Nestled In West Virginia's Appalachian Mountains Is A Scenic Forest Full Of Hiking Trails

Tucked within the heart of the Appalachian Mountains, Coopers Rock State Forest feels like a special West Virginia secret. Just 13 miles east of Morgantown — the nearest travel hub and home to West Virginia University — this 12,747-acre forest is a haven for nature-lovers, weekend hikers, and road-trippers craving some mountain air. If you're flying in, Morgantown Municipal Airport is the closest option, but for more flexibility (and more flight options), Pittsburgh International Airport is 90 miles north, offering a scenic drive through rolling Appalachian foothills. Rather start your Appalachian journey in North Carolina? The Nantahala National Forest has a campsite just steps from the Appalachian Trail.

Getting to Coopers Rock is easy: Simply take Interstate 68 east from Morgantown for a quick 20-minute drive to the forest entrance. Once you're in, the forest unfolds like a mountain fairytale. Towering boulders, misty hardwoods, and sandstone cliffs wrap around you at every turn while overlooks offer jaw-dropping views across the Cheat River Canyon. It's beautiful year-round, but fall is especially stunning. When the leaves turn gold and crimson, it's as if the entire mountain is set ablaze in slow motion.

Sure, you can hike, fish, or cross-country ski at Coppers Rock, but let's be clear: the Raven Rock Trail is where it's at. While the forest's namesake overlook is popular (and rightfully so), Raven Rock's payoff may be even better. A quieter, more dramatic cliff ledge that juts into the canyon awaits you with panoramic views and fewer crowds. It's a 2.5-mile moderate hike from the parking lot and absolutely worth adding to your itinerary. Just make sure to wear sturdy shoes and bring plenty of water — while short, the trail can be steep and rocky.

Discover a slice of the region's industrial past along the Clay Furnace Trail which leads to the remnants of the historic Henry Clay Iron Furnace, dating back to the 1800s. It's an easy, shaded loop which makes it a family-friendly option. There's no shortage of ways to explore the more than 50 miles of trails in the forest, including options for mountain biking and skiing in the winter. Pro tip: Download a map from the West Virginia State Parks website to avoid potentially getting lost on your hike.

While Coopers Rock is open year-round, the best time to visit is late spring through mid-October when the forest is alive with color and the trails are clear. Summers are warm and lush while fall brings postcard-worthy foliage. Winter hiking is possible, but requires traction gear and cold-weather layers. Be prepared to walk 3 miles from the closest open parking area as the main gate is closed in the winter.

Lodgings nearby range from rustic to refined. The forest itself offers two campgrounds with a combined total of 50 campsites operated by West Virginia State Parks. If you prefer a mattress and WiFi access, Morgantown has plenty of options, including boutique stays like Hotel Morgan and well-rated chains starting at $160 a night. You'll find restaurants, breweries, and local shops here too; making it a great home base for longer visits.

Pack ready for adventure with boots, bug repellant, and a camera to capture those mountain scenes. And if you want to catch that perfect sunset from the main overlook, arrive an hour before golden hour to snag a lovely spot on the rocks. Coopers Rock is more than a forest; it's a natural stage where West Virginia's rugged beauty steals the show.