West Virginia Division of Natural Resources, Cooper's Rock State Forest Superintendent's House and Garage, West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Coopers_Rock_State_Forest&oldid=1103069874, Protected areas of Monongalia County, West Virginia, Protected areas of Preston County, West Virginia, Civilian Conservation Corps in West Virginia, Articles using NRISref without a reference number, Official website different in Wikidata and Wikipedia, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 4.0, This page was last edited on 8 August 2022, at 06:27. Coopers Rock State Forest : Climbing, Hiking & Mountaineering - SummitPost The Allegheny Trail is a 311-mile north-south trail with its northern terminus on the Mason-Dixon Line at the Pennsylvania-West Virginia border near Bruceton Mills. While, View Post 22 Drivable Weekend Getaways from Pittsburgh for Any Time of the YearContinue. Enjoy hiking on nearly 50 miles of trails that wind through this vast forest! Coopers Rock State Forest gets its name from a legend that a fugitive cooper (a person who makes barrels) hid from the law near what is now the main overlook. Normal open hours are from 10 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. The garden is located at 1061 Tyrone Road in Morgantown WV, 26508. (function (w, d) { for (var i = 0, j = d.getElementsByTagName("ins"), k = j[i]; i < j.length; k = j[++i]){ This trail gives a unique view from the underside of the geological formation that is Coopers Rock overlook. The area surrounding Coopers Rock Overlook is within the no huntingzone. The WVDOF Special Operations Unit and Region 1 [] Were hoping for some huge snow giants to be built, but that depends on how many kids pitch in, said Dave Hopkinson, President of the Foundations Board of Directors. Learn More, Yes! These cabins are family-owned and operated, and feature fully-equipped kitchens, hot tubs, porches and fireplaces. Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your PLUS! This 13-mile reservoir on the Cheat River is a popular area for boating and fishing. Founded in 1972 by the West Virginia Scenic Trail Association, this trail is also known as the ALT. Coopers Rock State Forest: The Complete Visitors' Guide Learn more by calling 304-594-2331 or visiting wvgs.wvnet.edu/www/museum/museum.htm. 5th annual WinterFest at Cooper's Rock | Culture | thedaonline.com A nice climbing area that features several top rope climbs as well as a few leads. Coopers Rock State Forest is a 12,747-acre (52 km 2) state forest in Monongalia and Preston counties in the U.S. state of West Virginia. Search our site to find more information about your next trip. Here are the Apple items still discounted today after Amazons official Prime Day event ended. Learn More, Coopers Rock State Forest offers hiking and walking trails of varying difficulties, along with campsites, picnic areas and pavilions for small gatherings and events. Coopers Rock State Forest has plenty of areas for picnicking. Get Directions! coopersrock@wvdnr.gov These sites include an already assembled canvas tent, a queen bed, furniture, a rustic bathroom, a firepit, and more! Sometimes a weekend getaway from Pittsburgh is needed! The Mountain. Today, the overlook and several other structures within the forest, including the Superintendent's House and Garage, are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This canopy tour is great for ziplining pros, as well as beginners. The ridge trail starts at the Rock City shelter, follows a moderate grade and connects with the Mont Chateau Trail. On your way to the overlook, stop and snap a photo on the Almost Heaven swing! Space plants 16-24 inches apart. FREE music by Spoon, Fitz and the Tantrums, Quinn XCII, and more! Kids Trails & Tales: Hiking Coopers Rock State Forest - Blogger The Laurel Highlands is full, View Post Top Things to do in Latrobe PennsylvaniaContinue, Searching for the best weekend getaways from Pittsburgh? The most popular climb is just 100 yards past the "Climber's Kiosk" in the large parking lot on the main road from the Coopers Rock I-68 Exit. The overlook is a very popular spot to get a view of the Cheat River below since it sits only a few hundred feet on a level walk from the parking lot to the overlook. There are no showers at Rhododendron Campground, but registered guests may use the showers located inMcCollum Campground restroom. The Coopers Rock Overlook is the crown jewel of Coopers Rock State Forest. Fairmont WV 26554. to 1 m.) wide. If you live in Mountaineer Country, youre likely to frequent Coopers Rock each year. If youre a water sports