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Coopers Rock State Forest wilderness guide
State Forest · WV

Coopers Rock State Forest

Coopers Rock State Forest in West Virginia offers dramatic views, extensive trails, and numerous outdoor activities, making it a favorite for adventurers and relaxation seekers alike.

State Forest12,7474+ Trails

Designation

State Forest

Total Wilderness Area

12,747

Elevation / Terrain

Diverse Wilderness

Field Editorial Guide

About Coopers Rock State Forest

Coopers Rock State Forest in West Virginia offers dramatic views, extensive trails, and numerous outdoor activities, making it a favorite for adventurers and relaxation seekers alike.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

Coopers Rock State Forest, spanning over 12,747 acres, is located in Monongalia and Preston counties, just outside Morgantown, West Virginia. Known for its panoramic overlook that offers stunning vistas of the Cheat River Gorge, the forest is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. It boasts a variety of landscapes, from rugged cliff lines and large sandstone boulders to dense hardwood forests. This diversity supports a range of wildlife, including deer, turkey, and the occasional black bear. Established in 1936 during the Great Depression, the forest has a rich history tied to the Civilian Conservation Corps, whose legacy is visible in many of the park's facilities and structures. Visitors can explore over 50 miles of trails, engage in rock climbing, or enjoy a quiet picnic in one of the historical shelters. In winter, the forest transforms into a destination for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Its accessibility and rich natural beauty make Coopers Rock a popular spot for both day-trippers and campers.

Field Guide · State Forest
Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near Coopers Rock State Forest

Scenic viewpoints, outdoor landmarks, and notable points of interest within 30 miles.

Discover Coopers Rock State Forest★ 7.8⌖ 1 miHiking
Coopers Rock State Forest

Discover Coopers Rock State Forest

Explore Coopers Rock State Forest, featuring Coopers Rock Overlook with panoramic views and hiking trails like Ravens Rock Trail. Enjoy biking and rock climbing opportunities. Just 25 minutes from Morgantown, WV, it's ideal for spring and fall visits.

HikingView Details→
Discover the Icy Charm of Cucumber Falls★ 6.8⌖ 20 miPhotography
Cucumber Falls

Discover the Icy Charm of Cucumber Falls

Explore Cucumber Falls in Ohiopyle State Park, PA. Easily accessible for all ages, this waterfall offers breathtaking views, especially in spring and winter. Ideal for photography, hiking, and wildlife observation. A must-see natural gem for visitors.

PhotographyView Details→
Serenity in the Heart of Nature: Ohiopyle State Park★ 8.2⌖ 20 miWhite Water Rafting
Ohiopyle State Park

Serenity in the Heart of Nature: Ohiopyle State Park

Explore Ohiopyle State Park with activities like white water rafting on the Youghiogheny River and hiking the Ferncliff Peninsula. The park's waterfalls offer spectacular views. Suitable for adventure seekers.

White Water RaftingView Details→
Waterfall Wonders at Swallow Falls Natural Area★ 8.5⌖ 22 miHiking
Swallow Falls Natural Area

Waterfall Wonders at Swallow Falls Natural Area

Explore the 1.25-mile loop at Swallow Falls Natural Area near Oakland, MD. Featuring the stunning Muddy Creek Falls, it's an easy route perfect for hiking, canoeing, and birdwatching. The area offers lush scenery and historical charm, ideal for a spring or fall visit.

HikingView Details→
Nature's Cascade at Swallow Falls★ 8.0⌖ 22 miHiking
Swallow Falls State Park

Nature's Cascade at Swallow Falls

Explore the natural beauty of Swallow Falls State Park near Oakland, Maryland. Featuring the 53-foot Muddy Creek Falls, this easy hike offers breathtaking views and is popular for photography and picnicking. Best visited in spring and fall for vibrant foliage.

