17 Amazing State Parks That Belong On Your West Virginia Bucket List
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Rachel Price
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The Mountain State is full of splendor, especially once you venture outside of the more populated portions of the state and spend some time in the wilderness. West Virginia State Parks are the best way to do just that, as they’re overflowing with enchanting beauty and will draw you in instantly. Grab your hiking boots and pack some trail mix now, because you’re about to realize that no where in the world is prettier than West Virginia. Here are a few fan favorite state parks that you simply have to check out:
Full of natural beauty and human history alike, Audra State Park is an interesting way to kick off your journey through the parks. You'll find the remnants of an old gristmill in this pretty acreage near Middle Fork River. Visit this pretty park at Audra, Buckhannon, WV 26201.
Though it's lovely all year round, Babcock State Park is a true treat in the fall months. With 4,127 acres awaiting exploration, this spot is enchanting for nature lovers. Plus, it features one of the most photographed W.V. landmarks: the Glade Creek Grist Mill! Visit this West Virginia State Park at 486 Babcock Rd, Clifftop, WV 25831.
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Deeply emerald in hue and deeply enchanting in milieu, Beartown State Park is a petite but gorgeous gem. It's a mere 110 acres in size, but this Droop Mountain park is all sorts of fun to explore. Find it near Beartown Rd, Renick, WV 24966.
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Located in Cabell and Wayne Counties, Beech Fork State Park is located on the shores of Beech Fork Lake. This natural oasis features 3,860 acres of landscape, and it's particularly adored in the warmest months of summer. Visit this slice of paradise at 5601 Long Branch Rd, Barboursville, WV 25504.
If you recognize the name Berkeley Springs, you're probably familiar with the area's lore. The mineral water that is naturally abundant in the Warm Springs Ridge area was long believed to have healing properties. Today, this historic area is encompassed in a state park, and you'll also find the nation's only state-run spa in this coveted park. Visit it at 2 S Washington St, Berkeley Springs, WV 25411.
Admire a 62 foot tall waterfall, hike along the mighty Blackwater Canyon, or go camping at Blackwater Falls State Park. This 2,358 acre landscape is adored by nature lovers of all ages. Visit it at 1584 Blackwater Lodge Rd, Davis, WV 26260.
With 2,154 acres of gorgeousness in Summers County, this pretty parked is tucked alongside a lake formed by the the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Since 1950, locals have adored Bluestone State Park, particularly in the summer months. It's ideal for camping! Check it out at 78 HC, Hinton, WV 25951.
Cacapon Resort State Park is a little slice of W.V. paradise. At 6,000 acres, there's much to do here, including camping, dining, hiking, hunting, and more. No matter the season, there's something to do here. You can visit this pretty spot at 818 Cacapon Lodge Dr, Berkeley Springs, WV 25411.
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Lovely and lush, Canaan Valley State Park is ideal for golfing in the summer and skiing in the winter. Actually, there's something going on here all year-round! Cozy up by the fire and connect with your wild side at this West Virginia State Park. Find it at 230 Main Lodge Rd, Davis, WV 26260.
Cathedral State Park is the largest old growth forest in the state, but it has long attracted interest from humans. There was once a summertime lodge called Brookside Resort in the park's 133 acres, and some of its trees may date back 500 years. Find this lovely and historic destination in Aurora, WV 26705.
Pictured above is what a bird's eye view of Droop Mountain Battlefield State Park looks like from the lookout at the battlefield. The battlefield, of course, is the site of one of the last major battles of the American Civil War. Embrace history in the 287 acres of this stunning park. Visit Droop Mountain at 683 Droop Park Road, Hillsboro, WV 24946.
Hawks Nest State Park is stunning scenic, a 370 acre landscape overlooking the pretty New River. Go fishing in the New River Gorge National River or take a ride on the aerial tram. Explore the park at 49 Hawks Nest Rd, Ansted, WV 25812.
As you can see, humans and critters alike can't resist the allure of Little Beaver State Park... no matter the season! The 18 acre lake in the park is ideal for fishing all year round, though you'll probably want to camp here only in the warmer months. Visit the park at 1402 Grandview Rd, Beaver, WV 25813.
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Prepare to admire nature and manmade splendor alike at Prickett's Fort State Park. Explore what life was like in the 18th-century via flawless reconstructions, or attend a workshop to learn a new skill. Please note that this park is closed seasonally, so check the state park website before your visit to ensure it is open. Pay it a visit at 88 State Park Rd, Fairmont, WV 26554.
With a name like Tu-endie-wei State Park, this landscape has big expectations to meet. "Tu-endie-wei" is a Wyandotte word that describes the local landscape, a stretch of land between the Kanawha and Ohio rivers. Explore local history and the beauty of West Virginia nature at this lovely park. Visit it at 1 Main St, Point Pleasant, WV 25550.
You'll cherish a trip to Valley Falls State Park. It spans 1,145 acres of picturesque beauty, including the impressive Tygart Valley River and ruins of once-bustling mills. Explore this scenic site at 720 Valley Falls Rd, Fairmont, WV 26554.
Last but not least, Watoga State Park is the largest of the West Virginia State Parks. With some 10,100 acres to explore, this landscape is seemingly endless. You'll find miles and miles of hiking, camping, and nearby attractions that are irresistible. Visit this park at 4800 Watoga Park Rd, Marlinton, WV 24954.
Which West Virginia State Park is your favorite? Comment below!
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More to Explore
West Virginia State Parks
What are the best outdoor adventures in West Virginia?
There's so much to love about West Virginia! You'll enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, ziplining, tubing, and more in this pretty state.
What are the most picturesque hiking trails in West Virginia?
Some of the prettiest hikes in The Mountain State can be found in its stunning state parks. You'll also find beautiful hikes with epic views in places like state forests, nature preserves, and local parks.
Which hikes in West Virginia are best in the winter?
Bundle up, because winter in W.V. is magical. You'll have loads of fun getting to know West Virginia Botanic Garden, Blackwater Falls State Park, and other destinations in the winter.
Featured Addresses
Audra State Park, Audra, Buckhannon, WV 26201, USA
Babcock State Park, 486 Babcock Rd, Clifftop, WV 25831, USA
Beartown State Park, Beartown Road, Renick, WV, USA
Beech Fork State Park, 5601 Long Branch Rd, Barboursville, WV 25504, USA
Berkeley Springs State Park, 2 S Washington St, Berkeley Springs, WV 25411, USA
Blackwater Falls State Park, 1584 Blackwater Lodge Rd, Davis, WV 26260, USA
Bluestone State Park, 78, HC, Hinton, WV 25951, USA
Cacapon Resort State Park, 818 Cacapon Lodge Dr, Berkeley Springs, WV 25411, USA
Canaan Valley Resort State Park, 230 Main Lodge Rd, Davis, WV 26260, USA
Cathedral State Park, Aurora, WV 26705, USA
Droop Mountain Battlefield State Park, 683 Droop Park Road, Hillsboro, WV 24946, USA
Hawks Nest State Park, 49 Hawks Nest Rd, Ansted, WV 25812, USA
State St, Enon Valley, PA 16120, USA
Pricketts Fort State Park, 88 State Park Rd, Fairmont, WV 26554, USA
Tu-Endie-Wei State Park, 1 Main St, Point Pleasant, WV 25550, USA
Valley Falls State Park, 720 Valley Falls Rd, Fairmont, WV 26554, USA
Watoga State Park, 4800 Watoga Park Rd, Marlinton, WV 24954, USA