Whether you want a destination to spend a night under the dark sky with stars or a destination full of adventures, your dreams can be fulfilled in West Virginia. Visit the best state park in West Virginia for camping, soaring mountains, rushing waterfalls, and whatnot. These best state parks are the perfect choice for such pleasing nights and adventures. As a result, we can say that West Virginia is “Nature’s Paradise!” So, let’s meet with the, enjoying, and living a few nights full of peace.
What is the most visited state park in West Virginia?
“Wild & Wonderful!” This is the motto of West Virginia. This motto suits this state. But why does everyone call it a wild and wonderful place?
With WV hiking trails, waterfalls, and state parks, breathtaking views, this place is rich with forest appearance. So, if we talk about the most visited state park, they are Blackwater Falls, State Park. This is the picture-taking spot for all, and you can undoubtedly enjoy your day here.
What is the largest state park in West Virginia?
Watoga State Park is the largest park in West Virginia, situated in the mountains of Pocahontas County. There are many recreational activities, including fishing, boating, swimming, hiking, and more. This park is spread over 10,100 acres.
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10 Best West Virginia State Parks
If you want to experience an excellent natural environment with outdoor activities, West Virginia is the perfect destination in the USA. Along with the abandoned towns in West Virginia, you can explore the beauty of peaceful spots, including various activities like mountain biking, geocaching, hiking, and whatnot. So, collect your travel buddies and pack your bags to roam into the best state parks in West Virginia for camping.
1. Babcock State Park
The best part of Babcock State Park is that the wireless internet connection is available during the night sessions. Also, you can get the Wi-Fi facilities in the parking lot and campground area.
If you are looking for West Virginia state parks with cabins, your hunt ends here! You can get cabins with full amenities here. It is the perfect destination to visit to see the colorful fall foliage.
Babcock state park is famous for its Glade Creek Grist Mill and breathtaking landscapes that can blow your mind. Also, it is famous for the thrilling whitewater rafting on the river.
Furthermore, you can do mountain biking, hiking, fishing, swimming, rafting, etc.
It is situated at 486 Babcock Road, Clifftop, West Virginia, USA.
Is Babcock State Park free?
No! The Babcock State Park is not freely accessible. You have to take annual passes for $12 per vehicle and single-day passes for $2 per vehicle.
Is there swimming at Babcock State Park?
A big Yes! Babcock State Park has a Boley Lake, where you can enjoy swimming, fishing, boating, and sunbathing activities.
What river runs through Babcock State Park?
The New River Gorge is adjacent to the Babcock State Park, and the park covers 4,127 acres of land.
2. Beartown State Park
The unique rock formation with a green grass that looks like a tree standing, making Beartown State Park a nice point of attraction.
In Beartown State Park, adventure lovers will get the, deep crevasses, overhanging cliffs, and much more.
It is full of exciting rock formations near a half-mile-long boardwalk, which you can see from April to October.
This simple yet great park is famous for unique caves, boulders, jutting cliffs, and rock formations that provide picturesque views of the surrounding.
Although staying is not allowed in the park, you can enjoy nature hiking and other activities which are no less than bliss.
It is situated in Beartown Road, Renick, West Virginia, USA.
How long is Beartown State Park Trail?
Beartown State Park trail is one of the most exciting trails in West Virginia. It is a cakewalk of 0.5 miles long, and you can have fun there.
What attractions are near Beartown State Park?
You will find many attraction points near Beartown State Park, including the Greenbrier River trail, Droop Mountain Battlefield State Park, Cranberry Glades Botanical Area, and many more you can explore.
3. Blackwater Falls State Park
With crystal clear water, this place becomes the frozen wonderland and offers a unique fishing pond to enjoy a lot of activities.
It is another picturesque location situated in West Virginia. Beautiful fall foliage and enjoyable winter seasons are preferable for tourists.
The Blackwater Falls State Park offers scenic views with 20 miles of hiking trails, making it more special to visit.
It is a famous destination for winter season sports and overnight lodging with a peaceful environment. However, the West Virginia state parks reservations counters are always full and sometimes you have to wait for long to get the reservation. So, it is better to confirm your reservations before visiting.
Blackwater Falls are amongst the best destinations to visit in West Virginia. You can explore various activities like mountain biking, swimming, geocaching, boating, fishing, and many others.
This stunning place is situated at 1584 Blackwater Lodge Road, Davis, West Virginia, USA.
How much does it cost to go to Blackwater Falls?
Blackwater Falls comes under the State Park. Therefore, you don’t need to pay to explore these falls.
How long of a hike is Blackwater Falls?
You can take an out-and-back hike of 0.4 miles near Davis, West Virginia. You need only 15 to 20 minutes to complete this beautiful hike.
