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Less than 15 miles from Morgantown, West Virginia, you will find a stunning 12,747-acre protected forest. Coopers Rock State Forest is home to a vibrant stretch of trails and forest that share a border with the canyons of the Cheat River, which is notorious with white water rafters. Besides being a scenic area to pitch a tent, Coopers Rock actually offers a multitude of options for recreation. This includes picnicking, fishing, hiking, hunting, camping, and rock climbing. Visitors who want to use the park for hunting or fishing are asked to obtain the proper licensing prior to arriving. The extra step is worth it though, as the park features a glistening six-acre pond that’s brimming with fresh trout that’s located on the northern side of the forest.
Coopers Rock State Forest has been, and continues to be a hugely popular destination with rock climbing enthusiasts. It’s considered one of the best areas for bouldering in the eastern U.S., and there are at least 5 popular climbing sites that are easy to find within the park. Those destinations are Roof Rocks, Upper Rock City, Sunset Wall, Roadside Rocks, and Tilted Tree.
If you enjoy winter sports, you’ll be pleased to find that Coopers Rock is also known for its ski terrain in the winter. Be careful, however, as the trails here are known to be best suited for intermediate to experienced skiiers. For those considering trying them out, frequent visitors suggest waiting until the snow is densely packed on, at least half a foot, to avoid injury on the many rocks, branches and roots on the trails below the snow.
Breathtaking views atop sky-high cliffs make camping at the park almost a given for visitors. The park offers two different campgrounds, each offering the options of comforts like water and electricity hook-ups, or more traditional tent camping. All accommodations here are first come first serve. McCollum Campground serves as the main camping area and accommodates a total of 25 campsites, each equipped with electrical and water hook-ups, a bathhouse and even wireless internet. Pets are welcome visitors as long as they remain on a leash or crate at all times.
Campground is mostly shaded for all sites, which is really nice. Electric hookups and decent wifi. Small playground is there, but honestly the forest is the playground and there's a trail straight to the main attractions from the campground.
Ravens Rock and Coopers Rock both worth checking out. Doing both is a hike, probably a couple hours, but did it with dogs and kids in the middle of July. So, it's doable! Less people at Ravens Rock.
Coopers Rock is the main attraction, so more people, but not enough to be annoying. The rock has plenty of space for people and dogs to spread out and enjoy the soul replenishing views.
Nice hikes. Did several - they were challenging but very pretty. September and it was still lush green but just the beginning of fall leaves. Little trading post had reasonably priced gift items. Overlook trail (and underlook) trail are not long and worth it!!
Great hike, good amount of people (not too many to disrupt, but enough to feel safe and part of a community). You can take long hikes or short hikes, with or without overlooks. Plus there are picnic areas. Awesome staff at the gift shop adds a lot as well.
We visited the overlook inside Coopers Rock State Forest. The views are indescribable! If you have never been here and are in the area, I can't recommend enough how awesome this overlook is. If you are not stable on your feet, be warned the overlook is slightly downhill, so be sure to watch your step. Thoroughly enjoyed this place.
Always spectacular! Fall sunsets here are absolutely beautiful! The hiking paths are well marked and range from easy to hard. The picnic areas are nice as well!
