About This Park

Established in 1936, Coopers Rock State Forest boasts some of the most iconic views in Almost Heaven. Located just off I-68, about 13 miles from Morgantown, the park features canyon overlooks, historical sites, picnic shelters, 50 miles of hiking and biking trails, sandstone cliffs for climbing and bouldering, cross-country ski terrain, a lake perfect for reeling in trout and a nearby river for rafting.

Notice: The bridge accessing the scenic overlook is open for 2023 season. Visitors to Coopers Rock State Forest during the 2023-2024 season can expect ongoing repairs and new construction on various projects including the bridge area; please be aware and cautious around work zones. Call (304) 594-1561 for more information.

Accommodations

Select an option below to learn more about the accommodations at this park.

Camping

Unique Stays

Activities

Select an activity below to learn more
  • Biking
  • Camping
  • Fishing
  • Geocaching
  • Golf
  • Hiking
  • DeerViewing
    Hunting
  • Museums & Historical Sites
  • Outdoor Adventures
  • Rafting
Attraction is located outside of the park.
Rules & Regulations Deals

Contact

History

Coopers Rock State Forest is named for Coopers Rock, a series of sandstone cliffs above the Cheat River Gorge. Legend has it that a fugitive hid near what is now the overlook. A cooper by trade, he continued to make and sell barrels from his mountain hideout. During the 1800s the iron industry flourished in the area that is now Coopers Rock. Today the remains of the Henry Clay Furnace – the first steam-powered blast furnace in western Virginia – is a popular hiking and biking destination in the forest. The forest proper was established in 1936. Many of its structures, including the main overlook, picnic shelters and superintendent’s house, were built by the Civilian Conservation Corps during the Great Depression. Eleven of these structures have been listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Camping

Coopers Rock has two campgrounds and 50 total campsites. Each site can be reserved a year in advance. Both campgrounds close during the winter but open by the first weekend in April, depending on weather. To confirm opening dates, call the forest office at 304-594-1561.

McCollum Campground
This RV campground has electrical hookups at each site, a central bathhouse with showers, water available at multiple outside faucets and a centralized dump station. WiFi is available at the McCollum Campground for registered campsites and pets are permitted if they remain on a leash.  Note: McCollum Campground closes for the season at the end of November. 

Rhododendron Campground
Trailers are not permitted in this primitive campground. There is no electricity available and potable water is available at the restrooms. There are no showers at Rhododendron Campground, but registered guests may use the showers located in McCollum Campground restroom. Note: Rhododendron Campground closes for the season after the first weekend of November.

Trails

Download Park Trail Map

Clay Furnace Trail

This trail is mostly level grade with a few steep sections. It runs from the furnace parking area to the Henry Clay iron furnace.

Distance: 0.8 miles

Difficulty: Moderate

Clay Run Trail

View the historic Henry Clay Iron Furnace at the end of this moderate hiking trail. The trail begins across the road from the McCollum camping area entrance.

Distance: 1.8 miles

Difficulty: Moderate

Darnell Hollow Trail

This moderate to steep road/trail begins near the Calvary Church on Fairchance Road and ends at Chestnut Ridge Campground.

Distance: 4 miles

Difficulty: Moderate/steep

Eagle Trail

This very easy trail starts to the right of the gift shop and takes you to shelter #3 and the trailhead of Rock City Trail.

Distance: 0.3 miles

Difficulty: Easy

Glade Run Trail

This trail begins on the left of Sand Springs Road and ends at Messinger Lake.

Distance: 1.5 miles

Difficulty: Moderate to difficult

Goodspeed Highway Trail

This road/trail begins at the Quarry Run Road and leads to Chestnut Ridge Camp.

Distance: 3 miles

Difficulty: Easy

Johnson Hollow Trail

This moderate to steep hiking trail connects the Goodspeed Highway Trail with Quarry Run Road.

Distance: 3 miles

Difficulty: Moderate to difficult

Ken's Run Trail

This moderate hiking trail runs from the old Sand Springs homestead to the archery range parking lot.

Distance: 4.5 miles

Difficulty: Moderate

Lick Run Trail

This moderately steep trail begins at Sand Springs Road and ends at W.Va. 73.

Distance: 1.8 miles

Difficulty: Moderate to difficult

McCollum Trail

This trail starts at McCollum Campground, crosses Ravens Rock Trail and connects with the main forest road. It is a great connector trail from the campground to Ravens Rock Trail or Coopers Rock Overlook via Roadside Trail.

Distance: 1 mile

Difficulty: Easy

Mont Chateau Trail

This trail that begins at the Henry Clay iron furnace and ends at Cheat Lake near the old Mont Chateau Lodge.

Distance: 2.6 miles

Difficulty: Moderate to difficult

Rattlesnake Trail

This trail winds along the rocky cliffs that parallel the rim of the Cheat River canyon, and connects the concession stand and Rock City.

Distance:  0.7 miles

Difficulty: Moderate

Ravens Rock Trail

This dual duty access road/trail begins at the gated road on the left, approximately 0.7 miles past the campground entrance. It leads to Ravens Rock overlook, which offers a spectacular view of the Cheat River Canyon.

