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State Park · WV

Holly River State Park

Holly River State Park is West Virginia's largest state park, offering expansive forests, abundant wildlife, and diverse recreational activities across rugged terrain and serene waterways.

State Park88004+ Trails

Designation

State Park

Total Wilderness Area

8800

Elevation / Terrain

Diverse Wilderness

Field Editorial Guide

About Holly River State Park

Holly River State Park is West Virginia's largest state park, offering expansive forests, abundant wildlife, and diverse recreational activities across rugged terrain and serene waterways.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

Holly River State Park covers over 8,000 acres in central West Virginia, specifically in Webster County near Hacker Valley. The park is set in the Appalachian Mountains, featuring rolling hills, dense hardwood forests, and scenic streams. Dominated by the Holly River and its tributaries, the park provides a habitat for a variety of flora and fauna including white-tailed deer, wild turkey, black bears, and diverse bird species. The park's land was once heavily logged, but has since undergone extensive reforestation and is a prime example of successful forest recovery. Visitors can enjoy a range of outdoor activities including hiking, mountain biking, fishing, boating on the park’s Holly River Reservoir, and wildlife photography. Its quiet, remote location offers solitude and natural beauty, making it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and campers. Key landmarks within the park include the various overlooks offering panoramic views of the surrounding Monongahela National Forest, and the scenic channel of the Holly River. Established in 1938, the park has developed multiple trails, campgrounds, and picnic areas while maintaining the wild character of the forest. Holly River State Park attracts outdoor lovers seeking a less crowded wilderness experience with ample opportunities for adventure and relaxation.

Field Guide · State Park
Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near Holly River State Park

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

Whitaker Falls: A Hidden Colorado Gem★ 7.8⌖ 14 miSwimming
Whitaker Falls

Whitaker Falls: A Hidden Colorado Gem

Experience the tranquility of Whitaker Falls in West Virginia, a picturesque location ideal for swimming, photography, and picnicking. Enjoy a peaceful visit with few crowds, especially in late spring through early fall. Easily accessible with a short drive from Elkins.

Discover Nature at Kumbrabow State Forest★ 7.3⌖ 18 miHiking
Kumbrabow State Forest

Discover Nature at Kumbrabow State Forest

Discover Kumbrabow State Forest near Huttonsville, WV. Explore scenic trails like the Turkey Bone Trail and fish at Mill Creek. Ideal in spring and fall, this remote spot offers a peaceful escape for hiking, fishing, and camping.

Scenic Hiking at Tea Creek Mountain, West Virginia★ 6.8⌖ 21 miHiking
Tea Creek Mountain

Scenic Hiking at Tea Creek Mountain, West Virginia

Explore Tea Creek Mountain in southern West Virginia for moderate hiking through meadows and mixed hardwood forests. Enjoy bird watching, wildflowers in late summer and fall, and peaceful picnic spots. This quiet mountain offers a classic Appalachian outdoor experience with minimal crowds.

Discover the Wilds of Cranberry Wilderness★ 8.2⌖ 22 miHiking
Cranberry Wilderness

Discover the Wilds of Cranberry Wilderness

Explore over 60 miles of trails in Cranberry Wilderness near Hillsboro, WV. This moderate hiking destination is perfect for adventure seekers who enjoy fishing, camping, and birding in a remote setting. Best visited in spring and fall for stunning views and rich biodiversity.

Gauley River Rapids★ 9.3⌖ 25 miWhite-water Rafting
Gauley River

Gauley River Rapids

Explore the thrilling Gauley River Rapids in Summersville, WV, known for extreme Class V rapids. Ideal for white-water rafting and kayaking, with stunning fall scenery in the surrounding Gauley River National Recreation Area.

White-water RaftingView Details→
Tranquil Escape at Stonewall Resort State Park★ 7.5⌖ 26 miBoating
Stonewall Resort State Park

Tranquil Escape at Stonewall Resort State Park

Enjoy boating and fishing on Stonewall Jackson Lake in West Virginia's Stonewall Resort State Park. With family-friendly amenities, it's a serene spot for water activities and hiking amidst scenic views, best visited in spring or fall.

Key Wilderness Highlights

✦ Holly River Reservoir—a 150-acre lake ideal for fishing and paddling✦ The Big Bear Cabin area—historic log cabin with access to hiking and wildlife viewing✦ The switchback hiking trails offering scenic overlooks of the forested valleys✦ Remote sections of the forest ideal for backcountry exploration and solitude
Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in Holly River State Park

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

Park Recreation

Hiking

Available in Holly River State Park
Park Recreation

Camping

Available in Holly River State Park
Park Recreation

Wildlife Viewing

Available in Holly River State Park
Park Recreation

Mountain Biking

Available in Holly River State Park
Park Recreation

Fishing

Available in Holly River State Park
Park Recreation

Paddle Sports

Available in Holly River State Park
Park Recreation

Snow Sports

Available in Holly River State Park
Park Recreation

Scenic Drives

Available in Holly River State Park
Park Recreation

Photography

Available in Holly River State Park
The Ranger Station

Visitor Logistics & Essential Planning

Everything you need to know about entrance passes, seasons, visitor centers, road transit, and wildlife safety in Holly River State Park.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

No entrance fee; campground fees apply; no special permits required for day use.

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 Holly River State Park

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

Big Bear Campground

The main campground offering tent and RV sites, located near the Holly River Reservoir with essential amenities and access to trails.

Scotts Run Primitive Campground

Backcountry style campground set deeper in the forest for visitors seeking more solitude and rustic conditions.

Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near Holly River State Park

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

Hacker Valley
⌖ 5.33 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Hacker Valley, West Virginia

A quiet mountain community offering tranquil access to forests, rivers, and trails, ideal for those seeking a peaceful outdoor escape in West Virginia’s Appalachian terrain.

Spring through FallExplore Town
Webster Springs
⌖ 7.15 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Webster Springs, West Virginia

A quiet Appalachian town offering access to dense forest trails, clear mountain streams, and outdoor recreation in the Monongahela National Forest.

Spring through FallExplore Town
Cowen
⌖ 13.91 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Cowen, West Virginia

A quiet, historic small town offering easy access to remote wilderness areas and classic Appalachian outdoor pursuits.

Spring through FallExplore Town
Flatwoods
⌖ 15.72 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Flatwoods, West Virginia

A quiet small town gateway to Appalachian outdoor recreation offering easy access to forests and rivers for year-round activities.

Spring through FallExplore Town
Sutton
⌖ 16.52 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Sutton, West Virginia

A quiet river town offering peaceful outdoor escapes with hiking, paddling, and fishing opportunities amidst West Virginia’s scenic landscapes.

Spring through FallExplore Town
Allingdale
⌖ 18.54 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Allingdale, West Virginia

A quiet, rural Appalachian community offering peaceful access to outdoor adventures amidst lush forests and rolling hills.

Spring through FallExplore Town
Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in Holly River State Park

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

12 bookable experiences

Experience Snowshoe Mountain’s Scenic 1 Hour Trail Ride Through Eastern Continental DivideRanson, West Virginia · 25.97 mi away
Trails & Outdoor Adventures· New & Gauley River Adventures

Experience Snowshoe Mountain’s Scenic 1 Hour Trail Ride Through Eastern Continental Divide

Explore the rugged mountain trails of Snowshoe Mountain Resort on a 1 Hour Trail Ride that reveals sweeping panoramic views and abundant wildlife. Perfect for beginners and seasoned riders alike, this horseback experience immerses you in West Virginia’s high-elevation forest.

1 hour

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