Coopers Rock State Forest Activities

Enjoy hiking on nearly 50 miles of trails that wind through this vast forest! The Henry Clay Iron Furnace Trail, takes you on a trip back in time to find a huge stone structure used for producing iron in the 1800s, located in a grassy glade in an otherwise undisturbed forest. More amazing views and discoveries are found along various trails in the forest.

Coopers Rock State Forest has a primitive campground with 25 sites and an RV campground with 25 sites. 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 or visit the Camping page to learn more about camping options and availability.

Cast a line at Messinger Lake and see what you can catch. But before you head out, make sure you purchase a current West Virginia fishing license, available for purchase online.

Bring your bike for a great workout around 50 miles of trails. Trails vary by degree, so there’s no need to worry about skill or experience. Pick up a map from the park office before you head out for some fun!

The Lakeview Golf Resort & Spa in Morgantown has two championship courses and fine dining.

Coopers Rock State Forest 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

Hunters are welcome here! Properly licensed individuals are welcome to hunt in-season (in specified areas of Coopers Rock State Forest). No hunting zones surround all forest recreational facilities.

Coopers Rock has 14 cache sites hidden for geocaching enthusiasts. Beat everyone to the treasure – all you need is a smartphone with GPS!

The Morgantown Glass Museum boasts more than 5,000 rare and vintage pieces. Colorful and luminous, it’s a sight to behold! There’s also the New Deal Homestead Museum in Arthurdale. Dating back to the Roosevelt administration, the 1930s site has 5 original homes you can visit.

Area outfitters provide guided trips and shuttle services on the Cheat River, which at its peak runs up to Class IV+. 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.