National GeographicJul 20, 2026
10 of the best state parks in West Virginia
There are dozens of state parks and state forests in the Mountain State, offering crowd-free hiking and climbing, quiet lakes, and historic landmarks.
24 things in this story
- Cass Scenic Railroad State ParkParkRide a historic steam train
- Elsewhere
- New River Gorge National Park & PreserveSightFayetteville, United StatesEast Coast's most spectacular backdrop for whitewater rafting and hiking
- Hawks Nest State ParkParkAnsted, United StatesKnown for an overlook that takes its name from a folklore tale
- Blackwater Falls State ParkSightDavis, United StatesAttracts visitors to stroll along a boardwalk and ogle a waterfall
- Pendleton LakeSightDavis, United StatesClose to the Nature Center at Blackwater Falls State Park
- Warming HutRestaurantDavis, United StatesWarm up around the fire with a hot chocolate
- Pipestem Resort State ParkSightPipestem, United StatesDarling among families who frequent its Adventure Zone
- Bluestone River GorgeSightPipestem, United StatesAncient gorge cut through by the Bluestone National Scenic River
- Mountain Creek LodgeHotelPipestem, United StatesOffers 26 cozy cabins, complete with fire rings and outdoor grills
- West Virginia’s Waterfall TrailTrailCharleston, United StatesTraces regional driving routes to more than 40 striking waterfalls
- Camp Creek State Park and ForestSightCamp Creek, United StatesDiscover Camp Creek State Park and Forest in West Virginia — scenic trails, hiking, camping, picnicking and outdoor…
- Campbell FallsSightCamp Creek, United StatesGently cascading falls that drops into a shallow oval pool
- Mash Fork FallsSightCamp Creek, United StatesSpills over a picturesque sandstone ledge
- Turkey Loop TrailTrailCamp Creek, United States7.5-mile trail with several creek crossings
- Babcock State ParkSightClifftop, United StatesKnown for the Glade Creek Grist Mill
- Glade Creek Grist MillSightClifftop, United StatesReplica of an original 1920s mill, popular autumn backdrop
- Boley LakeSightClifftop, United StatesOffers fishing for bluegill and bass
- Lover’s Leap Outlook TrailTrailAnsted, United StatesNamed for a folklore tale about two Native American lovers
- Ace Adventure ResortTheme parkOak Hill, United StatesOutfitter for whitewater rafting on the Lower New River Gorge
- Adventures on the GorgePlaceLansing, United StatesOutfitter for whitewater rafting on the Gauley River
- Coopers Rock State ForestSightBruceton Mills, United StatesShines brightest around mid-October for changing leaves
- Clay Furnace TrailTrailBruceton Mills, United StatesLeads to a historic coal-burning furnace
- Canaan Valley Resort State ParkSightDavis, United StatesMakes a great base for exploring the region year-round
- Canaan Valley Ski ResortSightDavis, United StatesOne of West Virginia's oldest and largest ski resorts
