We had a wonderful few days camping at Coopers Rock! The sites are a good size and decently spaced apart so we have a good amount of privacy. The campsite bathroom was clean, well stocked and regularly maintained. All of the employees at the trading post were friendly as well! Park rangers drove around regularly (4-5 time through the campsite a day I'd say). My only wish would be adding closure information onto the website so people know ahead of time. During our visit the main overlook was under construction/maintenance so there was no access to it. Which was a little disappointing since it looks beautiful online! But it was a short 5 minute walk out to the overlook so it was easy to get back to a different trail. (It is clear the individuals who work and manage the park take great pride in it, and take care of the facilities wonderfully!). read more

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My husband and I just went on a camping trip to Coopers Rock and loved our time there! The views were beautiful, the trails were well cleared, and the bathroom at the main overlook site was one of the cleanest bathrooms we've ever been in. The Ravens Rock trail has a beautiful outlook with cool, large rock structures. And the rock city trail was super fun too! The free maps of all the trails are very helpful. Some blazes could've been marked a bit clearer and some signs for trail heads could be adjusted as well. There is limited parking at trail heads so be sure to get there early to beat the crowds. The trading post was a fun addition with Coopers Rock merch, stickers (our personal fav), some local goods, firewood, some camping supplies, and even some ice cream treats! Overall we had a really nice stay! read more

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Tony and I stopped at Cooper's Rock near Bruceton Mills to enjoy the beautiful weather and to enjoy the Almost Heaven Swing located there Its free to enjoy with tons of trails for hiking read more

Spectacular views, they said. A must-see spot, they said. Life had other plans. When we visited Coopers Rock State Forest, it was raining and foggy! Womp womp. No spectacular views, just lots of soggy, foggy tromping to the lookout to see a beautiful blanket of never-ending grayness. Later, when I talked to a local about not seeing the canyon because of the fog, he exclaimed that he had never been to Coopers Rock and seen fog, so it was actually kind of a cool and unique experience. Thanks for trying to make me feel better, Morgantown stranger. But still, five stars for existing. I can imagine how beautiful the views are, because I've seen photos. The good thing is that we didn't have to walk very far to the lookout -- it's literally within maybe 100 steps of the parking lot. The path to the lookout is paved with stones, and there's a swing and a sheltered picnic area, and then you're there. Unfortunately, the path has some stairs before you get to the lookout, so it's not stroller or wheelchair friendly. But if you're able to get down the stairs, the path continues down to the viewing area. The park also has a playground and a visitor's center, but the center wasn't open for the season when we visited. Ideally, you want to visit Coopers Rock under the exact opposite conditions that we visited: a nice, sunny day when the visitors center is open. read more

One of the most beautiful places in WV! I've been coming here since I was a kid and I always enjoy it for all that it is. It's a great place to have a picnic or cookout. The hiking and mtb trails are great. The camping is great. They have a nice gift shop that also has your basic odds and ends that you might need while camping or hiking. The views from Raven Rock and the Overlook are captivating. There is a lot to see here including caves and wild animals. This is a beautiful place in all regards and I hope you get to enjoy it as much as I have over the years. Have fun and be safe :) read more

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A beautiful spot with spectacular views. Almost heaven! We arrived on a wonderful sunny day. Easy walk to the viewpoint. read more

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Great view. We did a short stop on our way home. It's a quick walk to the point from the parking area, wheelchair accessible too. Looking forward to coming back for some hikes maybe a camping trip? read more

Coopers Rock State Forest - Parks Near Me - Bruceton Mills, West Virginia

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Very nice State Park located near Morgantown. We stopped on Saturday to see the Coopers Rock Overlook (Named after a fugitive Barrel Maker (Cooper) that supposedly hid out here while being pursued by the law). The overlook was easy to reach from the parking lot, and had a fantastic view. The overlook itself is built upon the rock and it surrounded by fencing (Built by the Civilian Conservation Corps during the depression) to keep people from falling off. The rock itself is also slightly angled, so it might be hard for some people to walk down. There is a cool trail that goes under the rock called the "Underlook" and that was not an easy hike because of all the rocks (some that needed traversing), but it was worth seeing in my opinion. Cheers! read more

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In June 2023, our family made a road stop here on a drive from Washington DC to Morgantown, WV. This is a must-stop destination for quick views and a chance to stretch your legs. It will add about 30 minutes to your trip. We did not have enough time to check out the Raven Rock Trail. The main Cooper's Rock overlook is easily accessible from the parking lot and provides gorgeous views of the valley below. Second, it's close to I-68 (few minutes drive south of the freeway). Third, you can admire the results of work by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in the 1930s. read more

