When to go
Weather, crowds, and what the season changes about the trip.
Spring
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.
Summer
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.
Fall
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.
Winter
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.
Top things to do
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.
Anchor the day around Coopers Rock Overlook
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.
- 1Start with 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..
- 2Add 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.
- 3Use Sandstone rock climbing as the optional finish, not as a reason to rush the whole day.
Plan your trip
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.
What to pack
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
Decide what Coopers Rock State Forest asks of your kit before you start checking boxes.
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.
- First constraintHydration and exposureWater, Electrolyte mix, hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, 4 more
- Route realityFooting and tractionHiking boots, Hiking socks, Trekking poles
- Load choicePack and carry systemDaypack
- If overnightSleep and shelterTent, Sleeping bag, Sleeping pad
Checklist mode
24 items, grouped for the trip you are actually taking.
- Dates and season are set.
- Primary route, campground, or lodge is chosen.
- Water, footwear, and overnight needs are sized.
One researched pick
The first gear decision for Coopers Rock State Forest
A stable daypack is the one purchase that organizes water, layers, food, first aid, and the small safety margin.
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THE DAY-HIKE PICK
Osprey Talon 22
- Volume
- 22 L
- Weight
- 2 lb 1 oz (945 g)
- Back Panel
- AirScape foam with ventilation channels
- Hipbelt Pockets
- 2 zippered
- Hydration
- Compatible up to 3 L reservoir (sold separately)
- Warranty
- All Mighty Guarantee (lifetime repair or replace)
The Talon 22 is the daypack you see on the trail more than any other for good reason: it packs in a padded hipbelt, adjustable torso harness, and dual hipbelt pockets into a 22-liter package that handles loads up to 20 lb without complaint. Owners across hundreds of Amazon ratings consistently cite its adjustability and durability as standouts.
- Adjustable torso fit covers a wide range of body sizes
- Padded hipbelt and dual hipbelt pockets at this size are rare
- At 2 lb 1 oz it runs heavier than ultralight rivals for the same volume
Best for
Hikers who want a proven all-around daypack with solid load support, plenty of adjustment, and a warranty they can actually use.
Gear for Coopers Rock State Forest
The buying guides that match what Coopers Rock State Forest asks of your kit, with our current top picks across budget and use case.
Where to stay
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
Camping reservations
Reserve McCollum Campground sites at least 2 days ahead; half the sites are first-come.
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.
- Reserve by mail, phone (304-594-1561), email (coopersrocksf@wv.gov), or in person; minimum 2-night reservation with a 2-day lead time.
- Up to 50 percent of sites are reservable in advance; the remaining sites are first-come, first-served on arrival.
- A $5 handling fee applies to reservations on top of the nightly camping rate.
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
McCollum Campground
Details- Booking
- Reserve at least 2 days ahead; up to 50 percent of sites reservable, minimum 2 nights.
- Season
- Open spring through fall; confirm dates with the forest office.
- Sites
- Forest campsites ranging from basic to electric; rates $25 to $35 per night plus $5 handling fee.
- The main campground for Coopers Rock, close to the overlook and trailheads; book early for fall color.
Getting there and practical info
Plan the handoff from arrival to shuttle.
Parking, pedestrian entrances, and shuttle timing decide how calmly the first morning starts.
Getting there
Get to Coopers Rock State Forest, then remove the first-morning friction.
- Access rhythm
- Plan the last mile
- Region
- West Virginia
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.
Can you photograph here? Permit and drone rules
No statewide permit; the WV Film Office brokers locations, and state park rules prohibit commercial enterprise, photography included, without written DNR permission.
- Permit
- Usually fine for personal shoots; commercial or large productions can need a permit
- Drones
- Legal under FAA rules; commercial drone work requires FAA Part 107
- Land
- Yes: photographing people and property visible from public space is legal in the US
From our photography sister site, Aperture Authority. Verified 2026-07-01.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Coopers Rock overlook?
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.
Is Coopers Rock good for rock climbing?
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.
How do you reserve a campsite at Coopers Rock State Forest?
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.
When is the best time to visit Coopers Rock State Forest?
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.