While Coopers Rock State Forest’s main attraction is closed, don’t overlook its many other charms.
Just 12 miles from Morgantown, Coopers Rock State Forest is a great spot to hike, bike, or picnic. Its most popular attraction is its main overlook: a wide, picturesque view of Cheat River Canyon.
We’re not going to advise you to visit the overlook, because you can’t right now—it’s closed for repairs to the pedestrian bridge until summer. But we are going to advise you to visit Coopers Rock anyway, because this 12,000-acre forest has way more to offer than just one great overlook.
The forest is open year ’round, but the main entrance is closed until March 31—so park in the first lot off I-68 and walk right in.
Cross Country Skiing
When Coopers Rock gets six inches of snow or more, there are about four miles of moderate to difficult ski trails to traverse. The longest and most advanced trail even leads you right to the historic Henry Clay Iron Furnace—convenient!
Stargazing Cabins
Winter is the best time for stargazing, thanks to the clear air and longer, darker nights, so there’s no better time to book a few nights at one of Coopers Rock’s five new stargazing cabins. These A-frame cabins are outfitted with large, scenic windows, cozy accommodations, and wi-fi—although you won’t need the latter, because each one also has a telescope. Bonus: Three of the cabins are pet-friendly, so if you’ve been missing those summertime strolls with Fido, bring him on a new kind of adventure.
Can’t find availability that works for you? Check back this summer, when seven more cabins will be completed.
Good Old-Fashioned Hiking
There are more than 50 miles of hiking trails at Coopers Rock—that’s 50 miles of opportunity. You don’t just have to hike. Search for animal tracks in the snow, bring a pair of binoculars and discover the many bird species that overwinter in West Virginia, or even try wintertime bouldering on the park’s sandstone cliffs.
WinterFest
How far can you toss a cast iron frying pan? How many native tree species can you identify? How many of the elusive “skisquatch” trail blazes can you spot?
Find the answers to these questions at WinterFest, a culmination of the many wintry activities to enjoy at Coopers Rock. Whether there’s a foot of snow on the ground or not a snowflake in sight, on February 7 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., you can join the Coopers Rock Foundation for a group hike through the forest’s coolest spots, learn to measure a tree, participate in or observe the Women’s Frying Pan Toss, and more. If there’s snow aplenty, try your hand at skiing, snowshoeing, or sledding.
There’s lots to enjoy this winter at Coopers Rock—and mark your calendar to visit after the overlook reopens this summer, because it really is a great view.
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