Coopers Rock State Forest
4.8(3.4K)google
4.7(54)yelp
ForestHikingCampingWildlife WatchingOutdoor
Overview
Located just a short drive from Morgantown, Coopers Rock State Forest features spectacular, towering sandstone cliffs that overlook the deep canyon of the Cheat River. The park's main overlook provides a sweeping, legendary view of the forested gorge, making it an incredibly popular spot for landscape photography and autumn foliage viewing. Boasting historical stone shelters built during the Great Depression, the forest also features extensive bouldering fields and miles of multi-use trails.
Practical Info
Suggested Duration3-6 hours
Best TimeSuperb during late spring (May) for blooming mountain laurel or October for fall foliage. Planning your hike from 9:30 AM to 1:00 PM is elite; this captures overhead sunbeams piercing straight down into the narrow, towering sandstone corridors of the famous Rock City Trail while keeping the forest floor cool.
Getting ThereAccessed via the same Exit 15 off Interstate 68. To explore the deeper network of trails or hike to the historic Henry Clay Iron Furnace ruins, turn left halfway down the main park road following signs for the Day Use Area, rather than driving to the main overlook, and park in the gravel forest lots.
Travel Tips
- The state forest spans 50 miles of trails; routes like Rattlesnake Trail and Rock City Trail cut through deep, massive rock fissures. Stay strictly on marked paths, never jump over rock gaps, and watch for copperheads or timber rattlesnakes.
- The forest operates two campgrounds; McCollum Campground has electric hookups and requires online reservations due to constant demand. Non-registered vehicles are strictly banned from parking or boondocking overnight after the 10:00 PM park closure.
- Certain zones of the forest allow seasonal hunting. Hikers and pets visiting during autumn hunting windows are legally advised or required to wear highly visible blaze orange vests or caps for personal safety.
Reviews
Positive
- Beyond the main overlook, the forest spans miles of single-track mountain bike and hiking routes full of wild sylvan exploration.
- The internal campgrounds are exceptionally well-maintained, offering steady electric hookups nestled under mature shade trees.
- It houses the historic Henry Clay Iron Furnace deep in the woods; stumbling upon this mammoth stone monument is highly thrilling.
- Trail junctions are heavily marked with frequent wooden directional signs and trail maps, reflecting excellent forest management.
Heads up
- Deeper secondary trails get heavily blankets by thick fallen leaves, completely obscuring paths and leading hikers off course.
- Hunting is legally permitted in designated seasons; casual hikers without bright blaze-orange gear might feel anxious walking deeply.
- The campground shower houses run on limited hot water volumes; arriving late in the evening rush means risking a lukewarm rinse.
- High winds frequently top dead branches across single tracks; delayed clearing requires cyclists to constantly stay on alert.