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Coopers rock is one of the coolest places I've ever visited got to see the sunset here it's a sight to see for sure read more

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This is an amazing state forest for camping and hiking! I've stayed at the Rhododendron camp site and loved it. The bathroom is really clean and well maintained. There's a good amount of space between campsites too. The only downside of being over in this campsite versus the McCollum campsite is you have to drive to McCollum to access showers and a sink to clean your dishes. But in comparing both camp sites, Rhodedendron has more shade and is overall quieter. The park itself is so well maintained too. There's a great playground for kiddos, an awesome gift shop with ice cream and other snacks and goodies and tons of well maintained trails. This spot is awesome!! read more

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I've visited this spot twice, a few years apart in time. I have never hiked here or stayed longer than 20 minutes. The big scenic overlook of the Cheat River canyon is a very short walk from a parking lot - a perfect rest stop for the weary traveler needing to stretch their legs and re-energize. This time we also pushed our daughter in the toddler swings at the playground near the parking lot. If you live in the Morgantown area you have a gem right next to you - I imagine the camping is peaceful. Love all the rhododendrons growing in this area - just need to stop by when they are in bloom in the late Spring / early Summer. read more

Coopers Rock State Forest - Always a beautiful spot to take in some fresh air. - Parks Near Me - Bruceton Mills, West Virginia

Amazing views, geological sites, and hiking trails. The main overlook and the trails nearby the overlook rock formation are incredible. It was convenient how these main sites were all close together and pretty easily accessible from the parking and gift shop area. The main downside was the bathrooms. I don't expect much from state park restroom facilities, but the stalls at Cooper's Rock were very weird and only came up 4 feet from the ground, so adults could easily look over the top. Very awkward and unpleasant. We also hiked the Ravens Rock trail, which afforded another incredible overlook view at the end - it terminates along a power line path, so the trees are cut away for great views. The trail wasn't steep or challenging, but the surface was very rocky which made for rough walking. Do not attempt if you don't have good boots. read more

Coopers Rock State Forest - Underlook Trail - Parks Near Me - Bruceton Mills, West Virginia

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Been there last week loved it. The atmosphere was nice and pretty. the roads were pretty narrow while going deep in make sure to drive safe.

What a beautiful forest! We headed up to enjoy the famous Coopers Rock Overlook, which gives a lovely view of the Cheat River Gorge. The rock formations that make up the "deck" are fascinating in their own right, and the bridge, stone steps, and railings that help with access and safety on it were built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s/early 1940s. Then, of course, there is the view, which includes the forest and river. There were also a lot of large birds flying overhead that were interesting to see. The walk to the overlook from the parking lot is not far, which also means you are close to other amenities including a playground, a couple of shelterhouses, benches in the shade, and the Trading Post. There are a lot of trail options available, and we also saw several rattlesnake crossing signs. A great view that's worth a stop even just to enjoy the overlook! read more

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Cooper's Rock State Forest is a beautiful place for outdoor activities. We came for the hiking and gorgeous views, but you can also camp, fish, etc. There are short trails and extended hikes, and some of the trails are definitely rockier than I expected! We loved the Raven Rocks hike. But overall this park is a great day or weekend trip (or longer!) read more

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Beautiful place to take a walk in nature. There are trails for all people... the adventurer and the not so adventurous. The overlook has an amazing view. Great place to see the sunset. read more

Nice area to spend a few hours at. They have various spots for picnic and various trails at varied difficulty levels. We visited on a friday morning during labor day weekend and the weather was just perfect. There were very few people as well. We were not in a mood to hike but to just have a relaxing walk. So we took the Roadside trail. It is a out and back trail. Even though at times you could see and hear the cars, it was mostly a very peaceful walk. Not sure if people would have the same experience on busy summer days. They also have a lovely scenic overlook that you can literally drive to. You just have to walk a few steps and you are at the overlook. We were fortunate to have the entire overlook to ourselves for over 10 minutes. Lovely place to spend a few hours of your day. read more

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A group of friends and I stayed at Little Bear's Den in Deep Creek Lake Maryland and about 30 minutes from the lake is this state forest, across the state line. The walk to the views is about 1 minute on relatively flat but uneven stone terrain. You don't have to toil or hike to get to them. There was no cost, and the visitors center was under construction. There was plenty of parking during the day on a weekday in mid-July and very few others so it was nice getaway. We hiked one of the shorter trails that went down and around Coopers Rock (it's not paved or cleared out very well, and navigation is a bit difficult) but then got spooked by a woman who stated that she and her two toddler daughters encountered a rattlesnake (we didn't, luckily). If you can find it, there's a small cave under Coopers Rock that is markedly cooler (but expectedly pitch black). I would consider coming back here when it's not so hot and attempt one of the longer trails. read more