Distance: 1.5 miles

Difficulty: Moderate

Reservoir Loop Trail

This is a nice trail for those looking for an easy loop hike. It starts from the Clay Run Trail near the reservoir and loops back to Clay Run Trail.

Distance:  0.7 miles

Difficulty: Easy

Rhododendron Trail

This trail starts at the lower picnic area near shelter 3 and ends at the Henry Clay iron furnace. It is the perfect place to see our state flower, the rhododendron.

Distance: 1 mile

Difficulty: Moderate

Ridge Trail

The ridge trail starts at the Rock City shelter, follows a moderate grade and connects with the Mont Chateau Trail.

Distance:  1.5 miles

Difficulty: Moderate

Rock City Trail

This easy to moderate trail runs from picnic shelter 3 through the area known as Rock City.

Distance: 1 mile

Difficulty: Easy

Roadside Trail

This trail leads from the parking lot near the forest entrance to the overlook. It’s a great trail to hike to the overlook while staying off the road.

Distance: 3 miles

Difficulty: Easy

Scott Run Trail

The trail begins near the forest entrance parking area and ends at the McCollum camping area.

Distance: 2.5 miles

Difficulty: Moderate to difficult

Underlook Trail

This trail gives a unique view from the underside of the geological formation that is Coopers Rock overlook.

Distance: 0.2 miles

Difficulty: Moderate

Virgin Hemlock Trail

Visit a large hemlock grove which is over 300 years old at the end of this trail which starts at W.Va.73.

Distance: 1.2 miles

Difficulty: Easy

Ski Trails

Download Park Trail Map

Intermediate Ski Trail

This trail is a connector trail between the Advanced Ski Trail and the Reservoir Ski Trail.

Distance: 0.6 miles

Difficulty: Moderate

Advanced Ski Trail

This trail begins at the forest entrance parking area. For a short distance this trail shares Roadside Trail. When Roadside Trail forks off to the left, continue straight. The trail will lead you to the historic Henry Clay iron furnace.

Distance:  2.3 miles

Difficulty: Moderate to difficult

Reservoir Ski Trail

Branching off the Advanced Ski Trail, this trail connects to the Reservoir Loop Trail.

Distance: 0.8 miles

Difficulty: Moderate

Additional Information

Picnicking

Pack a picnic for a trail side lunch break! Numerous picnic sites and three shelters are provided for the enjoyment of forest visitors. These sites offer tables, grills, drinking water and restroom facilities. Reserve by calling the forest office at 304-594-1561.

The Trading Post

Visit the Trading Post at the scenic overlook area for souvenirs, snacks, toys, apparel, state forest merchandise and other items made in West Virginia.

The Trading Post is open daily, April 1 through mid-November. Normal open hours are from 10 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Contact the Trading Post at 304-594-3786 to check hours or to ask questions.

Nearby Attractions

ALLEGHENY TRAIL (ALT)

The Allegheny Trail is a 311-mile north-south trail with its northern terminus on the Mason-Dixon Line at the Pennsylvania-West Virginia border near Bruceton Mills.  It wends its way south until meeting the Appalachian Trail on Peters Mountain at the Virginia-West Virginia border. Founded in 1972 by the West Virginia Scenic Trail Association, this trail is also known as the ALT.  To learn more about the ALT, click here.

Whitewater rafting

Are you ready for an adventure? Area outfitters provide guided trips and shuttle services on the Cheat River for whitewater rafting. The Cheat at its peak runs up to Class IV+ rapids. Float trips can also be arranged on the flatwater sections of the river. The nearby Youghiogheny River offers some of America’s best whitewater, trips run from April to November.

Lakeview Golf Resort and Spa

Enjoy one of the state’s top family and golf resorts! Relax in 187 guestrooms, a full-service spa, two restaurants, an indoor swimming pool and fitness center, and two championship golf courses. Talk about rest and relaxation!

Cheat Lake

This 13-mile reservoir on the Cheat River is a popular area for boating and fishing. Three marinas provide rentals including ski boats, pontoons, paddleboards and kayaks. Your day on the water awaits!

West Virginia State Parks

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Prickett’s Fort State Park
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West Virginia Geological and Economic Survey's Museum of Geology and Natural History

The West Virginia Geological and Economic Survey’s Museum of Geology and Natural History, located in the lobby of the Survey’s office on Cheat Lake near Morgantown, showcases the rich and varied story of West Virginia’s geology through rock, mineral, fossil and natural history displays. In addition to being a repository for all types of geologic specimens, the museum’s ongoing collection includes historic books, maps, manuscripts and artifacts. The museum is located at 1 Mont Chateau Drive, Morgantown, WV 26508 Open hours are: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekdays. The museum is closed weekends and holidays. Learn more by calling 304-594-2331 or visiting wvgs.wvnet.edu/www/museum/museum.htm.

West Virginia Botanic Garden at Tibbs Run Preserve

The West Virginia Botanic Garden at Tibbs Run Preserve seeks to foster learning, inspiration, nd wellbeing through the beauty and wonder of plants, the natural environment and culturally enriching experiences. The garden is located at 1061 Tyrone Road in Morgantown WV, 26508. To learn more, find maps, hours, events and a FAQ page, visit wvbg.org.

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