West Virginia's Coopers Rock State Forest a Mountain of Opportunity

As far as your eyes can see - seemingly, at times, beyond God's great horizon, the majestic hills, mountains and valleys stretch into our imaginations.

We often dream of a place that has no boundaries. Let that vision become a reality at Coopers Rock State Forest in North Central West Virginia.

There are 12,713 acres of freedom there - 50 miles of trails.

Trails upon wooded trails make up the park, historically sound within the park that was initiated during the Great Depression. It was from 1936 to 1945 when Civilian Conservation Corp (CCC) constructed a number of structures using American chestnut trees that often sprinkled all over the mountainsides east of Morgantown, Monongalia County. Eleven of the buildings are in the National Register of Historic Places.

"Coopers Rock State Forest gets its name from a legend about a fugitive who hid from the law near what is now the overlook. A cooper by trade, he resumed making barrels at his new mountain hideout, selling them to people in nearby communities. He lived and worked in the forest for many years."�

Today, thousands of tourists from all over the Eastern Seaboard gather during the spring, summer and autumn seasons to hike and bike the hills of Monongalia and Preston counties, West Virginia. They take photographs of the fiery leaves in the fall, and they break bread at the many picnic tables throughout the forest during the summer when times like Memorial Day, Independence Day and Labor Day come due.�

Now, as spring blossoms in the mountains, folks enjoy the scenic overlooks. They watch for birds and seek to catch a glimpse of wildlife like whitetail deer, pheasants, rabbits and squirrels. Others seek to recognize the many medicinal herbs that are so common in the Mountain State.�

Camping is popular at Coopers Rock State Forest. Camping is permitted from April through the end of November as long as the weather is conducive. There are 25 sites with electric hookup options. Hot showers are available.�

Fishing is also a popular pastime and there are plenty of opportunities of little ones to enjoy the various playgrounds all over the park.�

Whitewater rafting as well as horseback riding are other great attractions near the park. In addition, there are glass factories, swimming and boating at the lake, West Virginia University nearby and Lake view Golf and Conference Center just miles away.�

Another feature is the small gift shop/concession stand that is available throughout the season. It is an attraction for postcards and other small souvenirs.�

For more valuable information like directions to the forest, or pricing facts, view http://www.coopersrockstateforest.com/ on the World Wide Web.

To contact, write to:�

Coopers Rock State Forest, Rt. 1 Box 270, Bruceton Mills, WV 26525. Or, call (304) 594-1561 or 1-800-CALL-WVA. Send E-mails to coopersrock@wvdnr.gov.