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This park is wonderful! Park your car in the large lot and walk the path straight back to the viewing area. So pretty. We went in the cold rain, and saw the clouds in the valley. The forest is that wonderful. You never know what you're going to find. Rhododendrons are everywhere in this area. I'd love to see them in bloom some spring. read more

This beautiful forest outside of Morgantown, West Virginia is right on the Maryland state border. This forest is in a rolling hills, small mountains of West Virginia. When I went, the place was under a few feet of snow. The main roads were plowed, but the smaller roads were not. Due to the snow, I couldn't see many of the signs showing where the campsites are. I'm not sure if you're supposed to pay to camp here. It seems that there are a number of attractions here, but I didn't get to see much due to the snow and darkness. In the end, I ended up pitching my tent in a ditch, in three feet of snow. I drove the stakes into the packed snow, and had a cold sleepless night. The whole night, there was no traffic, and I was all alone in the wilderness. I woke up early the next morning, packed up and left. read more

Terrific hiking venue. I hiked here with the Pittsburgh HIking Meetup group in October. There are many trails from which to choose. We did about 7 miles on one trail, and then did the Raven Rock Trail which is 3 miles out and back. Beautiful views from the Raven Rock overlook. The trails are moderate in difficulty with some hills to navigate. There's plenty of free parking and restroom facilities plus dogs are allowed on leash. There's even a campsite. Here's a link to the trails: http://www.coopersrockstateforest.com/trails.html. It's less than 2 hours south of Pittsburgh, PA and makes for a lovely day trip. I noticed rhododendrons so definitely would like to return when they're in bloom. read more

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This place is great!!! It actually holds a special place in my heart because my fiancé brought me up here to ask me to marry him. Of course I said yes!! The tails are long but bare able! I love that at the end where the Rick is you can actually sit down and have a great pic nic. Not to mention there are several different areas to park so depending on how enthusiastic you are about walking on a given day you can park accordingly. There is also a concession store with goodies!!! Beef jerky, candy, all the cute WVU stuff you may or not want. The actual view is AMAZING. Never thought in a million years that my man would ask me here in WV to marry him. But now it's safe to say a cute smile will always come about when when coopers rock is mentioned because of what happened here. Another thing I like you have to have your dog on a leash. I like that. There are a few trails you can take either. read more

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We hiked the the raven rock trail; the trail itself is very rocky and muddy so wear decent shoes and just watch your step because I totally screwed up my ankle. Some people have seen copperhead rattlesnakes on the trail but we didn't. The trail is pretty quick and not difficult; there is a steep climb towards the end but nothing terrible. The overlook is beautiful and definitely worth it even though there are power lines in the view. We also drove up to the Coopers Rock overlook and it was lovely as well; it's pet and children friendly! read more

Coopers Rock State Forest - Coopers Rock Overlook - Parks Near Me - Bruceton Mills, West Virginia

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Cooper's Rock State Forest 5/5 stars Cooper's Rock is one of my favorite campgrounds in all of West Virginia. The hill to get there is pretty steep, but the state park road is less than 1/4mi from the interstate exit. You go down a windy, narrow road (Be careful) about 2 miles to the McCollum Campground. The campground is small (only 25 sites). Our experience may have been great bc I booked site 15. It is a HUGE site that butts up to the bathhouse on one side, and the playground on another side. The site is pretty unlevel, but once you get your camper level- it is the best site in the place. The whole campground is wooded, yet open. There is plenty of shade on every site. Other great sites that some family members had were 19, 20, 21, 22. ***Be advised the camp host told us about a 6' black snake (Henrietta) that lives on site 18 and can be seen climbing the tree almost every day. The only negatives I can possibly think of for the campground is the men's bathroom only had one toilet, which was occupied frequently. The hosts did a great job of keeping it spotless in there tho. The playground could use some updates. It's a large area with room for good equipment, but just had a few lame climbing things and one slide. The rest of the park was absolutely beautiful. Cooper's Rock was beautiful, but could be crowded at times due to such easy access (only like 100yds from the parking lot). We hiked 7 different of the hiking trails and were impressed with all of them. They were wide and very well maintained. The Iron Furnace was pretty cool, but if you go here DO NOT skip Raven Rock. It is a long hike, but well worth it. It's actually more beautiful than Cooper's Rock itself. Be advised there are Timber Rattlesnakes everywhere, as well as Copperheads. We saw a rattlesnake on our hike to the iron furnace. read more

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Visited for the fall colors and was not disappointed. Easy day trip from Morgantown with lots of activity options. Short and long hikes are available, along with an excellent overlook that is accessible by virtually anyone (not ADA compliant though). read more

