Coopers Rock State Forest near Morgantown

I’ve visited Coopers Rock many times over the past few years, and it is always a fantastic place to just gaze at the scenery. I wrote an article about Coopers Rock a couple of years ago that included a video version of the story, but this is the more current one. Easily accessible along the I68 (which has been newly paved), it now boasts a great entrance sign:

The road up to the overlook itself can be dramatic in the fall – this is one image I made a couple of years ago, and I removed the yellow lines in the road to bring the focus back to the fall colors:

All of my Coopers Rock images are available as prints for your wall and also on other products such as mugs, towels, bags and jigsaw puzzles. Pictorem focuses on prints and has free shipping. There is a West Virginia gallery that includes all these photos. Fine Art America has many more products available, but shipping is extra. Both have a 30-day money back guarantee. I have put links to each site under the photos, but that is more for Google’s benefit so that it adds the image to their index!

Coopers Rock is named after a legend that says a fugitive cooper (a barrel maker) hid from the law in a cave on the cliff in the 1700s. He survived by making and selling barrels to local settlers. The cave is still visible today and you can hike to it from the main overlook.

Coopers Rock is known for its sandstone rock formations that offer spectacular views of the Cheat River Canyon. The rock formations are part of the Connoquenessing Sandstone, which dates back to the Pennsylvanian Period, about 300 million years ago. The sandstone was eroded by water and wind over time, creating the cliffs and boulders that we see today.

Coopers Rock State Forest was established in 1936 as a Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) project. The CCC built many of the trails, picnic areas, shelters, and the iconic stone overlook that attracts thousands of visitors every year. The forest covers 12,747 acres and has over 50 miles of trails for hiking, biking, and cross-country skiing.

The view is spectacular all through the year although I haven’t managed to get there in the winter as the road is often closed. This will be one of my goals for the coming winter season!

I personally think the area comes into its own in the fall – as the trees start to take on the golden hues of autumn. I try to get there early in the morning (so that I don’t disturb anyone with my drone), and you get some great shots as the mists continue to swirl around the Cheat river far below.

The early mornings also give some great view of the sun rising above the distant hills as in this aerial panorama:

Looking back at the rocky overlook from out over the river gives a spectacular view of the hillside and forest:

And from far above you get this unusual view of the overlook and wooden bridge connecting it to the “mainland”

On a clear day, the view to the west over the Morgantown area gives a panorama where you can see for miles:

Of course, there are great views to be seen just from the overlook itself. This colorful scene from the wooden bridge connecting the main overlook shows an intriguing collection of plants and trees.

Coopers Rock is not only a place for recreation, but also for education and conservation. The forest is home to a variety of plants and animals, some of which are rare or endangered. The Coopers Rock Foundation is a nonprofit organization that works to protect and enhance the natural and cultural resources of the forest. They also offer interpretive programs, events, and volunteer opportunities for the public.

If you are looking for a place to enjoy nature, history, and adventure, Coopers Rock is the place for you. Whether you want to hike, bike, climb, fish, or just relax, you will find something to suit your interests. Coopers Rock is open year-round and has facilities for camping, picnicking, and lodging. You can learn more about Coopers Rock on their website or by visiting their visitor center.

For a final image to illustrate this article, I often enjoy imagining just how the famous Mountaineer mascot would look if it was transported to a new location. Perhaps the rocky overlooks in the Snake Hill area?

And for something different, you can sometimes get to Coopers Rock overlook in the winter after a fresh snowfall. This article explores Coopers Rock in the winter.