The park contains the site of the Henry Clay Iron Furnace, which was constructed in the 1830s using local iron ore.
The boulder fields are a premier destination for rock climbing enthusiasts, featuring over 1,000 established routes.
During the American Civil War, the local terrain and the iron furnace provided strategic resources that were protected by local militia.
The forest’s unique geology is part of the Pottsville Escarpment, a layer of sandstone deposited during the Pennsylvanian Period.
The name originates from a cooper who allegedly lived in the rock formation to avoid military conscription during the Civil War.
Coopers Rock State Forest is defined by its dramatic overlook atop a 1,200-foot cliff providing panoramic views of the Cheat River Gorge. The 12,713-acre forest sits within the Allegheny Mountains of West Virginia. It features a network of over 50 miles of trails suitable for hiking, mountain biking, and cross-country skiing. The area is named for a fugitive who hid from the law in the massive rock formations during the mid-19th century. Geological features include massive Pottsville sandstone boulders that create a unique maze-like topography. The forest offers two primary campgrounds, McCollum and Roadside, catering to both tent and RV campers. It is managed by the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources and remains a significant site for both bouldering and rock climbing. The forest land includes remnants of an old iron furnace that operated in the 1800s.
The main stone overlook structure at the end of the paved walkway.
Bring a printed trail map, as mobile service is unreliable within the canyon areas.
Wear sturdy, broken-in hiking boots due to the uneven sandstone terrain.
Carry out all trash, as the forest operates on strict Leave No Trace principles.
Attempting to climb the cliff faces without proper safety equipment or descending off-trail toward the river.
Select secondary roads and campground access points may close during severe winter weather conditions.
Stay on marked trails to protect sensitive erosion-prone soil and do not deface the sandstone formations.
