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Little Beaver State Park wilderness guide
State Park · WV

Little Beaver State Park

Little Beaver State Park offers serene natural beauty with opportunities for hiking, camping, and fishing in West Virginia's picturesque Appalachian landscape.

State Park5624+ Trails

Designation

State Park

Total Wilderness Area

562

Elevation / Terrain

Diverse Wilderness

Field Editorial Guide

About Little Beaver State Park

Little Beaver State Park offers serene natural beauty with opportunities for hiking, camping, and fishing in West Virginia's picturesque Appalachian landscape.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

Little Beaver State Park, located in Raleigh County, West Virginia, spans over 500 acres and offers a peaceful retreat into nature. The park is centered around Little Beaver Lake, a 20-acre impoundment providing a hub for recreational activities like fishing and paddle sports. The surrounding Appalachian woodlands feature a diverse ecosystem home to a variety of flora and fauna. The park's development began in the mid-20th century as a recreation area under the West Virginia Department of Natural Resources and has become a beloved local escape offering both day-use and camping facilities. Little Beaver’s trails meander through lush forests, offering both challenging hikes and easy walks suitable for families. The park is known for its fall foliage, making autumn a particularly beautiful time to visit. Activities such as bird watching, photography, and picnicking are popular, along with opportunities for cross-country skiing and sledding in winter. The park’s blend of natural beauty and recreation facilities appeals to outdoor enthusiasts, families, and anyone seeking a tranquil nature experience in West Virginia.

Field Guide · State Park
Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near Little Beaver State Park

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

Discover Nature's Charm: Little Beaver State Park★ 7.5⌖ 2 miHiking
Little Beaver State Park

Discover Nature's Charm: Little Beaver State Park

Explore Little Beaver State Park near Beckley, WV, with its easy hiking trails and scenic lake views. The park is great for families, birdwatching, and peaceful outdoor activities. Enjoy the serene environment in spring and fall.

Hiking the Glade Creek Trail in New River Gorge★ 8.2⌖ 2 miHiking
Glade Creek Trail

Hiking the Glade Creek Trail in New River Gorge

Explore the 11.2-mile Glade Creek Trail in New River Gorge, near Meadow Bridge, West Virginia. This easy to moderate hike features serene creekside views, vibrant spring wildflowers, and abundant wildlife. Perfect for families, offering peace and natural beauty away from crowds.

Hiking the Grandview Rim Trail in New River Gorge★ 8.2⌖ 3 miHiking
Grandview Walkways

Hiking the Grandview Rim Trail in New River Gorge

Explore the 3.2-mile Grandview Rim Trail in New River Gorge, West Virginia. This easy hike features stunning views and accessible overlooks. Perfect for families and photographers, this trail is a year-round destination with moderate crowds.

Hiking the Castle Rock Trail in New River Gorge★ 7.8⌖ 3 miHiking
Grandview Rim Trail

Hiking the Castle Rock Trail in New River Gorge

Explore Castle Rock Trail, a 0.6-mile hike near Beaver, WV. Rated moderate, the trail features stunning sandstone formations and cliffs perfect for photography. Care is needed due to uneven terrain and steep sections.

Glade Creek Falls: A Hidden Gem in Raleigh County★ 7.8⌖ 4 miHiking
Glade Creek Falls

Glade Creek Falls: A Hidden Gem in Raleigh County

Explore Glade Creek Falls in Raleigh County, West Virginia, a beautiful spot for hiking and fishing. This location offers charming views of the waterfall and abundant wildlife. Best visited in spring and fall, it provides a serene retreat close to Beckley, WV, with drive-in access.

Camping at Glade Creek Campground in New River Gorge★ 7.8⌖ 4 miCamping
Glade Creek Campground

Camping at Glade Creek Campground in New River Gorge

Experience Camping at Glade Creek Campground in the stunning New River Gorge. Ideal for family-friendly trips, enjoy activities like hiking and fishing in a scenic setting. Best visited in spring and fall, this easily accessible site offers a peaceful escape.

Key Wilderness Highlights

✦ Little Beaver Lake - ideal for fishing and paddle boating✦ Rich Appalachian woodland ecosystem with diverse wildlife✦ Scenic picnic areas and shelters with beautiful views✦ Challenging hiking trails through serene natural settings
Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in Little Beaver State Park

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

Park Recreation

Hiking

Available in Little Beaver State Park
Park Recreation

Camping

Available in Little Beaver State Park
Park Recreation

Wildlife Viewing

Available in Little Beaver State Park
Park Recreation

Fishing

Available in Little Beaver State Park
Park Recreation

Paddle Sports

Available in Little Beaver State Park
Park Recreation

Photography

Available in Little Beaver 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 Little Beaver State Park.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

Free access; 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 Little Beaver State Park

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

Little Beaver Campground

Located near the lake offering 16 sites with electric hookups and modern amenities.

Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near Little Beaver State Park

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

Beaver
⌖ 4.12 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Beaver, West Virginia

A peaceful Appalachian location offering hidden gems for exploratory adventurers amidst serene countryside and historical charm.

Spring and FallExplore Town
Shady Spring
⌖ 5.64 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Shady Spring, West Virginia

A quiet Appalachian community offering easy access to extensive forests, trails, and waterways for a variety of outdoor activities in the New River Highlands.

Spring through FallExplore Town
Beckley
⌖ 6.18 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Beckley, West Virginia

A gateway to adventure with access to rivers, hiking trails, and a rich coal mining history.

Spring and FallExplore Town
Skelton
⌖ 6.27 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Skelton, West Virginia

A quiet rural town offering access to rugged forest terrain, streams, and remote natural areas ideal for peaceful outdoor pursuits.

Spring through FallExplore Town
Mabscott
⌖ 7.35 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Mabscott, West Virginia

A quiet small town offering rustic access to Appalachian outdoor pursuits, ideal for travelers seeking off-the-beaten-path experiences in Southern West Virginia’s rugged landscape.

Spring through FallExplore Town
Mount Hope
⌖ 8.95 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Mount Hope, West Virginia

A quiet Appalachian coal town serving as a gateway to rugged outdoor experiences in the New River Gorge region.

Spring through FallExplore Town
Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in Little Beaver State Park

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

12 bookable experiences

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