Lansing

National GeographicJul 20

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

Adventures on the GorgePlaceOutfitter for whitewater rafting on the Gauley River
Elsewhere
New River Gorge National Park & PreserveSightFayetteville, United StatesEast Coast's most spectacular backdrop for whitewater rafting and hiking
Cass Scenic Railroad State ParkParkCass, United StatesRide a historic steam train
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
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

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10 of the best state parks in West Virginia