiting to be found

Coopers Rock State Forest has long been an area of intrigue and mystery. Year after year, visitors flock to the park so they may discover its hidden secrets. Legend has it that a fugitive hid near what is now the overlook. A cooper by trade, he made and sold barrels from his mountain hideout. It is after this cooper and the forest’s impressive sandstone cliffs that overlook the Cheat River that the park is named. Come visit this mysterious mountain hideaway for yourself and discover the history and treasures this West Virginia State Forests holds.

Geocaching: a modern day treasure hunt

Looking for some treasure? If you have a smartphone and a sense of adventure, then treasure awaits you in Coopers Rock State Forest. There are 14 cache sites throughout the forest. Each cache is unique and provides the site visitor with a wide variety of rewards. But remember, if you take something from the cache, replace it with something for the next person to discover. For a full list of cache sites, click here.

Discover ancient sites and spectacular views

Coopers Rock State Forest is home to nearly 50 miles of hiking and biking trails. Along these quiet, winding trails, explorers will find beautiful flora and fauna, as well as some more unusual and unique discoveries.  The Henry Clay Iron Furnace Trail, for example, takes you on a trip back in time to find a huge stone structure used for producing iron in the 1800s. This large stone furnace is located in a grassy glade in an otherwise undisturbed forest. Additionally, the forest has many overlooks of the canyon section of the Cheat River. Basque in these breathtaking views all year round atop the sandstone cliffs that have stood the test of time.

Embark on epic adventures

Beauty, history, and outdoor adventures abound at Coopers Rock. Live like the legend cooper and camp beneath a blanket of stars. Coopers Rock campground has 25 sites, so you can extend your mountain escapade for a couple days or more! In addition to hunting for hidden treasures and ancient ruins, many more adventures await in this dense forest. The cheat river is perfect for white water rafting. Area outfitters provide guided trips and shuttle services, which at its peak runs up to Class IV+. Float trips can also be arranged on the flatwater sections of the river.

For those seeking to explore new heights, Coopers Rock is known for stiff grades and “gritstone.” Here you’ll find some of the best bouldering sites in all of West Virginia. It also has several rock-climbing areas worth checking out. Hunting and fishing are also permitted on forest property with the proper license. With hunting season just around the corner, start planning you hunting trip to Coopers Rock today!