6 National & State Parks In West Virginia You Have To Visit
With a nickname like the Mountain State, West Virginia abounds with natural scenery. The state is entirely located within the Appalachian Mountain Range, so towering peaks and rugged cliffs are found throughout its 24,000 square mile expanse. In addition to mountains, rivers such as the Ohio, trails like the Appalachian Trail, and dense forests across the landscape create a wellspring of outdoor opportunities. The best way to take it all in is with a trip to one of the many national and state parks in West Virginia, each showcasing a unique side of Mother Nature. From hiking and biking to boating and fishing, nature lovers in the Mountain State have to visit these six parks.
Blackwater Falls State Park
Located in the Allegheny Mountains of northeastern West Virginia, Blackwater Falls State Park’s prime attraction is the Blackwater Falls. This cascading waterfall has a drop of over 60 feet along jagged rocks, with lush foliage on both sides. The picturesque scene is perfect for hours of relaxation and makes for some great photos. Beyond the falls, this park spans around 2,350 acres, with endless forests, trails, creeks, and hills. Those looking to explore can choose between 20+ miles of bike and hiking trails, perfect for taking in the views. Beginners adore the Balsam Fir Trail, which starts at the Elakala Trail and cuts through a strand of balsam fir.
Blackwater Falls State Park also has plenty of amenities to make an outing comfortable. There is a nature center and restaurant on-site, showcasing exhibits on the region’s history, with delicious meals to recharge your body. Meanwhile, camping spots are plentiful, with over 60 sites, 30 with electrical hookups, and over 30 cabins. Those staying the night can also go fishing at Pendleton Lake to catch their dinner, a perfect outdoor experience in West Virginia. The best part is that entry is free and the park is open throughout the year, although some campsites close seasonally.
Watoga State Park
The largest state park in West Virginia, Watoga State Park, spans over 10,000 acres in the state's south-central part. It is a great place to spend the night, and is known for having one of the darkest night skies in the region. To this end, the park is designated as an International Dark Sky Park, and those interested can spend the night camping at one of the many accommodation options. There are over 80 campsites split between two campgrounds, as well as 30+ cabins for a comfortable group stay.
After a night’s rest, Watoga State Park’s many hiking trails and boating areas are ideal for some recreation. Nearly 40 miles of trails cut through the dense foliage, with some, like the Allegheny Trail and Lake Trail, standing out with beautiful views. Those who reach the lake can head out for some fishing on the 11-acre body of water, or rent a boat for some time on the water. Lastly, there is also the Brooks Memorial Arboretum, offering an easy way to view cottonwoods, Ohio buckeyes, and more.
Valley Falls State Park
While not as large as Watoga State Park, Valley Falls State Park is another one you have to visit. Resting along the banks of the Tygart Valley River, this park has an area of around 1,150 acres and is perfect for those who want to spend some time on the water. This is because the river is a popular spot for kayaking, as the fast rapids create the perfect environment for whitewater rafting. Relaxing stretches are also available, primarily before the falls. Speaking of falls, the park has four falls along the river, each more beautiful than the last, creating a charming environment for some scenic photography.
Apart from kayaking, swimming is not allowed here due to the intensity of the river’s water. However, plenty of opportunities abound along the shore, such as hiking and biking, with around 18 miles of trails throughout the park. Experienced hikers can head out on the 1.8-mile-long Wild Turkey Trail, a rugged route that offers rewarding views of flora and fauna. Fishing is also popular here, and those with a license can cast a line into the Tygart Valley River to catch trout and catfish for dinner. As Valley Falls State Park is a day-use park, camping spots aren’t available, so it's ideal for a shorter outing in West Virginia.
Hawks Nest State Park
Set along the New River Gorge in Ansted, Hawks Nest State Park is one of the most striking places to witness West Virginia’s mountain scenery. The park is best known for Hawks Nest Overlook, which sits nearly 750 feet above the river and provides sweeping views of the gorge, its forested cliffs, and the water snaking through the valley below. Photographers and sightseers alike consider this one of the state’s must-see vistas, especially during fall when the trees burst with color.
Beyond its overlook, Hawks Nest State Park covers around 270 acres of rugged terrain that invites outdoor activities. Hikers can choose from several short trails leading through woodlands and to additional viewpoints, while the New River itself is popular for whitewater rafting and boating. On-site amenities make a visit even more comfortable, with the historic Hawks Nest Lodge offering cozy rooms, a restaurant, and access to a seasonal aerial tramway that descends into the gorge.
Babcock State Park
Babcock State Park is another outdoor area nestled along a river. Here, the New River Gorge is the star of the show, offering miles of trails, forests, and wilderness along the cascading waters. Hikers are flush for choice with over 20 miles of trails, from the one-mile Triple Creek Trail ideal for beginners, to the challenging Rocky Trail, which has a steep uphill climb for half a mile. However, no matter which trail you choose to traverse, the views are worth it, from the Glade Creek Grist Mill to Boley Lake. The latter is also great for watersports, with a marina where one can rent paddleboats, rowboats, and canoes. Similar to Valley Falls, whitewater rafting is also popular here, with the New River Gorge offering class IV+ rapids.
While most people associate state parks with unkempt wilderness, Babcock State Park is more than meets the eye. This park also has outdoor sports facilities, from basketball and tennis courts to a horseshoe pit. Furthermore, there is a gift shop to get a souvenir, or one can head over to the Glade Creek Grist Mill for fresh cornmeal and buckwheat flour. There are over 20 cabins and many more campsites, so you can spend days (and nights) exploring the park’s 4,100-acre expanse. As an added benefit, most amenities, such as campgrounds, restrooms, and some fishing areas, are designed with accessibility for people with disabilities in mind so that everyone can join in on the fun.
Monongahela National Forest
While not a state park, Monongahela National Forest is one of the largest and most impressive outdoor destinations in West Virginia, spanning more than 900,000 acres across the eastern mountains of the state. The forest stretches through the Allegheny Highlands and has no shortage of biodiversity, high peaks, and rolling valleys. Its prime attraction that everyone must see is Spruce Knob, the highest point in West Virginia at 4,863 feet, offering panoramic views that extend for miles across rugged ridgelines and forested slopes.
The forest is a year-round playground with more than 800 miles of trails for hikers, bikers, and horseback riders. Iconic areas like Dolly Sods Wilderness provide sweeping plateaus at high altitudes, leading to unique vegetation like stunted trees and heath barrens, as well as striking overlooks. At the same time, the Seneca Rocks is a magnet for climbers seeking dramatic cliffs and soaring rock faces. For anglers, the forest’s countless streams and rivers, including the Potomac, Greenbrier, and Monongahela Rivers, are rich with trout, making fishing a favorite pastime.
Campers can choose between well-equipped campgrounds or remote backcountry sites for a more secluded experience. Multiple campgrounds are also located on Spruce Mountain itself, connected to steep trails that open up panoramic viewpoints and access to observation towers. That said, keep an eye out for local wildlife like black bears when camping in the wild.
Explore These Scenic Parks In The Mountain State
From relaxing near the 60-foot-tall waterfall in Blackwater Falls State Park to climbing trails along Spruce Mountain in Monongahela National Forest, West Virginia is a treasure trove of outdoor opportunities. Adventurous souls rejoice as activities of all sorts shine, and climbers have a vast array of routes to choose from. Moreover, each park has plenty of amenities like campsites, sports courts, restaurants, and lodges for a comfortable experience.
