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West Virginia
119

West Virginia State Parks

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USA Parks
West Virginia
Mountaineer Country Region
Coopers Rock State Forest
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Coopers Rock State Forest © Jeff Lee
Small creek that you cross on the Virgin Hemlock trail near Coopers Rocks.
Coopers Rock State Forest Cheat River From Coopers Rock © Rege Rudman
This was taken on a fairly hazy day
Coopers Rock State Forest © Cathrine Curry
Coopers Rock State Forest © Cathrine Curry
Coopers Rock State Forest © Cathrine Curry
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COOPERS ROCK STATE FOREST
COOPERS ROCK STATE FOREST
Rt. 1 Box 270
Bruceton Mills, West Virginia   26525

Phone: 304-594-1561
Toll Free: 800-225-5982
Email: park email button icon
Coopers Rock State Forest gets its name from a legend about a fugitive who hid from the law near what is now the overlook. A cooper by trade, he resumed making barrels at his new mountain hideout, selling them to people in nearby communities. He lived and worked in the forest for many years.

Bands of rock cliffs line the Cheat River Gorge and provide numerous overlooks. The centerpiece among these is the main overlook, which furnishes a panorama of the gorge and distant horizons. A maze of enormous boulders and cliffs fascinates hikers, and the trails are especially lovely in June when the rhododendron and mountain laurel are in bloom. Several trails wind through forest valleys and over ridges, and a number of creeks beckon the explorer. Glade Run is dammed to form a 6-acre pond that is regularly stocked with trout. The observant hiker can hear and sometimes see squirrels, chipmunks, hawks, owls, turkeys, turkey vulture, songbirds, fox and deer throughout the forest.
History of the Area
During the Depression, between 1936 and 1942, the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) built numerous structures in the forest, often using durable American chestnut wood from trees that succumbed to a blight that nearly wiped out the species. Eleven of these structures, including the rustic picnic shelters near the overlook, have been included on the National Register of Historic Places.
Camping
All 25 sites have electric hookup. The campground opens April 1- December 1. Pets must be leashed and not left unattended. Price is for one tent or trailer per site and six people per site. A maximum of 10 people permitted. Hot showers are available in the shower house and water is available at an outside faucet.

Reservation policies

Up to 50 percent of the campsites at Coopers Rock State Forest are available for reservations, while the remainder are rented on a first-come, first-served basis. Reservations can be made by mail, phone or in person at least 2 days in advance for a minimum of 2 nights, up to a maximum of 14 nights. The reservation is held by paying a deposit of the entire camping fee plus a handling charge. Campsite numbers will not be guaranteed; however, every effort will be made to assign the campsite requested. Payment may be made by check, money order, Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover.

The camping reservation season begins the Friday before Memorial Day and ends Labor Day. Reservation requests are accepted from February 15th preceding. If a reservation is canceled more than seven days in advance the deposit will be refunded (except the first night's rental and a handling charge).

The campground is open April 1 through mid-December (weather permitting). Only one tent or trailer is allowed per site, and check-out time is noon.
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Picnicking
Numerous picnic sites and three shelters are provided for the enjoyment of forest visitors. These sites offer tables, grills, drinking water and toilet facilities. The shelters may be reserved by calling the forest office at 304-594-1561, Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Picnic Shelters 1 & 2

These shelters will hold 100 people and they do have electric.

Playground:

Children's playgrounds are located in the campground and at various picnic areas.
Trails
Nearly 50 miles of multi-use trails wind through the forest, allowing visitors to enjoy the scenic beauty of Coopers Rock State Forest on foot or on bike.
Area Attractions
Nearby Attractions:

-Nearby Attractions

-Glass factories

-Whitewater rafting

-Horseback riding

-Lakeview Golf Resort and Conference Center

-West Virginia University

-Swimming and boating on Cheat Lake

Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews
November 3 by Abby and Katie
park review stars; one to five We loved the park along with our two Westies. They loved walking thru the leaves. A great place for a great walk, and the overlook is out of this world. Was their 60 yrs ago, sorry I never went back sooner, plan on going back.
December 1
park review stars; one to five
October 16 A Beautiful Park
park review stars; one to five Has many outstanding trails throughout the park. the overlook has an amazing view of the Cheat River. Great place to relax. best to visit during fall while leaves are changing.
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Area Campgrounds
Mylan Park
500 Mylan Park Lane
Morgantown, WV
304-973-9733
Area Fishing Related Businesses
Upstream Flyfishing Shop
954 Maple Dr # 7
Morgantown, WV
(304) 599-4998
Area Cabins and Lodges
Lakeview Golf Resort & Spa
1 Lakeview Dr
Morgantown, WV
(304) 594-1111
Monongalia Lodge
264 High St
Morgantown, WV
(304) 296-7114
Area Accommodations (over 20 miles away)
businesss listing main photo
Cottages and Cabins
For those who like to fish for wild trout...this is the place to be Savage River Outfitters is a full line Orvis Dealer and Fly Shop with vacation rentals located on the Savage River in Western Maryland. Call ahead to book a half or full day wade trip or fly fishing instructions.
35.6 miles from park*

Directions
Exit 15 off I-68, turn south and follow signs, 13 miles east of Morgantown and 8 miles west of Bruceton Mills.

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West Virginia
119

West Virginia State Parks

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