Coopers Rock State Forest in central West Virginia has incredible canyon views and plenty of places to hike or climb. Here's what to know!
Not far from Morgantown, West Virginia, are some of the prettiest views you can find in the state.
Located on either side of Interstate 68, Coopers Rock State Forest is one of the West Virginia's more accessible nature getaways, with lots of restaurant and hotel options a short drive away.
You'll love the deep canyon views here on a clear day. Here's what to expect on a visit to this state forest!
Where to Stay Near Coopers Rock
There are two campgrounds in the state forest: McCollum (with electric, showers, laundry facilities, and wi-fi) and Rhododendron (primitive camping, with flush toilets). Campgrounds are closed in winter.
The park also has several distinctive looking A-frame cabins with huge windows and nice decks.
The cabins are designed with stargazing in mind and even come with a telescope on site. This state forest doesn't have the Dark Sky designation like Watoga State Park does, but it's still a pretty prime spot for nighttime views.
Morgantown is only about a 20-minute drive and has lots of hotels if that's your preference.
What to Do in the Area
The trails in the state forest are mostly easy to moderate level, and you can also go mountain biking on some of them.
There are a couple of overlooks you'll want to be sure and check out. Raven Rock is 2.5 miles out-and-back and will reward you with views of Cheat River Canyon, which is comparable in depth to New River Gorge.
The more popular (and easier to get to) Coopers Rock Overlook is accessed by a pedestrian bridge next to the main parking lot at the end of the state park road.
The pedestrian bridge leading out to the rock has been getting some repairs made and should be re-opening in mid-summer 2026.
Along the path you'll find one of West Virginia's signature "Almost Heaven" photo ops with a swing.
Several other trailheads take off in different directions near this overlook.
What about water activities? Messinger Lake, at 6 acres, is small and shallow. It's primarily used for trout fishing.
The larger Cheat Lake is on the edge of the state forest, extending several miles north of it. It's a reservoir of the Cheat River and allows boating, paddle boarding, and swimming. Sunset Marina offers rentals. There are even a few shoreline restaurants.
Coopers Rock State Forest is also a popular destination for rock climbers in West Virginia, with hundreds of potential climbs. You'll need to sign in at the climbing kiosk near the main overlook area. See some of the usual climbing routes here.
Cross country skiers can use three different trails during winter, as long as there's at least six inches of snow.
For something more leisurely, there are museum exhibits and the state botanical garden in Morgantown. As you drive through the forest, you'll also likely see some of the historic stone buildings built in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps.
Finding Places to Eat
The Trading Post at the main overlook sells snacks and souvenirs, but for a meal you'll either need to pack your own, or head away from the forest.
As mentioned above, there are some waterfront restaurants along the nearby Cheat Lake, including The Lakehouse for Italian food or The Dockside Grille for burgers, pizzas, seafood and more.
You can also venture a little further into Morgantown. Since it's a decent size city at the intersection of a couple of interstates, you'll find even more restaurant options.
I hope your visit to Coopers Rock State Forest is a refreshing getaway. We would love to hear about your favorite trails in the comments!
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