West Virginia has a variety of diverse features, including the rolling Appalachian Mountains and craggy Allegheny Ranges. From the fertile Ohio River Valley to the breathtaking New River Gorge Bridge. A trip to West Virginia will reveal that it is more than just another beautiful state. These are the best parks in the state.
With so many different state parks to choose from, it can be hard to know which one is right for you.
Not only are there a lot of parks to choose from, but each one has its own unique set of features and attractions. So how do you know which park is right for you?
The best way to find the perfect state park for your needs is to consider what you’re looking for in a park. Do you want a park with great hiking trails, stunning views, or plenty of activities for the whole family? Regardless, you’ll need to pack for a camping trip the right way where you will be prepared for any situation.
Once you know what you’re looking for, you can narrow down your choices and find the perfect park for your next trip to West Virginia.
Best State Parks in West Virginia to Visit
Whether you’re looking for a park with great hiking trails, stunning views, or plenty of activities for the whole family, you’re sure to find what you’re looking for in West Virginia. Here are our favorites to visit.
Blackwater Falls State Park
Blackwater Falls State Park is notable for its namesake waterfalls. The park features dark woods, fast-flowing rivers, and peaceful streams, all of which are beautiful.
The park is also popular among birdwatchers, as it is home to over 250 species of birds. Trails for hiking and cycling wind their way through the park, and fishing, swimming, and picnics are all possible activities. In the winter, the park is a favorite location for cross-country skiing and snowmobiling.
Babcock State Park
Babcock State Park is a 4127-acre site located in Clifftop, West Virginia. It has ample outdoor activity, particularly for adventurous people. The thrill-seekers can take part in white-water rafting or ziplining in the morning.
Babcock State Park offers 12 cabin rentals on Glade Creek that are equipped with a kitchen, bath, and bathroom. The 52 campsites offer camping sites and a camping area.
The summer is a great time to enjoy outdoor activities like fishing and hunting using the best trail camera under 100. There are plenty of amazing hiking trails that provide hikers the chance to explore the parks, see wildlife, and get a breath of that amazing West Virginia fresh air.
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Lost River State Park
The trees of Lost River State Park in Western Virginia’s eastern panhandle are numerous. It covers more than 3712 acres and provides peaceful spots to getaway.
The Cranny Crow ledge rises up to Blue Mountain, offering spectacular views of five West Virginia counties. It has a 13-mile trek that leads to Cranny Crow Lookout. There are also fishing, swimming, and canoeing opportunities in the park.
The Lighthorse Harry Lee Trail is a beautiful route for equestrians. The camping ground provides basic accommodation without any running water.
Some sites, on the other hand, include camping rings, picnic tables, and toilets. The second campsite offers an open bathroom and toilet.
Beartown State Park
Beartown State Park is a beautiful park that is perfect for those who love nature. The park is home to some amazing rock formations and provides stunning views of the surrounding countryside. There is also a half-mile-wide walking path that makes for an easy walk.
Beartown State Park is a great place to go geocaching, as well as nature watching. The park is also open for overnight camping, so you can stay for a few days and explore everything that the park has to offer. If you’re looking for a state park that has it all, then Beartown State Park is the perfect place for you.
Monongahela National Forest
The Monongahela National Forest is one of the nation’s first. The forest has a diverse range of creatures, including elk, deer, bear, and wild turkey.
One of the most unique and remarkable aspects of this forest is the abundance of natural wonders. There are more than 1,500 miles of hiking trails in the wood, making it a favorite destination for hikers and nature enthusiasts. The Cheat River meanders through the woods, providing fishing, canoeing, and kayaking opportunities.
Bluestone State Park
Bluestone State Park is located in Hinton, West Virginia, and provides a peaceful lakeside retreat with stunning scenery. Bluestone has all kinds of attractions to suit all the nature lovers in the state. Activities at the lake can range from sailing to fishing.
Adrenophiles may choose more adventurous choices like cliff climbing, whitewater skiing, aerial trips, or mountain biking.
Bluestone welcomes guests to sleep at a single campground for four nights. There are 32 sites of camping that have RVs and tent spaces with electricity and water hookup and a central bathroom.
Harpers Ferry National Historical Park
Harpers Ferry National Historical Park is a must-see for any history buff, sitting at the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers. The Park contains a number of historical monuments, including those from the Civil War-era town of Harpers Ferry.
Ranger-led activities, such as walking and cycling trails, are also available to visitors.
Cacapon Resort State Park
Cacapon Resort State Park is one of the finest state parks in West Virginia. The park is located in Berkeley Springs and has over 6,000 acres of forest territory. The park offers a variety of activities such as trout fishing, hunting, and mountain biking.
The views from the top of the East-West Virginia mountains are stunning and make for a great backdrop for a day outdoors. If you’re looking for a state park that has something for everyone, Cacapon Resort State Park is a great choice.
New River Gorge National Park
Yes, yes, New River Gorge is now a national park but it needs to be mentioned given the sheer beauty of this place. This is one of the best national parks in the United States for good reason.
The New River Gorge is one of the most popular tourist destinations in West Virginia. The river has been designated as a national park and offers visitors plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation.
Visitors can enjoy hiking and biking trails, fishing, white water rafting, and kayaking. There are also a number of historical sites in the park, including the New River Gorge Bridge, which is the world’s second-longest single-span arch bridge.
Hawks Nest State Park
Hawks Nest State Park is a great place to visit if you’re looking for a park with plenty of activities for the whole family. The park spans the Fayette County area and offers adventure lovers a dream of rafting, flying boating, and walking.
The New River Gorge National River is a Class III+ rapid and the most difficult section of whitewater rafting. Tramway, station, and observation deck offer stunning views of the forest and river. Natural history enthusiasts seeking a tranquil getaway may also visit our Natural History Museum to learn about the local fauna and its history. The Hawks Nest Lodge has 31 hotel rooms that can accommodate your event and meeting needs.
If you’re looking for a state park with a re-enactment of the Civil War, then you should visit Carnifex Ferry battlefield State Park in Summersville. The park offers a great view of the New River Gorge and also has a museum that displays artifacts from the civil war.
Audra State Park
Audra State Park is a great place to visit if you’re looking for a break from the city. The park offers woodlands and nature, as well as clean fresh water that runs through the Middle Fork River.
Final Thoughts
So whether you’re looking for a park with great hiking trails, stunning views, or plenty of activities for the whole family, you’re sure to find what you’re looking for in West Virginia. The best state parks in West Virginia offer something for everyone, so be sure to check them out on your next visit.
West Virginia State Parks FAQs
There are 35 state parks in West Virginia.
There are 9 state forests in West Virginia.
Watoga State Park has 10,100 acres of land with plenty of fishing, hiking and boating opportunities.
Author Bio: Kyle Kroeger is the owner of ViaTraveler.com. ViaTravelers is a destination travel blog providing the best tips, hacks, and itineraries to help you explore the world. Follow us on Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube.
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