Coopers Rock State Forest

State: West Virginia. Type: state forest straddling Monongalia and Preston counties. Total area: 12,747 acres. Elevation at the main overlook area: 2,159 feet. Address: 61 County Line Dr., Bruceton Mills, WV 26525. Less than 15 miles from Morgantown. Interstate 68 runs through the forest.

Coopers Rock State Forest sits on the Cheat River gorge east of Morgantown, its name drawn from a local legend about a fugitive cooper who hid near the site and resumed making barrels to sell to nearby communities. Much of the forest's rustic infrastructure, including chestnut-log picnic shelters now on the National Register of Historic Places, was built between 1936 and 1942 by the Civilian Conservation Corps. Today the forest is best known for its main overlook above Cheat Canyon and Cheat Lake, its nearly 50 miles of hiking trails, and sandstone cliffs that draw rock climbers and boulderers from across the region. The northern part of the forest is managed by West Virginia University's forestry program, while the southern portion is jointly managed by the state Division of Natural Resources and Division of Forestry, reflecting its dual role as working forest and recreation destination. A restored 19th-century iron furnace inside the forest adds an older layer of industrial history to the landscape.

Coopers Rock straddles Monongalia and Preston counties in north-central West Virginia, with its main entrance and overlook area less than 15 miles east of Morgantown. Interstate 68 roughly bisects the forest, and its southern edge borders Cheat Lake and the Cheat River's canyon section. The mailing address for park offices is 61 County Line Dr., Bruceton Mills, WV 26525.

As an Appalachian upland forest at around 2,159 feet elevation, Coopers Rock experiences four distinct seasons with cold, sometimes snowy winters and warm, humid summers typical of north-central West Virginia. The main southern entrance closes annually from December 31 through March 31, and winter visitors are directed to use the first parking lot off I-68 instead, indicating the site is prone to snow and ice in the colder months.

Fall is popular for foliage views from the overlook, and spring and summer suit hikers and climbers taking advantage of the nearly 50 miles of trails. Winter access is limited: the main entrance road closes December 31-March 31 each year, though the forest remains partially accessible via the first I-68 parking lot for cross-country skiing and winter hiking.

The forest's name comes from a legend about a fugitive who hid near today's overlook and, being a cooper by trade, went back to making and selling barrels to people in nearby communities. Between 1936 and 1942, the Civilian Conservation Corps built much of the forest's rustic infrastructure, including picnic shelters made from American chestnut wood, which are now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Henry Clay Iron Furnace within the forest was built between 1834 and 1836 and produced pig iron until 1847, predating the forest's recreational development by a century. The land came under joint state management, split between West Virginia University's forestry program in the north and the state's Division of Natural Resources and Division of Forestry in the south.

Visitors hike nearly 50 miles of trails through the forest, many of which double as cross-country ski routes in winter. Rock climbing and bouldering are major draws on the site's sandstone cliffs, with routes spanning the V0 to V11 difficulty range. The historic Henry Clay Iron Furnace offers a self-contained history stop, and camping and cabin stays let visitors extend beyond a day trip. As of research, the main scenic Overlook was closed for a bridge replacement, so check current status before planning a visit centered on that viewpoint.

The main Overlook above Cheat Canyon and Cheat Lake is the forest's signature scenic viewpoint, though it was closed for bridge replacement as of research. The Henry Clay Iron Furnace (built 1834-1836) is a preserved 19th-century industrial site. CCC-era picnic shelters built from American chestnut wood, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, are scattered through the forest. Sandstone cliff areas along the trail system are popular with climbers even for those not climbing themselves, offering dramatic canyon views.

The forest is less than 15 miles from Morgantown, West Virginia, reachable via Interstate 68, which runs through the property. Morgantown Municipal Airport serves the area for those flying in, though the forest itself is best reached by car given its rural, forested setting. In winter, only the first I-68 parking lot is accessible, since the main southern entrance road closes December 31 through March 31.

As of research, the forest's general operating hours were listed as 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with the campground season running April through November, weather permitting. The main entrance closes annually from December 31 to March 31. Confirm current hours on wvstateparks.com before visiting.

No general entry fee was found on the official park page for simply visiting the forest and trails; camping and cabin stays carry their own nightly rates. Confirm current fee details, if any apply to specific facilities, on wvstateparks.com.

A half-day is enough for a short hike and the overlook (when open); a full day allows time for a longer trail, climbing, and a stop at the iron furnace. Overnight camping or cabin stays extend a visit further.

The forest itself offers cabins and camping (McCollum and Rhododendron campgrounds, open April 1-October 31, per Wikipedia), for visitors who want to stay on-site. Morgantown, less than 15 miles away, offers a full range of hotel chains and other lodging as the nearest larger town.

Morgantown, a short drive away, has a wide range of dining tied to its status as home to West Virginia University, from casual chains to sit-down restaurants. The forest itself has limited or no dedicated dining facilities, so most visitors bring food for picnics at the CCC-era shelters or eat before/after their visit in Morgantown or Bruceton Mills.

Cheat Lake, bordering the forest's southern edge, is a popular boating and recreation spot in its own right. Morgantown, less than 15 miles away, offers WVU campus attractions, shopping and dining. Bruceton Mills, near the forest's mailing address, is a small nearby community.

Morgantown Municipal Airport is the nearest airport with commercial service. Interstate 68 provides direct road access to the forest, and a car or rental car is the practical way to reach and get around the site, since there is no public transit serving it directly.

Rock climbers and boulderers should be experienced or accompanied by someone who is, given routes up to V11 difficulty and real cliff exposure. Because the Overlook was closed for bridge replacement as of research, follow posted closures rather than attempting to access restricted areas. Check seasonal road closures (main entrance shut December 31-March 31) before planning a winter trip. For any emergency, dial 911.

Sturdy hiking boots, water, and layered clothing suit the nearly 50 miles of trail and variable Appalachian weather. Climbers should bring their own gear, since the site is undeveloped in terms of climbing infrastructure. A park map (downloadable from the official site) helps with navigating the trail network.

Check the status of the main Overlook before visiting, since it was closed for bridge replacement as of research. Plan around the seasonal entrance closure (December 31-March 31) if visiting in winter, and use the first I-68 parking lot instead. Combining a visit with Cheat Lake or a stop in Morgantown is a common way to round out a day trip.

Dial 911 for any emergency. The park office can be reached at 304-594-1561 or coopersrocksf@wv.gov, per its official listing.

Coopers Rock State Forest (WV State Parks) - https://wvstateparks.com/park/coopers-rock-state-forest/

This section is being updated and will be available shortly.

This section is being updated and will be available shortly.

This section is being updated and will be available shortly.