Cabwaylingo State Forest Overview & History

State Forest Overview

Located on 8,296 heavily forested acres in southern West Virginia, Cabwaylingo State Forest is a beautiful destination to relax and unwind. The forest gets its unique name from the four surrounding counties: Cabell, Wayne, Lincoln and Mingo. Cabwaylingo State Forest was established in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps to rebuild wooded land in southern West Virginia. Next to its natural beauty and blissful serenity, Cabwaylingo has immense recreational opportunities. This state forest is home to the Cabwaylingo Trail, the first in the Hatfield-McCoy Trail System located within a West Virginia State Forest. ATV, UTV, 4×4 and dirt bike riders will find nearly 100 miles of fast-paced expedition for the ultimate adventure. 

State Forest History

Cabwaylingo State Forest was established in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps to rebuild forested land in Southern West Virginia. This effort marked the beginning of the West Virginia State Park System. Over the years, CCC workers built log cabins, the superintendent’s residence, hiking trails and more. Located near the campgrounds, you can find the historical Tick Ridge Fire Tower built in 1935. It is only one of less than a dozen fire towers that remain open but not operational.