Almost Heaven is only a hike and a few steps away at this unique state park.
Being the Mountain State, West Virginia has no shortage of breathtaking mountaintop views. Many are located in state parks, andPinnacle Rock State Park might have one of the most unique.
This park, located near Bramwell, is home to an impressive fin-shaped sandstone formation, similar to West Virginia’s iconic Seneca Rocks. While not as tall, a hike up the ancient rocks at this state park will reward you with sweeping views of the surrounding terrain and make you feel like you’re on top of the world.
If you’ve never visited this park or hiked to the top of Pinnacle Rock, here’s everything you need to know to plan a perfect trip!
Enjoy a morning hike and afternoon picnic with your family or cast a line and reel in some fish.
Pinnacle Rock might be one of the smallest state parks in West Virginia, but standing in its shadow will put into perspective how impressive this towering sandstone structure really is! But you’ll need to go to the top to truly marvel at its grandeur. Inspire your love for nature with a hike on the Overlook Trail. After some time on the rocks, enjoy the other six miles of trails or settle in for a picnic at the park’s rustic shelter.
“We went (to Pinnacle Rock) and hiked the short path, . Once at the top, the views were stunning! The parking is free, the hike is moderately easy. Definitely worth seeing.”
— RoyMc1967, TripAdvisor Reviewer from Columbia, South Carolina
Pinnacle Rock State Park is also a great place for a family fishing trip. Drive over to Jimmy Lewis Lake, which is stocked with trout in the spring, as well as largemouth bass, bluegill, and channel catfish. If you want to get in some hiking miles before you go fishing, follow the two-mile hiking trail to the lake and enjoy the sights and sounds of nature along the way.
Take a science-themed field trip and see why geology rocks!
You can learn a lot about the geology and history of West Virginia by exploring Pinnacle Rock State Park. The park’s sandstone outcropping provides a window into the Mountain State’s ancient past when Appalachia looked much different.
Visiting this ancient sandstone formation would make a great class field trip or educational family outing. Have your kids take close-up pictures of the rocks and see if they can identify them with a field guide.
“This is a special place to me, it is here that my parents met almost 55 years ago. My Dad was raised in the nearby community of Freeman and as a he climbed this rock many times. He tells a story of climbing with friends.”
— wv_travelersX3, TripAdvisor Reviewer from Pipestem
Pinnacle Rock is ideal for a day trip or part of a longer vacation in southern West Virginia.
Come for the day or make Pinnacle Rock a stop on your spring or summer tour of southern West Virginia’s state parks. If you need a place to stay, visit the campgrounds at nearby Camp Creek State Park, which is known for its beautiful waterfalls, trout streams and 35 miles of trails for hiking, biking horseback riding. Or spend the night at one of Pipestem Resort State Park’s two lodges. The park also has many cabins and campsites and offers exciting outdoor adventures, like tours, guided fishing trips and more!
Big and small, high and low, West Virginia State Parks are home to your fondest memories and experiences yet to come. Visit Watoga and you’ll find a new reason to love Almost Heaven. Plan your trip today!
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