enthusiast, then you should know the river awaits you for fishing, canoeing, kayaking, swimming and, at the Cheat River Narrows, whitewater raftinga class II-II+ section during the summer, but can reach high water levels (Class III). tall and 2 to 4 feet (61 cm. 1584 Blackwater Lodge Road One of the more popular trails, Henry Clay Iron Furnace Trail, takes you on a trip back in time where youll discover the 180+ year-old structure. The History of Coopers Rock Some say Coopers Rock State Forest received its name after a fugitive hid from the law around the spot that is now known as the infamous overlook. There are black bears, rattlesnakes for certain, and the mountain lion has been spotted on occasion. Winter at Coopers Rock means cross-country skiing to a lot of people, and this event is the only one in the area to provide the opportunity to try out cross-country skiing for free, said Adam Polinski, WinterFest Organizer for the Coopers Rock Foundation. Check out the Area Map and Coopers Trail Map for your reference before your visit! 3rd annual Union Peak Festival Sept. 8-10. West Virginia, United States, North America, Images Three marinas provide rentals including ski boats, pontoons, paddleboards and kayaks. This easy to moderate trail runs from picnic shelter 3 through the area known as Rock City. Park at the Ravens Rock trail parking area to access the trailhead. . Email:alex.kew@mail.wvu.edu. Were hoping for at least 30 skiers to enter. Located just off I-68, about 13 miles from Morgantown, the park features canyon overlooks, historical sites, picnic shelters, 50 miles of hiking and biking trails, sandstone cliffs for climbing and bouldering, cross-country ski terrain, a lake perfect for reeling in trout and a nearby river for rafting. Saturday, February 10th, 2024. There are several different legends surrounding how Coopers Rock got its name. The Henry Clay Iron Furnace operated from the 1830s until the 1860s and at its peak, it would be produce up to 4 tons of pig iron every day. Warning A routing network for winter maps does not exist. West Virginia University Climbing in Roof Rocks, Northern WV - Mountain Project Overlooks Main overlook Main overlook in October 2012. 1 Vote Cooper's Rock closes the gate at "dusk." I usually ask at the park office each visit. Winter Tree ID Hike - 1:30 Mass-Start Downhill Dash cross-country ski race - 2:00 . Hikes will start at 10:30 a.m., noon and 1:30 p.m. For all the tree lovers, this guided hike teaches people how to identify trees when they don't have any leaves. Enter a search term like, Seneca Rocks, or Coopers Rock State Forest., Adventure WV Three marinas provide rentals including ski boats, pontoons, paddleboards and kayaks. It's southern edge boarders against Cheat Lake and the canyon section of Cheat River, which is popular as an Eastern US destination for white water rafting. 1230 Paul E. Malone Road The course is easy. This trail is a connector trail between the Advanced Ski Trail and the Reservoir Ski Trail. The Rhododendron Campground is for those looking to camp with only a tent! Trout fishing is available seasonally at the Coopers Rock Lake. M-F 9 am - 5 pm Pets are allowed and sites are available for up to 14 days. This trail begins on the left of Sand Springs Road and ends at Messinger Lake. k.setAttribute("data-push", "1"); Do Not Sell My Personal Information BRUCETON MILLS, W.Va. One of the most . Use Offer Code FLASH20 at checkout. It's a quick stop off the freeway and I promise the view is worth it. Coopers Rock is home to miles of exciting hiking trails for all skill levels. Established in 1936, Coopers Rock State Forest boasts some of the most iconic views in Almost Heaven. The museum is located at 1 Mont Chateau Drive, Morgantown, WV 26508 Open hours are: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekdays. Coopers Rock State Forest has both bouldering and top rope climbs. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. All profits from the Caf and donations will stay at Coopers Rock and benefit future users of the trail network. [2] This overlooks towers over the Cheat River and is gorgeous during every season. Coopers Rock State Forest mountain bike trail map. Numerous picnic sites and three shelters are provided for the enjoyment of forest visitors. Pets are permitted at both sites as long as they are on a leash at all times. Also contains information about the CRSF campground. From that parking lot, you can take the 3-mile out and back Roadside Trail, so named because it parallels the road in and out of the forest. The road will come to an end into one of two gravel parking lots (the second may be closer for guests that need assistance). We have an extensive map which has all the detail you need to plan your next adventure. PHOTO: WV Tourism. The Raven Rocks offer a similar view as the main overlook, but visiting requires a moderately challenging 2.1-mile out-and-back hike. Most of the time youwill be able to find a spot, but when not, parking on the side of the road is perfectly acceptable.Walking down to the entry point of any natural structure is exhilarating, especially here. This trail starts at McCollum Campground, crosses Ravens Rock Trail and connects with the main forest road. . . The trail begins near the forest entrance parking area and ends at the McCollum camping area. Some downhill sections require a lot of skill. Both campgrounds close during the winter but open by the first weekend in April, depending on weather. The northern lights, also known as the aurora borealis, could be visible in some U.S. states on Wednesday. This 13-mile reservoir on the Cheat River is a popular area for boating and fishing. Please patronize the Coopers Rock Cafe, at the warming fire in the center of the Day Use Parking Lot. A release from the Park Service said the bridge has been closed and will be off limits until further notice. (304) 594-1561 or (800) CALL-WVA To learn more about the ALT. The trail begins across the road from the McCollum camping area entrance. Many of its structures, including the main overlook, picnic shelters and superintendents house, were built by the Civilian Conservation Corps during the Great Depression. 106 Overfort Lane Address: 61 County Line Drive, Bruceton Mills, WV 26525, USA How do we get there? The Coopers Rock Foundation, the West Virginia Division of Forestry . However, if you dont wish to stay inside the property, check out these additional campgrounds near Coopers Rock State Forest. Reserve by calling the forest office at 304-594-1561. When the original begins to decay and decompose, a new one is erected in its place! This trail winds along the rocky cliffs that parallel the rim of the Cheat River canyon, and connects the concession stand and Rock City. On the county line between Monongalia and Preston counties, Coopers Rock is a popular outdoor destination for Morgantown residents and WVU students. Estimated dates are based on historical averages or advice from the resort. Please enable JavaScript in your browser to submit the form, Practical Information for Visiting Coopers Rock State Forest, Top Things to Do at Coopers Rock State Forest, Camping and Cabin Rentals at Coopers Rock State Forest. Attendees can enjoy the following activities: 10 a.m.-1 p.m., Disc Golf Beat everyone to the treasure all you need is a smartphone with GPS! adventures and follow local regulations. over a year ago lnewcome Masontown, West Virginia 0 Votes 5:00 P.M. daily at the concession stand. Coopers Rock State Forest is named for Coopers Rock, a series of sandstone cliffs above the Cheat River Gorge. According to West Virginia State Parks, the pedestrian bridge will be closed and off-limits to the public until further notice. The release said that the bridge needs structural repairs but did not say whether repair plans were in the works. Coopers Rock consists of intermediate and more advanced ski terrain on most of the trails. Properly licensed individuals are welcome to hunt in-season (in specified areas of Coopers Rock State Forest). This trail is mostly level grade with a few steep sections. Number: 304 594-1561. The weather within Coopers Rock State Forest and at the Coopers Rock Overlook is about 10 degrees cooler than the temperature recorded in Morgantown, WV. From here, follow the signs to the overlook. We hiked the Eagle Loop trail and the Rock City trail, which we looped a bit with another trail. Coopers Rock has two campgrounds and 50 total campsites. The Virgin Hemlock Trail takes you through a large virgin hemlock grove with over 300-year-old trees. The Outbound works best with JavaScript enabled. Interested in attending more than one event this weekend? . There is a small parking area outside the main gate and you can either follow the paved road or travel along the roadside trail. This trail that begins at the Henry Clay iron furnace and ends at Cheat Lake near the old Mont Chateau Lodge. This road/trail begins at the Quarry Run Road and leads to Chestnut Ridge Camp. Well keep you updated on events, insider tips, discounts and valuable coupons. The overlook also has several coin-operated tower viewers (cost 25 cents) to help visitors navigate the expansive views. For an almost heavenly outdoor adventure, plan