Coopers Rock State Forest | Morgantown

Coopers Rock State Forest is one of West Virginia’s most celebrated outdoor destinations, perched high above the Cheat River Gorge near Morgantown. Spanning nearly 12,000 acres, this vast woodland blends rugged mountain scenery, Civilian Conservation Corps craftsmanship, and centuries of Appalachian heritage. The forest is a haven for hikers, climbers, and nature lovers seeking both solitude and sweeping views of northern West Virginia’s wild beauty.

Origins and Name

The forest’s name traces back to a 19th-century legend about a fugitive blacksmith, or “cooper,” who fled justice and lived for years among these cliffs, secretly crafting barrels for local traders. Though part folklore, the story still echoes through the forest’s sense of mystery and isolation. The site became an official state forest in 1936, during the era of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), whose workers built roads, trails, picnic shelters, and the now-iconic Coopers Rock Overlook-a stone platform that juts dramatically over the gorge.

Landscape and Setting

The terrain of Coopers Rock State Forest is defined by sandstone cliffs, deep ravines, and hardwood forests of oak, maple, and hemlock. The elevation reaches about 2,000 feet, offering cool mountain air even in midsummer. The forest changes character with each season-lush green in spring, golden and fiery in autumn, and crisp with frost and fog in winter. The air carries the earthy scent of pine needles and damp rock, especially after rain.

At its heart lies the Cheat River Gorge, a steep canyon carved over millennia. From the main overlook, the gorge stretches out like a living map: a ribbon of blue river winding between wooded ridges that fade into smoky horizons. On clear mornings, the light glows across the sandstone ledges, and raptors-often red-tailed hawks or even bald eagles-glide above the treetops.

Trails and Recreation

The forest features over 50 miles of trails, varying from gentle woodland walks to strenuous climbs. Popular routes include:

Ravens Rock Trail – A scenic 1.5-mile hike to another rocky vantage point, slightly quieter than the main overlook.

Henry Clay Iron Furnace Trail – A moderate loop leading to the remains of an early-1800s iron furnace, one of the region’s first industrial sites. Its moss-covered stone arch stands in a shaded hollow, offering a glimpse into the area’s mining and smelting past.

Rhododendron Trail – Known for its late-spring bloom of pink and purple blossoms that fill the forest with color and perfume.

Mont Chateau Trail – Descends steeply toward Cheat Lake, passing through old growth forest and streams that tumble over sandstone ledges.

For those seeking adventure, the park is also a prime site for rock climbing and bouldering. The cliffs near McCollum Campground offer challenging routes and panoramic resting points, with climbers often scaling them at dawn or dusk when the light hits the rock face at a golden angle.

Campgrounds and Facilities

Coopers Rock offers both developed and primitive camping. The main campground, open seasonally, provides sites with fire rings, picnic tables, and access to modern restrooms. Primitive camping areas deeper in the forest allow for a more secluded experience, with only the sounds of owls and wind in the trees breaking the silence.

The Day-Use Area, built by the CCC, features rustic stone shelters, picnic tables, and fireplaces-each handcrafted from local stone. Families often gather here for weekend picnics or short strolls to the overlook. In autumn, the shelters become a gathering place for photographers chasing the region’s vivid fall colors.

Nature and Wildlife

The forest teems with life. White-tailed deer, wild turkey, red foxes, and barred owls are common sightings, along with the occasional black bear in remote sections. In spring, the forest floor bursts into color with trilliums, mayapples, and ferns unfurling under the fresh canopy. The mixed hardwood forest creates a rich habitat for migratory birds, making Coopers Rock a favored stop for birdwatchers.

The Cheat River below supports trout, bass, and catfish, drawing anglers and kayakers who launch from nearby access points. On quiet mornings, mist often rises from the gorge, creating a surreal play of light and shadow between the cliffs.

Seasonal Events and Visitor Life

Throughout the year, Coopers Rock hosts small community events such as trail runs, guided hikes, and environmental education programs. During autumn weekends, visitors often gather at the overlook just before sunset-a local ritual that ends with the fading light and the faint echo of crickets from the valley below.

Winter transforms the forest into a quiet wilderness of bare trees and ice-crusted trails. Cross-country skiers glide along old forest roads, and the overlook-nearly empty-offers a stark, haunting view of the frozen Cheat River.

Atmosphere and Experience

Every visit to Coopers Rock feels a little different. In the height of summer, the forest hums with insects and laughter from picnicking families. In spring, the air feels cool and fragrant, and you might catch the tap of woodpeckers echoing through the trees. At sunrise, the cliffs glow pale gold, and the whole gorge seems to breathe in silence.

The park’s blend of history, wilderness, and craftsmanship creates a timeless quality-one where you can sense both human hands and nature’s raw power. Standing on the stone overlook, with wind in your face and the Cheat River winding far below, you understand why Coopers Rock remains one of West Virginia’s most cherished landscapes: wild, enduring, and quietly unforgettable.