Visit the Scenic Wonder of Cooper's Rock State Forest in West Virginia

Cooper's Rock State Forest is an over 12,000 acre state forest sitting on Interstate 68 east of Morgantown, West Virginia. Morgantown is the home of West Virginia University (WVU). The forest is filled with recreational activities in a pristine setting. The primary draw of the forest is the main overlook from a rocky cliff. Visitors walk out onto the rock and see a beautiful panoramic vista of the surrounding area. The walkway to the overlook is surrounded by wood railings, but this is not a place for those scared of heights. The drop-off from the rocks is surprising quick and deep. The view from the overlook has been under pressure recently due to possible development, but is secure for the time being. This is a spot that you should see while it is still undeveloped.

In addition to the breathtaking overlook Cooper's Rock State Forest offers many miles of hiking and biking trails that take visitors to other overlooks and through the rugged forest. Small creeks and abundant wildlife also provide nice additions to the scenery. One of the creeks is dammed to form a small lake that can be fished. Fisherman can also take advantage of the nearby Cheat Lake and many numerous streams and rivers in the area. The state forest provides hunting and fishing opportunities in season. Hunting is not permitted near any of the forest's buildings or recreational facilitates. As the forest is over 12,000 acres this provides ample room for sportsman to roam.

Cooper's Rock State Forest offers other unique attractions as well. Many of the buildings in the forest were built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) during the depression. The CCC was a government organization that offered public works employment to young men unable to find work. Some of these structures were also built from American Chestnuts that had died from the chestnut blight that nearly destroyed all large chestnut trees in America. Many of the picnic shelters were built from Chestnut as well. The forest also holds the remains of a stone structure that was used to produce iron during the 19^th century.