State Park · West Virginia
A 12,700-acre state forest above the Cheat River Gorge near Morgantown, famous for its sandstone overlook 1,000 feet above the river, a network of moderate trails, rock climbing, and a reservable campground at McCollum.
Field briefing
Coopers Rock State Forest changes fast with season and elevation.
Before you go
The overlook is the draw for most visitors, but the forest trail network, the climbing, and the campground make it a full overnight destination. Fall is the standout season; reserve a McCollum site weeks in advance. Up to 50 percent of sites are reservable in advance, the rest first-come, so call or mail early for a reserved spot.
Weather, crowds, and what the season changes about the trip.
Cool and green with the Cheat River running high; wildflowers bloom on the forest floor through May.
Pack Layers, rain shell, and waterproof footwear for muddy forest trails in wet spring conditions.
Warm and shaded in the forest; the overlook is bright and open, and weekends at the campground fill quickly.
Pack Water, sun protection at the exposed overlook, insect repellent, and an early arrival for the popular site.
Spectacular, with the Cheat River Gorge framed in hardwood color from mid-October through early November.
Pack Warm layer, headlamp, camera, and a campsite reservation locked in weeks ahead for the color peak.
Cold with potential snow and ice; the overlook and some trails are accessible but the campground may be limited.
Pack Insulation, traction for icy overlook path and trail sections, and a check on campground status.
Coopers Rock Overlook
The park's signature view: a 0.2-mile accessible round-trip walk from the main parking area to a series of sandstone outcroppings 1,000 feet above the Cheat River. One of the most dramatic overlooks in the Mid-Atlantic, framed by hardwood forest in fall.
Raven Rock Trail
A 2.5-mile moderate loop reaching a secondary overlook at the Raven Rock formation above the Cheat River, less crowded than the main overlook and offering a longer forest experience.
Sandstone rock climbing
Coopers Rock is one of West Virginia's most popular climbing areas, with bolted and traditional routes on sandstone outcroppings throughout the forest. Routes range from beginner-friendly slabs to multi-pitch trad lines above the gorge.
Keep one flexible slot in the day, because weather, parking, and energy usually decide more than the map does. For one day in Coopers Rock State Forest, make Coopers Rock Overlook the non-negotiable, add Raven Rock Trail only if the first stop runs clean, and keep Sandstone rock climbing as the flexible finish.
Turn Coopers Rock State Forest's conditions into water, pack, and sleep-system decisions.
Build around conditions
Let season, elevation, and weather set the plan.
Plan your trip
4 quick tools, already seeded for Coopers Rock State Forest. Tune the numbers around temperature swings, footing, layers, and how much margin the route needs.
Start with the gear decisions this park changes: footing, weather, camping, and water.
Kit Authority
Coopers Rock State Forest packing list
0 of 24 packed. Check items as you pack, then take this list to the store, trailhead, or campsite.
Pack planning
Use this as a constraint check while you are still shaping the trip. The active checklist becomes useful once your route, dates, and sleep plan are set.
Checklist mode
24 items, grouped for the trip you are actually taking.
The buying guides that match what Coopers Rock State Forest asks of your kit, with our current top picks across budget and use case.
McCollum Campground is the primary camping area, with sites that can be reserved in advance for a 2-night minimum. Up to 50 percent of sites are reservable; the rest are first-come. Make reservations by mail, phone, or in person at least 2 days ahead. Morgantown is about 12 miles east with full services including hotels, restaurants, and university facilities.
Camping reservations
McCollum Campground offers sites ranging from $25 to $35 per night plus a $5 handling fee. Up to 50 percent of sites can be reserved in advance for a minimum of 2 nights; the remainder are first-come, first-served. Reserve by mail, phone, or in person.
Reviewed June 11, 2026
Booking window
Reservations accepted at least 2 days in advance and up to 14 nights maximum. Contact the forest at 304-594-1561 or coopersrocksf@wv.gov to reserve. Up to 50 percent of sites are reservable; the rest first-come.
Where to book or verify
Official West Virginia State Parks page for Coopers Rock State Forest with camping, trails, and contact information.
West Virginia State Parks online reservation portal; also call 1-833-WV-PARKS for assistance.
Check for federal campground, backcountry, tour, and permit inventory tied to this park.
Campgrounds to know
Plan the handoff from arrival to shuttle.
Parking, pedestrian entrances, and shuttle timing decide how calmly the first morning starts.
Getting there
Arrival note
Coopers Rock State Forest is about 12 miles east of Morgantown on Interstate 68 in Monongalia and Preston counties.
Car strategy
Take Exit 15 off I-68 and follow signs to the forest entrance.
Local movement
The main overlook parking area is close to the interstate exit; the McCollum Campground and trailheads are further into the forest.
Pair this with lodging: sleep where the park transfer is simple, especially if your route needs an early start.
The main overlook is a sandstone outcropping 1,000 feet above the Cheat River, reached by a 0.2-mile accessible path from the main parking area. It is one of the most dramatic river-gorge views in the Mid-Atlantic and a major fall foliage destination.
Yes. It is one of the most popular climbing destinations in West Virginia, with bolted and traditional sandstone routes throughout the forest. Routes range from beginner-friendly to challenging multi-pitch lines above the Cheat River Gorge.
Call 304-594-1561, email coopersrocksf@wv.gov, or reserve in person. Up to 50 percent of McCollum Campground sites can be reserved at least 2 days ahead with a 2-night minimum stay. The remaining sites are first-come, first-served.
Fall, from mid-October through early November, is the peak season for the overlook with hardwood color above the Cheat River Gorge. Summer is good for climbing and hiking; campground demand peaks then too. Spring brings wildflowers and high river flow.