coopers rock state forest

I regularly drive 3.5 hours on weekends to come to Coopers from Cleveland, Ohio. There are so many boulder problems and most are only a 1-5 minute walk from your car. There are enough different type of climbs to satisfy large climbing groups. In addition to bouldering, there are a few top rope problems. There are also bathrooms around so you don't have to pee in the woods. I've never hiked around other than to get to the different bouldering areas, but I see people hiking around Everytime I am there. They seem to really enjoy the nature. If you go in the summer, there will be tons of bugs everywhere. In the fall, you can still catch some warm weather, but there are much less bugs! Highly recommend, if you are a boulderer!

Coopers Rock is easily accessible. You can drive there and there is hardly 5 mins walk to the actual Rock. The view of the Canyon and River is really beautiful from the rock, so don't forget to take your dslr. There are few trails that take you under the rock and all the way to the river. Rattle snake trail is nice, it might take you half an hour or so to hike, but it has some nice Rocks on the way. Difficulty level is moderate. If you are doing photography, make sure you bring a wide angle lens. I personally like the view from Ravens Rock even better. It is hardly a mile away from Coopers Rock. Just drive back from Coopers Rock on the same road until you see a gate on the left and a little board that says Ravens Rock Trail. There is little parking there too. The hike is mostly moderate, just get little steep towards the end but still not too bad.

Very pretty in the winter and summer. It's surreal to visit when there is snow and the Earth is silent.

We hiked both to Cooper's Rock, which is nearby the access road and easily accessible, and Raven Rock, also on the grounds but about 1 mile from a point on the access road. If you can make it, the view from Raven Rock is worth the hike, as the crowds will be far less there and the view a bit better, albeit spoiled some by the high-tension wires there. But Raven Rock also juts more into the overlook of the river, giving you spectacular views of the river bend and an increased ability to see down into the valley.Go in the fall. Seriously. Find out when peak leaf is, find a place to stay, do a day drive if you're close enough, something. Spend some time just taking in the scenery. You'll feel refreshed afterward.FOOTWEAR NOTE: The path to Raven Rock was a bit flooded out, i.e.- standing water about an inch deep and mud. Bring rugged, waterproof shoes and perhaps an emergency change of socks for the trip. Otherwise, the hike there is fine for anyone healthy enough to walk a mile in a forest.

My husband and I hiked here (and he also mountain biked) while staying at nearby Mountain Creek Cabins (which are awesome, by the way). The hiking at the forest in October was some of the most beautiful I've done in the tri-state area. Absolutely breathtaking views, no traffic congestion, well-maintained trails with plenty of fun rock scrambles at the Underlook Trail. The Overlook is very easy to get to for those who aren't much into hiking (literally, a paved walkway with only like 5 steps), with other trails available for the slightly more adventurous. Bring some quarters to use the viewfinder things at the overlook, or bring a set of binoculars with you. We forgot both, but that's okay - the trees were the color of fire and just stunning to gaze upon. :-) Can't wait to come back here again!

If you are traveling through stop off and see the beautiful site. You can eat your lunch at a picnic table and let the kids play at the playground.

Beautiful scenery - glorious surroundings - Rustic Shelters. The place to be in the Autumn - Kind of foggy however yet AMAZING rocks.

We heard about the trails at Coopers Rock State Forest and thought we would check it out. We were so happy we did. We started out by driving to the main convenience store where we picked up a map which I would suggest. There are so many trails and you should map out the trail or trails you wish to take. We took the Coopers Rock trail first which is short and easy, but has one of the best views of the surrounding areas. You walk out on the edge of a large rock (there is a railing) and the Autumn colors are exceptional. We then decided to check out "Rock City" on our next hike and we loved it. The first part of the hike takes you through very tall trees that they block out the sun. About half way though you finally know why they call it Rock City. With shear rock sides about 15 to 30 feet tall you find yourself wondering if the sides of the walls will close in on you...but they don't. Loved hiking through the awesome rock formations with green moss on the sides and trees growing around and sometimes through the rocks. This trail I would say is easy to moderate. We will be going back and taking the Raven Rock Trail as we heard great things about this hike.

I camp here every summer. The hiking is amazing and sites are breathtaking. Morgantown and Bruceton Mills are close by and great places to eat and explore. I actually miss being here and make a 2.5 hour drive every once in awhile just to hike. Love this place... There is a camping free but no fee for hiking and the scenic overlook. You can spend 30 minutes here or an entire week. It's worth the stop off Rte. 68 just to visit the overlook.

We didn't stay long at the park since we were just passing through but we were so glad we had a chance to see this! You can drive directly to where the overlook is and park. I'm sure there is so much more to see and do in this incredible park if you had the time. Restrooms and gift shop nearby. There is a boardwalk leading up to the overlook that has a separate viewing deck that is wheelchair accessible.

We stayed three nights at the campground and it was very peaceful. It's the type of place that you go to unplug. No Internet or cable tv. The hiking trails take you into an amazing forest. The camping area was spotless and the sites were good sized. We plan on many future trips to Coopers Rock!

I love taking hikes out here and using the overlook. It is somewhere I take people in the warmer months when they are visiting from out of town. Especially since my family is from NJ and doesn't often get to experience the mountains. There is a really nice playground area, grilling areas, pavilions, and a snack stand that operates on limited hours. Worth checking out and bringing the whole family. Dogs on leashes are allowed as well. I would only bring a dog if they are used to hiking and well trained. There are a lot of distractions and you wouldn't want them pulling you since the terrain can be rocky.

This park is conveniently located 20 minutes from Morgantown, easily accessible for all ages and mobilities, and a great location for family activities alike. The view is a spectacular panoramic view of the mountains, river, and city from afar. They have a play area and a section designated for large hand-crafted sculptures which change every year. A must-see on the list!

Just off the parking lot is a little trail (easy) to an outstanding overlook. The overlook itself is a bit steep, made of rock and not level, but still an awesome place to take pictures. We hired an outfitter (Coopers Rock Climbing Guides) and had a great day learning to climb and having fun on the Tyrolean Traverse. The park is free and there is a little store at the end of the road with snacks. A playground is located near the bathrooms (constructed by the CCC's in the 1930's). The bathroom was clean, albeit a bit odd with the short doors.A short drive down I-68 from Morgantown, Bruceton Mills or even Friendsville, MD and you are there. If ever in the area again, we will be back.

Coopers rocks is a great place to wind down after a long drive. Just a few miles from the Holiday Inn Express, the picnic areas and trails are well kept, clean, serene and filled with awe inspiring scenery.