your visit to Coopers Rock State Forest during leaf peeping season in the fall. April Events | Copper Mountain Resort Spend your mornings seeking all the adventure that surrounds you, then camp in one of the eight Mountain Creek Cabins located within the forest. Hot chocolate, coffee, and tea will be available, along with chili (vegetarian and beef both available) and baked goods. About 3 easy miles in all. Plus, by renting a cabin, youll be able to stay out later, bond with friends and family, and wake up early and do it all over again without ever having to leave the forest. Route 1 Box 270 Follow any of the smooth-stone walkways, past the picnic shelters, to reach the overlook. Buffalo is centrally located between along the Erie wine country and Niagara Falls so you, View Post Winter Weekend Getaway Two Day Itinerary Buffalo, New YorkContinue, Want to explore one of Laurel Highlands small towns? WiFi is available at the McCollum Campground for registered campsites and pets are permitted if they remainon a leash. 1. If you're ever on I-68, heading through West Virginia . www.chestnutridgepark.com, Coopers Rock State Forest Coopers Rock is pet-friendly. Fall Trout Stocking Starts Oct. 19 - West Virginia Division of Natural Northern lights forecast for some US states July 13: How to see them Cast a line at Messinger Lake and see what you can catch. However, please keep them on a leash. Participation is free. Bruceton Mills, WV 26525 The nearby Youghiogheny River offers some of Americas best whitewater, trips run from April to November. The Ravens Rock Trail leading to the Ravens Rock Overlook is easily the second most photographed area of the Coopers Rock State Forest! . Coopers Rock State Forest. The first is McCollum Campground, which is the traditional area and includes 25 sites that are open to both tents and recreational vehicles, as well as provides a heated bath house with showers for all guests. Several events and activities are featured during the day participation is free! Minimum three-night stay required. There is a parking lot that sits outside of the entrance gate on the right. Things To Do. The most popular amenity near the Coopers Rock Overlook are the picnic shelters, especially for weddings, graduation parties, and family reunions. Coopers Rock. Our warming fire and Coopers Rock Caf will be open regardless of the weather, added Hopkinson. Colorful and luminous, its a sight to behold! Natures beauty is everywhere throughout the park! Buffalo, New York makes for a unique weekend getaway from Pittsburgh! But Coopers Rock State Forest has a problem. Some say Coopers Rock State Forest received its name after a fugitive hid from the law around the spot that is now known as the infamous overlook. Click and drag to look around. A cooper by trade, he continued to make and sell barrels from his mountain hideout. The Trail is a moderate in-and-out 0.8-mile trail. To access the Iron Furnace, make a right onto the first road in the forest, and then youll come upon a parking area about 2 miles in. Thunderstorms temporarily rock Kanawha and surrounding counties Thursday. WinterFest! February 11, 2023 - The Coopers Rock Foundation Morgan Morgan Monument. The event will be based out of the Day Use Parking Lot only mile from the Interstate 68 Coopers Rock Exit. According to West Virginia State Parks, the pedestrian bridge will be "closed and off-limits to the public until . Coopers Rock State Forest is already well-known for having some of the best views around thanks to its high-elevation canyon overlooks. New Coopers Rock gateway holds a piece of history - WBOY 12 News For registered guests, there is also WI-FI available. From Wikipedia: Coopers Rock State Forest gets its name from a legend about a fugitive who hid from the law near what is now the overlook. The hike is dog and kid-friendly, according to AllTrails, and takes about an hour and 15 minutes. Repairs made are satisfactory and approved by a third party engineering firm as safe for use for the 2023 season. To learn more about the ALT, click here. It wends its way south until meeting the Appalachian Trail on Peters Mountain at the Virginia-West Virginia border. WV Travel Team: Coopers Rock, one of West Virginia's thrilling Ben Salango's Exit from Governor's Race Clears the Way for Steve Williams, Caution Advised on West Virginia's Economic News. Copper Mountain Open & Close Dates - UPDATED 2023/24 - SnowPak WVU is an EEO/Affirmative Action employer Minority/Female/Disability/Veteran. Both campgrounds are available to the public: April 1 through December 15. Fallout 76 Recon Mission: Coopers