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Beautiful area especially during the fall and after a large snowfall! Plenty of areas to hike and have a picnic. They also have lots of play areas for the kids! read more

Beautiful area to explore with trails for all levels and abilities. There are lot of places to park and explore. Of course the overlook has gorgeous views and the rock formations below are stunning. They have a lot of public restrooms and plenty of places to picnic. read more

The views are amazing! It's so peaceful and the best part is this state doesn't charge to go to state parks unless you camp. read more

Coopers Rock State Forest - Parks Near Me - Bruceton Mills, West Virginia

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One of the most popular places to get outdoors in Morgantown. The overlook never gets old. The rock formations are great to explore. Also the bouldering is top notch. Many great cross country skiing and mountain biking trails. read more

Always well maintained. Be sure to visit Raven Rock if you are able bodied. Even then, it can be tackled by the disabled, like me. Watch out for rattlers! read more

This place is exceptionally beautiful. Soaring vistas and huge, natural rocks to climb. You will feel the stress leave your body even as you drive in. It is a healing place for your soul. Every where you look are trails or beautiful scenery. This place is just magical. An added bonus, there were mushrooms everywhere. We must've seen 30 different varieties going from black to red and even a few purple ones. read more

Beautiful forest with great views of the Cheat River gorge below. Nice getaway from your daily routine. Plenty of great trails and picnic areas. Especially beautiful - in the fall. Take the family. Walk among the trees, smell the greenery! You will feel better having done so! read more

Winter xc skiing is the best time up there! If you're hiking, stay off the tracks!!! (PLEASE!) ;)

Visited here recently and parked in the first parking lot at the bottom of the park. This puts you about 3-3.05 miles from the top and the outlook, with well-manicured trails up to the top. A decent amount of rolling hills, but no real arduous climbs at all over the course of the trek. Trails were easy to run and lots of nice sights along the way. Ends right at the top camp and pavilion area with a nice scenic overlook. Trail runs near the road up to the top, and there seemed to be plenty of other small parking lots along the way. You could ultimately park a little closer and hike or run up a shorter segment relative to the bottom. Seemed to be dog friendly and was overall really nice, would come back! read more

Wonderful trails and beautiful views. There's a wide variety of well kept trails and a great play set for the kiddos.

Gorgeous park with great easy walking to the overlook. Nice trading post/gift store. Bathrooms are nearby but not at the trading post. We were really looking forward to seeing the giants in stone... they are sadly gone. Bring a quarter with you to the overlook for the view finders. Pack a picnic lunch or pick up something at the outlook trading post. Decent food and decent prices. Great opportunity to run some energy off little ones! read more

Coopers Rock State Forest - Overlook - Parks Near Me - Bruceton Mills, West Virginia

Beautiful area for hiking trails with varying terrain. Highly recommend in the fall when leaves are beautiful but can get crowded this time as well. Very clean and well taken care of. Look forward to coming here every year and I recommend it to anyone who loves the outdoors! Cabins also available for rent. read more

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Went on a weekday in the morning, so it wasn't busy at all. Took an easy and beautiful hike to Henry Clay Furnace then drove to Cooper's OverlOok View. We admired the view, took pano shots, shopped at the gift shop (very reasonable prices!) and purchases support the park foundation. Also, please watch your kids closely - it's a gorge peeps! read more

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The Raven Rock trail in the fall is AMAZING. Apparently it is several miles long, I'm not going to lie, I walked until I got winded and then returned to the car. There are a lot of things to do at this park. You can walk out on...wait for it...Coopers Rock and the view is SPECTACULAR. I really like that they have handicap accessible viewing platforms. They offer lots of public picnic areas with grills and picnic tables, adn there are lots of bathrooms. If you are a PIttsburgher and want to take your family for a day hike this is a great option. Pack some hamburger in the cooler, and hit the road, this park is about an hour away! There is a campground at Coopers Rock, we actually walked around it in December and I just didnt love these campgrounds. The sites are all nice and flat, but they seem to be right on top of each other with no privacy. There were some more secluded sites in the pet area but I dont know that I would camp here for any longer than a weekend. I hear they have cabins, but I didnt see them. This park is very close to Mountain Creek Cabins which I've stayed at, yelped about, adn highly recommend. The only thing about Mountain Creek Cabins is that they aren't dog friendly--and camping is ALWAYS better with a dog! Tip: dont go walking around these woods during hunting season like we did. We heard one gun shot and I took off sprinting for the first time since high school. Well, I considered it a sprint, although my friend was just walking next to me and we wereo n teh same pace. Anyway, its just a warning. In PA you cant hunt in many state parks, but that is NOT the case in WV. read more