Description:
Rock overlooks, old growth trees, explorations through mazes of rocks and rhododendron, picnicking, historic structures and long hikes on more than 50 miles of trails make this area a prime outdoor destination. The state forest includes the area south of I 68 as well as the WVU Forest north of the highway. This northern section has both roads and trails, but many do not form loops. The Virgin Hemlock Trail is a very nice short trail. Area Map (pdf) State Park Website, Coopers Rock Trail Map (pdf).
Directions:
Coopers Rock is in Northern WV near Morgantown. There are trailheads located all along the three miles of the road out to the overlook area (Google directions below) and down the Henry Clay Furnace Rd. To get to the northern section (WVU Forest), go to the northern side of the highway exit and then right on cr 73. .6 miles from the exit (top of the hill) take a left. Trailheads exist on both sides of the road for 1.5 miles. Other trailheads can be reached by going to Chestnut Ridge Park. The Virgin Hemlock Trail is located about 2 miles from the exit on cr 73. Toward the bottom of the hill, there is a small parking spot on the right and the trailhead on the left.
Activities:
Camping (Coopers Rock), Camping (Chestnut Ridge), Hiking, Rock Climbing, Fishing, Family Play, Cross Country Skiing, Mountain Biking, Sight Seeing
Address:
Coopers Rock State Forest Rt. 1 Box 270 Bruceton Mills, WV 26525
Phone/Email:
(304) 594-1561, coopersrock@wvdnr.gov