High adventure abounds in the Mountain State. It’s part of the reason tourism is now our largest industry; people want to explore and admire the natural wonders found here in our back yard. One of them, a huge maze of boulders clinging to a mountain that overlooks a deep river gorge, is especially thrilling.
Coopers Rock State Forest overlooks the Cheat River gorge and has a multitude of overlooks and trails from which to admire the views. But one trail has views that have nothing to do with the river. These remarkable views are mostly straight up the face of the surrounding boulders.
A walk on the Rock City Trail is akin to hiking through a rock maze (although the trail is marked). The boulders are of a fantastical proportion; some the size of entire office buildings.
And the trail maze? Well let's just say there are a few obstacles and tight fits. None of the small places you'll walk through are dark enough to need a flashlight during the day.
And if anyone tries to tell you about the legend of the fugitive who ran from the law and lived here among the rocks at Coopers Rock for years, it's likely, at least in part, true. The legend says he was a cooper who was wanted by the law. He fled to the rocks and lived here undetected for quite a while, even continuing his trade.
The legend also says that's precisely how Coopers Rock got its name. Have you trekked through the massive rock maze at Coopers Rock? And did the tale of a fugitive hiding out there (in the past) make your hair stand on end in the slightest? We'd love to know!
Coopers Rock and this rock maze are located 20 minutes east of Morgantown. The address for Coopers Rock State Forest where you’ll find the Rock City Trail is 61 County Line Dr., Bruceton Mills, WV 26525. It’ open year-round. Learn more at this link on the official website for West Virginia State Parks.
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