HikingView Details→
Muddy Creek Falls: A Natural Wonder in Western Maryland★ 8.2⌖ 22 miHiking
Muddy Creek Falls

Muddy Creek Falls: A Natural Wonder in Western Maryland

Explore Muddy Creek Falls, the tallest waterfall in Maryland located near Oakland. This scenic destination within Swallow Falls State Park offers hiking, photography, and wildlife observation. Best visited in spring or fall for vibrant foliage views.

HikingView Details→

Key Wilderness Highlights

✦ Coopers Rock Overlook for breathtaking views of the Cheat River Gorge✦ The unique cliff lines and boulders popular for rock climbing✦ Historical structures built by the Civilian Conservation Corps✦ The Raven Rock trail offering solitude and serene landscapes
Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in Coopers Rock State Forest

Explore curated guides for top outdoor sports, trail networks, and wilderness activities.

The Ranger Station

Visitor Logistics & Essential Planning

Everything you need to know about entrance passes, seasons, visitor centers, road transit, and wildlife safety in Coopers Rock State Forest.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

No entrance fees required.

Wilderness Checklist

Carry paper topographic map & compass in remote zones.
Store all food and scented items in approved bear canisters.
Check wildfire / smoke advisories before backcountry departure.
Pack out everything you pack in (Leave No Trace).
Wilderness Stays

Camping & Overnight Stays in Coopers Rock State Forest

Frontcountry developed campgrounds, backcountry wilderness permit guidelines, and starry-night camping advice.

McCollum Campground

Located near the main overlook, offering basic amenities and easy access to trails.

Reserve on Recreation.gov
Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near Coopers Rock State Forest

Stay, dine, and gear up in these mountain towns and scenic basecamps surrounding the park.

Bruceton Mills
⌖ 6.80 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Bruceton Mills, West Virginia

A quiet small town offering access to rugged natural areas and water adventures along the Cheat River, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts seeking less crowded experiences.

Spring through FallExplore Town
Morgantown
⌖ 10.41 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Morgantown, West Virginia

A lively college town with ample opportunities for outdoor activities amid the scenic Allegheny Mountains.

Spring and FallExplore Town
Reedsville
⌖ 10.78 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Reedsville, West Virginia

A quiet rural town offering access to rugged Appalachian landscapes rich with outdoor recreation along the Tygart Valley River.

Spring through FallExplore Town
Westover
⌖ 11.09 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Westover, West Virginia

A peaceful riverside town offering easy access to the Ohio River for paddling and nearby natural areas for hiking and biking.

Spring through FallExplore Town
Albany
⌖ 11.18 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Albany, West Virginia

A quiet rural town offering calm outdoor experiences with close access to state parks and waterways, ideal for travelers seeking fishing, paddling, hiking, and seasonal outdoor activities in southern West Virginia.

Spring through FallExplore Town
Arthurdale
⌖ 11.84 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Arthurdale, West Virginia

A quiet mountain community offering gentle trails and rich cultural history, perfect for low-key outdoor lovers who appreciate both nature and heritage.

Spring to FallExplore Town
Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in Coopers Rock State Forest

Explore scenic backcountry routes and epic wilderness adventures with certified local mountain guides, naturalists, and outfitters.

12 bookable experiences

Shakespeare Under the Stars at Arthurdale Heritage: A Midsummer Night's Dream in West VirginiaArthurdale, West Virginia · 11.86 mi away
All Adventures· Arthurdale Heritage, Inc.

Shakespeare Under the Stars at Arthurdale Heritage: A Midsummer Night's Dream in West Virginia

An evening of outdoor theatre and Appalachian air: WV’s only Shakespeare troupe, The Rustic Mechanicals, brings A Midsummer Night’s Dream to Arthurdale Heritage’s woodland amphitheater. Expect fireflies, stone terraces, and a family-friendly 7pm performance on September 11, 2026.

2 hours

Explore this trip

Availability, pricing, meeting details, and fulfillment are provided by the applicable operator or booking partner.