About This Park

Cathedral State Park is the state’s largest old-growth forest and contains one of the largest stands of virgin hemlock in West Virginia. Designated a National Natural Landmark, this 133-acre park offers sanctuary for these ancient trees, as well as 170 species of trees, ferns and wildflowers. During spring and summer, Cathedral State Park offers excellent hiking on its three miles of trails and unique photography opportunities.

This park does not offer overnight accommodations within the park.

Activities

Select an activity below to learn more
  • Camping
  • Geocaching
  • Hiking
  • Museums & Historical Sites
Attraction is located outside of the park.
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Contact

History

This ancient forest was once the site of the Brookside Resort, which was built in 1882. Summer visitors from Washington and Baltimore flocked from the cities to the West Virginia mountains for the cool, clean air and natural beauty. In 1922, Brookside caretaker Branson Haas purchased the land, and later sold it to the state of West Virginia with the stipulation that the forest remain uncut. In 1966, the park was entered in the National Registry of Natural Landmarks.

Additional Information

Picnicking

Grab your picnic blanket and basket! Picnickers can enjoy outdoor dining in the park’s picnic area, which has two shelters, a playground area and restrooms. Shelters are available for advance reservation.

Note: Restrooms are winterized beginning October 1 and close for the season.  Please check this web page for spring opening dates on our events list.

Trails

Download Park Trail Map

Cathedral Trail

Footbridges available where the trail crosses the Rhine Creek.

Distance: 1.1 miles

Difficulty: Moderate

Giant Hemlock Trail

Several of the largest hemlocks in the park are found along this trail.

Distance: 0.2 miles

Difficulty: Easy

Partridge Berry Trail

A good trail to observe wildlife such as deer, birds and squirrels.

Distance: 0.6 miles

Difficulty: Moderate

Trillium Trail

This short path connects to Cardinal Trail.

Distance:  0.1 miles

Difficulty: Easy

Cardinal Trail

A good trail to observe wildlife such as deer, birds and squirrels.

Distance: 0.2 miles

Difficulty: Moderate

Wood Thrush Trail

Trail is leisurely, except where it is divided by Route 50.

Distance: 0.6 miles

Difficulty: Easy

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 it meets 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.

Blackwater Falls State Park

Named for the famous amber-colored waters of Blackwater Falls, this park is one of West Virginia’s most popular tourist attractions. The park offers lodging, cabin rentals, camping and year-round recreation, including hiking, cross-country skiing, sledding, boating and fishing.

Tygart Lake State Park

Located an hour west of Cathedral State Park, this park is a cozy, quiet getaway for couples and families. Tygart Lake State Park visitors enjoy hiking and golfing, and fishing and boating on the 10-mile long, 1,750-acre Tygart Lake. The park also offers lodging, cabin rentals, and camping.

Valley Falls State Park

Once the site of a lumber and grist mill community, the scenic treasure of Valley Falls State Park is located only a short drive from Fairmont and Grafton. This 1,145-acre day-use park hosts a variety of outdoor recreation including fishing, picnicking, kayaking, and 18 miles of hiking and mountain biking trails.

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Upcoming Events

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