Recently Debbie and I were on our way to Morgantown, WV and decided to take a detour to see Coopers Rock State Forest. It’s located about 13 miles east of Morgantown on Interstate 68, and got it’s name from a legend about a fugitive who hid out near the area that is now a lookout. He lived in the forest for many years, making and selling barrels to people in the area. A person that makes barrels is called a cooper, and that’s how the area got it’s name.
Follow Me!
Cheat River looks really small from way up here!
West Virginia’s state forests are used for several purposes. They are used not only for recreation and as a preservation area, but they are also used for timber management, wildlife protection, forestry research and watershed protection.
Pathway to one of the overlooks
We had to be careful walking on this rocky ledge!
There are several places to overlook the Cheat River Gorge, including the main overlook which gives a panoramic view of the gorge and the surrounding areas. Hikers love the huge boulders and mazes of trails. Trails meander through valleys, over ridges, and by ponds and several creeks. There is an abundance of wildlife to be seen and heard if you’re especially observant during a hike through the area.
Tags: Polly 2
July 12th, 2010 at 11:28 pm
Polly, you are definitely getting around this summer! Great post!
July 13th, 2010 at 10:08 pm
You should take a run up toward Fairmont and check out Valley Falls while you’re there! Also, there are 40+ miles of bike trails in the Morgantown area. There is so much for a frog to see in Morgantown. Did I mention that West Virginia’s major land grant university is located in Morgantown? Let’s go Mountaineers!!!!!!!!!
July 16th, 2010 at 10:01 pm
I wanted to know if there are camping sites at Coopers Rock?
July 17th, 2010 at 1:58 pm
Jenga,
Yes there are campsites at Coopers Rock that are open from April-November. It looks like a great place to camp!