Coopers Rock State Forest

Coopers Rock State Forest is an absolute must-visit destination, and it easily earns every one of its five stars. This is more than just a forest; it's a breathtaking geological and scenic wonder that embodies the spirit of "Almost Heaven."
The moment you step onto the Main Overlook, you are met with a vast, humbling, and utterly spectacular panorama of the Cheat River Gorge. The view is unparalleled—a sweeping canvas of dense, rolling mountains and the winding river far below. It’s a sight that sticks with you long after you leave, especially when the fall foliage is at its peak.
Beyond the iconic view, the forest offers a wealth of adventure. The 50 miles of trails are diverse and beautifully maintained, ranging from easy walks to challenging hikes. Exploring the unique sandstone fissures and enormous boulders in the Rock City Trail feels like discovering a hidden, ancient world. Don't miss the hike to Raven Rock for another incredible canyon perspective, or the historical trek to the Henry Clay Iron Furnace.
Whether you’re into rock climbing, mountain biking, or just enjoying a quiet picnic amidst the rhododendrons and towering hemlocks, Coopers Rock delivers an unforgettable experience. It's a perfect, accessible retreat for nature lovers, adventurers, and anyone looking to witness one of the East Coast's most stunning natural landscapes.

MAGICAL!! My wife and I had our wedding in one of the Cooper's Rock shelters last weekend. All the park staff were 100% friendly, helpful and on top of things. We were not expecting any support from the park or staff, but there they were! They helped us carry firewood over to our shelter, turned the breaker back on after we overloaded the circuit (oops) and kept an eye on us to make sure that all was well. It turned out beautifully and we are so thankful that WV Parks was part of our special day. Couldn't imagine it any other way.

Easy off interstate, beautiful park, great facilities for rving, hiking, biking, picnics. Roads are a bit rough in places. Rv’s: 30/50, back ins some pull thrus grass/gravel with tables, grills and fire rings, great bath houses, stores, lots of shade in older loop. Dump station on site $42/nite. Highly recommend even with road issues

Coopers Rock State Forest is a gorgeous, free and special place to visit!

The restrooms are clean, the Trading Post shop is cute with lots of options for souvenirs and the overlook is out of this world. It's a brief two minute walk from the main parking lot and maybe 5 minutes from the overflow lots if you're there on a busy day.

Our GPS took us to the Ranger/Administration offices, but a ranger helped us get to the forest and it was really easy from there.

There is an Almost Heaven swing for photos, which was a really nice treat since we're from Maryland and may not see one of these again for a long time.

The overlook is gorgeous. Not accessible for wheelchairs or strollers unless you have strong people in your group to assist you. Its views are unbelievably spectacular and watching birds fly calmly while looking down at the gorgeous valley really brought a sense of peace. It's a very special place.

Coopers Rock State Park is absolutely beautiful — you really have to see it in person to appreciate it. The overlook is stunning, with sweeping views of West Virginia’s natural beauty from an exposed rock outcrop. It’s the kind of place that makes you just stop and take it all in.

There are cabins and shelters available to rent, perfect for a weekend getaway. The trading post is a fun stop with tons of West Virginia gear, stickers, and souvenirs. There’s also a nice playground for the kids and a bathroom right by the trailheads, which is super convenient before a hike.

Whether you’re there for the views, the hiking, or just a peaceful break in nature — this park delivers.