About This Park
Located in eastern Pocahontas and Greenbrier counties, Calvin Price State Forest is covered in more than 9,000 acres of mixed hardwoods and pine. The forest is named in honor of the late Calvin W. Price, a Marlinton newspaper editor who advocated for the purchase and designation of this area as a state forest. Uniquely, Calvin Price is mostly undeveloped, and instead relies on nearby Watoga State Park, one of West Virginia’s largest parks, for lodging and other activities.
This park does not offer overnight accommodations within the park.
Activities
Select an activity below to learn more-
Camping
Camping
Calvin Price is a day-use park, but you’re never far from a campground in West Virginia. Try these nearby campgrounds:
Watoga State Park
23 miles, :57 drive
4800 Watoga Park Rd.
Marlinton, WV 24954
(304) 799-4087Seneca State Forest
39 miles, 1:15 drive
10135 Browns Creek Road
Dunmore, WV 24934
(304) 799-6213 -
Fishing
Fishing
The nearby Greenbrier River runs adjacent to Calvin Price and offers great fishing opportunities. You can purchase a license online.
Fishing in Calvin Price State Forest
-
Hiking
Hiking
The primary focus at Calvin Price State Forest is forest, wildlife and watershed management. This makes for a perfect hike and great opportunities to see West Virginia’s wildlife and flourishing forest.
-
Hunting
Hunting
Hunting opportunities abound in Calvin Price State Forest, since nearly two-thirds of the forest is accessible only by foot. Wildlife that may be seen include bear, deer, grouse, squirrel and turkey. Proper license is required and can be purchased online.
Hunting in Calvin Price State Forest
Contact
- Phone: 304-799–4087
- Email: watogasp@wv.gov
- Address: 4800 Watoga Park Rd, Marlinton, WV 24954
History
Calvin Price State Forest is the newest addition to West Virginia’s park system, having been mostly purchased in 1953 from the New River Lumber Company. The forest was heavily logged between 1880 and 1920. In the early 1900s, a large tract of timber was harvested by the Maryland Lumber Company. After the land was sold by the company in 1922, it was divided into two sections and resold. The section north of Laurel Run became part of Watoga State Park. The southern tract was purchased by the New River Company and sold to the state in 1953. It was dedicated on May 15, 1954.
Trails
The Allegheny Trail winds through the eastern part of the forest, and the Greenbrier River Trail follows the river along the opposite bank.
Nearby Attractions
Allegheny Trail
Running about five miles through Calvin Price State Forest and Watoga State Park, the Allegheny Trail is part of a backpack trail system, extending from its northern terminus near Blackwater Falls State Park in Tucker County to its intersection with the famed Appalachian Trail near the West Virginia and Virginia border in Monroe County.
Beartown State Park
Beartown State Park is a natural area of 107 acres located on the eastern summit of Droop Mountain near Hillsboro. It offers a boardwalk for a scenic hike of the unusual rock formations.
Cass Scenic Railroad State Park
Located in the historic town of Cass, the Cass Scenic Railroad transports passengers to a time when logging was a way of life in Pocahontas County. Restored company buildings have been refurbished and are available for overnight stays in this logging town.
Droop Mountain Battlefield State Park
Droop Mountain Battlefield State Park is in the Greenbrier River Valley north of Lewisburg and is the site of West Virginia’s last significant Civil War battle. It features a museum, day park facilities, hiking trails and a popular lookout tower.
Greenbrier River Trail
The Greenbrier River Trail is a 78-mile long rail trail operated by West Virginia State Park system. Trail uses include bicycling, backpacking, cross-country skiing and horseback riding.
Monongahela National Forest
Visitors to this beautiful working forest will enjoy breathtaking and iconic mountain vistas, peaceful country roads, gently flowing streams, and glimpses of the many species of plants and animals that inhabit the West Virginia forest.
Watoga State Park
The park consists of 10,100 acres filled with recreational activities including hiking, swimming fishing and boating. Vacation cabins are open year-round for your enjoyment.