Rock : r/fo76 - Reddit The views are amazing during any season but are particularly stunning during the fall foliage change from roughly September to November. Once there, youll see Overlook Trading Post, a playground, and picnic areas. They can be reserved by calling the forest office at 304-594-1561 and rates can be found online here. Just a few dozen yards from the parking lot, you'll find the park's namesake (and probablya lotof people, engagement photoshoots, and just general mayhem). Unique for this tenth year of the event will be a brief ceremony to dedicate the brand new entryway that was erected over the State Forests road in December, 2021. He lived and worked in the forest for many years. Whether you plan the day hiking with a group, enjoy a relaxing picnic with family or you drove deep into the forest for the breathtaking overlook, Coopers Rock welcomes all. Some counties are reporting a couple hundred power outages. The forest is operating in a deficit. Whether you choose an easy hike around the reservoir, or you want additional photo ops at a more moderate hiking trail to Ravens Rock, there is something to fit everyones hiking style. WVU is an EEO/Affirmative Action employer Minority/Female/Disability/Veteran. Do your research ahead of time as I don't believe any of the trails are labeled. The cause of the fire is officially undetermined at this time, according to a press release. 341 Chaplin Road, First Floor, Morgantown, WV 26501 Getting to the overlook is relatively easy to find as there is only one road in and out of the state forest. (There is another path to the left of the Overlook Trading Post that is flatter and smoother, and recommended for those that need assistance.). This moderate to steep hiking trail connects the Goodspeed Highway Trail with Quarry Run Road. Today you can see how nature has reclaimed this one industrial site. } 1. *Offer not valid at Stonewall, Canaan Valley, Babcock, Camp Creek, Pipestem and Watoga state parks. Please explore responsibly! Lots of beautiful trails around the area as well. Take in the View at Coopers Rock Overlook - The Outbound The Trading Post is open daily, April 1 through mid-November. WV State Parks provides fall foliage maps to help you plan your visit during the peak of the color change. To confirm opening dates, call the forest office at304-594-1561. Unfortunately, Coopers Rock State Forest does close in the winter time but it doesnt mean the Coopers Rock Overlook is inaccessible! However, that view requires a 2.1 mile hike and is consider moderately challenging for a walk. WinterFests are based out of the Day Use Parking Lot, mile from the I-68 Coopers Rock Exit, and lasts from 10:00 am - 4:00 pm. Great beginner skiing exists on the roadside trail from the front gate to the overlook (3 miles one way). Participation is free. Cooper Rock State Forest just 15 miles east of Morgantown West Virginia has been one of our favorite destinations in Mountaineer Country. There is a range of grades, from non-technical scrambles and moderate chimneys to gravity-defying overhangs. To learn more, find maps, hours, events and a FAQ page, visit wvbg.org. The Coopers Rock Scenic Overlooks offers a 360-degree view of Mountaineer Country. The Coopers Rock Foundation will hold their tenth Coopers Rock WinterFest on Saturday, February 12th, from 10-4. Definitely a great place to sight see. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph.. Visitors' Center Area outfitters provide guided trips and shuttle services on the Cheat River, which at its peak runs up to Class IV+. UPDATE: WV Division of Forestry requesting public information on fire In addition to the Coopers Rock Overlook, the area also hosts several other amenities nearby. View Post Top 15 Things to do in Pittsburgh for Anytime of the Year: The Perfect Pittsburgh Bucket ListContinue, As someone who grew up a short one hour drive from Pittsburgh, we appreciate and love what the city has to offer! It also provides a great photo-op and has been dubbed as one of the most Instagrammable places in Mountaineer Countryand for good reason. Charleston, WV (25301) Today. The park is accessible via I-68. The Morgantown Glass Museum boasts more than 5,000 rare and vintage pieces. This trail begins at the forest entrance parking area. To get to the Coopers Rock Overlook, once you get into the park, continue driving straight until you arrive at the main parking lot (the road will end). Take in stunning 360-degree views of the Cheat River Canyon from the historic Coopers Rock Overlook. As soon as locals hear of rock climbing and bouldering, many often think of Coopers Rock! This is a nice trail for those looking for an easy loop hike. The Allegheny Trail is a 311-mile north-south trail with its northern terminus on the Mason-Dixon Line at the Pennsylvania-West Virginia border near Bruceton Mills. Learn More, Coopers Rock State Forest is a 20-minute drive from Morgantown, WV. Guided snowshoe hikes will begin at 10 a.m., 11:15 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 1:45 p.m. Winter Tree I.D. Latest Press Releases | Copper Mountain Resort This trail can be accessed from the parking lot the forest entrance. Saturday, February 8th, 2025. Coopers Rock State Forest is 13 miles east of Morgantown and 8 miles west of Bruceton Mills. 