How many waterfalls are at Blackwater Falls?
There are three waterfalls available at the Blackwater Falls under a State Park.
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4. Coopers Rock State Forest
It is also called Coopers Rock. An unknown iron industry was established in this place. Also, this place is famous as the first steam-powered blast furnace. The Civilian Conservations Corps made the various structures, shelters and superintendent’s houses in the Great Depression period.
It is home to one of the best canyons in West Virginia, offering stunning views of the Cheat River. Also, it becomes the point of attraction with the surrounding breathtaking views.
Coopers Rock State Forest offers dramatic scenery established in 1936 with iconic views. You can also see some campsites with electrical hookups for overnight stays.
Coopers Rock State Forest is famous as an adventure lover’s paradise. You can visit here in any season to see its beauty.
It comes with a trail of 50 miles which allows you to do mountain biking, hiking, climbing, and other activities like bouldering, skiing, etc.
It is situated at 61 County Live Drive, Bruceton, West Virginia, USA.
Is Coopers Rock a hard hike?
Yes! Coopers Rock is near Morgantown, West Virginia, with a 6.8-mile-long loop trail. It is one of the most challenging trails, which takes almost three hours to complete.
Are there bears in Coopers Rock?
Yes, one Eco-Bear is available in Coopers Rock. In 2013, a very big Eco-Bear was found surveying Coopers Rock Forest and will remain there until nature demolishes him.
5. Hawks Nest State Parks
You will meet with the fascinating rail tunnel near the ravine on the gravel road in Hawks Nest State Park.
Take a mesmerizing view of New River Gorge from this beautiful place, Hawks Nest State Park. It is a paradise for photographers, and they can visit here at any time of the year.
It is one of the great places to visit for many adventurous activities and experience the river and woodland’s outstanding views.
Hawks Nest State Park is famous for taking your heart away with the help of appealing nature, whitewater areas, forest greenery, and whatnot.
You can choose this destination to do activities like hiking trails, jet boat rides, aerial tramways, exploring nature museums, and much more.
It is situated at 49 Hawks Nest Roa, Ansted, West Virginia, USA.
Is Hawks Nest State Park Lodge open?
Yes! The Hawks Nest State Park is open for locals and tourists. The visiting hours are 10 am to 5 pm.
6. Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park
40,000 tourists visit a small Blennerhassett Island, to explore its history, which is hidden in Palladian Mansion and in the Museums.
The best time to visit Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park is between May to October because they have many events like music, birding, etc.
Blennerhassett Island itself is famous on the Ohio River. However, you can explore the Mansion, Fort Boreman Park, Parkersburg, etc.
The various activities you can do here include live music, dinner cruises, birding, and, most importantly, exploring.
This historical place is situated in the Ohio River, Wood County, West Virginia, USA.
Did Aaron Burr live on Blennerhassett Island?
Aaron Burr lived on Blennerhassett Island before 1811. Presently, it is the Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park open for all.
When did the Blennerhassett mansion burn down?
When Aaron Burr left, after some time, his family members were also left, then Blennerhassett became free, and no one returned back. Then in 1811, the fire destroyed the Blennerhassett Mansion, and the family went to the Island of Guernsey.
7. Cass Scenic Railroad State Park
It offers a long 78-miles rail trail that can take you to the time of the early 1900s. And this is what attracts people from around the globe. This Cass Scenic Railroad State Park looks like a real clumsy town.
The Cass Scenic Railroad State Park is full of natural presence, forest-like greenery, and clean railroads with the sounds of natural sound and rail only.
This is a fantastic place famous amongst railroad enthusiasts and history buffs. This 11-mile railroad track journey is mind relaxing and provides the beautiful views of the third highest peaks in West Virginia.
The main activities you can do are to hear a story about life in a lumber town, train ride, explore nature’s pure presence, and whatnot.
This time travel Cass Scenic is situated at 242 Main Street, Cass, West Virginia, USA.
How much does it cost to ride the train in Cass, West Virginia?
Costs differ from person to person. An adult needs $82, Senior (65+) $80, child (4 – 11) $62, and the rest. Believe us, these rates are less than the West Virginia cost of living for sure.
How long is the Cass Scenic Railroad?
The Cass Scenic Railroad is a long 1.1-mile heritage and one of the best attraction points in West Virginia.
Is the Cass Scenic Railroad narrow gauge?
No! The Cass Scenic Railroad is not a narrow gauge. It’s a standard gauge railroad climbing to the Allegheny Mountain.
Are dogs allowed on Cass Scenic Railroad?
No! Although it is a beautiful time traveling railroad trail, dogs are prohibited. You can visit here with your traveling partners and other members only.
8. Audra State Park Buckhannon
This area is surrounded by woods and was founded in 1950. The 3-miles beautiful nature view Alum Cave loop Trail is making it more special to visit.
People searching for a location to get out from the hustle and bustle of city life can relax here at Audra State Buckhannon.
The best state parks in West Virginia include Audra State Park Buckhannon. It allows you an overnight stay and sleeps underneath the black sky with stars and a white moon.
This place is famous for exploring the Alum Creek and Cave trail, which are also the moment capturing points for you.
Visitors can do many activities here, including camping, picnicking, hiking, swimming, and boating, and the list is quite long.
This park is situated at 8379 Audra Park Road, Buckhannon, West Virginia, USA.
Are dogs allowed at Audra State Park?
Yes, it’s a great place to visit with your travel buddies from summers to early winters. However, you can come here with your pet dogs without extra charges.
Can you swim at Audra State Park?
Yes, you can swim at Audra State Park because they offer a designated swimming area located in the park’s core. It is open for all from April to October.
What stream runs through Audra State Park?
Audra State Park is one of the great places to visit because the stunning Middle Fork River runs through this park.
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9. Camp Creek State Park, Camp Creek
With 35 trails to explore and 7,000 acres of forests Camp Creek State Park in West Virginia has become the most visited state park. Also, the campground offers Wi-Fi and heated bathhouses facilities.
When the 550 acres tract was set aside, this Camp Creek State Park recreational area was formed from Camp Creek State Forest.
Camp Creek State Park is the family destination. Many tourists and locals visit here with their families on weekends and enjoy the road trips with scenic beauty.
You can explore various activities like biking, hunting, camping, horseback riding, fishing, geocaching, and others available on your way.
It is situated at 2390 Camp Creek Road, Camp Creek, West Virginia 25820, USA.
When is Camp Creek State park & Forest open?
Camp Creek is a beautiful state park having stunning waterfalls and camping sites. Thus, the opening time is 8 Am to 10 Pm every day.
What hotels are near Camp Creek State Park & Forest?
Many hotels are available near Camp Creek, including Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Skyline Lodge, and Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Princeton.
10. Pinnacle Rock State Park
It comes with an unusual sandstone formation and Homestead Trail in Pinnacle Rock State Park is the longest trail of 2.9 miles that takes almost two hours to complete.
If you want a rock destination for photoshoots and picnicking in a wooded area, Pinnacle Rock State Park is the perfect choice you can go for.
This state park offers a view of Jimmy Lewis Lake, A Beaver Pond Trail, Turkey Rock Trail, and Acorn Ridge Trail, which are available for trailers and hikers.
Famous for its more than 3,000-foot sandstone formation. This is the best and top viewpoint for photographers who want to have excellent views.
The various activities include horseback riding, hiking, geocaching, fishing, exploring museums & historical sites, and outdoor adventures.
It is situated at 6470 Coal Heritage Road, Bramwell, West Virginia, 24715, USA.
Can you climb Pinnacle Rock?
No! There is no need to climb on Pinnacle Rock. Simply a hike to the top can give you a stunning look, and you can feel like you are on cloud nine.
How much does it cost to go to Pinnacle Mountain State Park?
You don’t need to pay any amount to enter Pinnacle Mountain State Park. Further, you can take a car or a bus to this area.
How tall is Pinnacle Rock in West Virginia?
Pinnacle Rock in West Virginia was established in 1938, and it has an elevation of 837 meters (2,745 ft.).
What do you think? Are these state parks calling you? If yes, then you can move to West Virginia and explore them. However, don’t forget to know about the Relocation to West Virginia incentive program” before proceeding.
Best State Parks in West Virginia FAQs
What is Virginia’s most popular state park?
It would be unfair to take only one name because West Virginia offers many popular state parks, including First Landing, Camp Creek, Beartown, etc.
What is the most beautiful State Park?
Droop Mountain State Park and Cass Scenic Railroad State Park are the most beautiful state parks in West Virginia. However, you can also take a look at other state parks.
Conclusion
That’s all for now!
Whether you are a tourist, local, adventure lover, or explorer, West Virginia offers many places that can take your heart away. With various trails, water destinations, and other exciting museums, it has become the point of attraction for many people. Thus, we decided to give you more information on the best state parks in West Virginia.
West Virginia offers various state parks, including Babcock State Park, Blackwater Falls State Park, Cooper Rock State Park, Cass Scenic Railroad State Park, etc. These state parks offer hiking, fishing, biking, swimming, and other outdoor activities.
In the end, we hope you like this blog and drop a comment if you need any information about West Virginia.
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