2023 The Outbound Collective - Terms of Use - Privacy Policy. Fall Trout Stocking Starts Oct. 19 West Virginia's fall trout stocking season will start Oct. 19 and we're giving anglers and their families more opportunities to enjoy a fishing trip by adding two new state park lakes to the stocking schedule and announcing dates for four other stockings. Dogs are happily welcomed but must be leashed at all times. March 25, 2023 - 8:33 am. Were grateful to WVUs Outdoor Recreation Center for providing to our event several sets of skis for attendees to use. We dont blame you. The cross-country ski race is on a long, wide, open downhill course. Individuals will also learn fun facts about the forest as they zip from one course to the next so its both fun and educational! Share it with us by using #VisitMountaineerCountry on social media. Coopers Rock State Forest is a hidden gem for climbers in the Mid-Atlantic region. The road will dead end into the first gravel parking lot which is the larger of the two. The road to the overlook area is closed in the winter, so the day use parking area and trailhead is the starting point for all trips (Google directions below). Display located at Henry Clay Iron Furnace. BRUCETON MILLS, W.Va. (WBOY) Despite the fact that Coopers Rock State Forest's access road is about to open for the spring, the bridge that gives people access to the main overlook, and the rock itself, will not be opening. The event will be based out of the Day Use Parking Lot only mile from the Interstate 68 Coopers Rock Exit. Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. Trails vary by degree, so theres no need to worry about skill or experience. } Camping, Hiking, Rock Climbing, Fishing, Family Play, Cross Country Skiing, Mountain Biking, Sight Seeing, Coopers Rock State Forest Rt. No matter how the story goes, today, Coopers Rock stands out for many of its historical factssome still visible throughout the forest. WVU Outdoor Recreation Center, in collaboration with the Coopers Rock Foundation, will hold the10th Coopers Rock WinterFest Saturday (Feb. 12) from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. CRF President Dave Hopkinson will make a few remarks and dedicate the structure, at the entryway, at noon. The trial of Monongalia County Sheriffs Deputy Lance Kuretza continued for its fourth day Thursday. PO Box 6018 | 2001 Recreation Center Drive | Morgantown, WV 26506 Sky News reveals MPs with second jobs have an average wage of 233 per hour; thousands of junior doctors are on their second day of their latest strike action, despite being made a 6% "final . But if you hike the Rhododendron Trail as it follows the Tygart River and then Glady Creek, you'll find the Valley Falls via Rocky and Rhododendron Trail is a loop trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Fairmont, West Virginia. Close up of coin operated binoculars or telescope at Coopers Rock State park near Morgantown in fall colors. close. The name is derived from a legend about a fugitive who hid near the overlook to elude capture. A cooper by trade, he resumed making barrels at his new mountain hideout, selling them to people in nearby communities. There are some new trails located in between the day use lot and the interstate exit ramp. Offer valid on campsite stays only. Rhododendron Campground Plan Your Trip. Once you get off I-68 to Coopers Rock State Forest, drive straight for a few minutes until you find the parking lot. This spectacular overlook is where my he proposed and I wouldnt have picked anywhere else in our area. The road to the overlook area is closed in the winter, so the day use parking area and trailhead is the starting point for all trips (Google directions below). An incredible view. The Raven's Rock Trail leading to the Raven's Rock Overlook is easily the second most photographed area of the Coopers Rock State Forest!
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