Driving through West Virginia on my way to Ohio,
I passed a sign for Coopers Rock State Forest.
With a spur-of-the-moment decision, I exited the freeway
for what turned out to be phenomenal adventure!
Located just off of Interstate 68, it's 8 miles west of Bruceton Mills and
13 miles east of Morgantown (home of the WVU Mountaineers.)
Popular for camping, rock climbing and hiking, the park is 12,713 acres in size.
The best part, though, is the magnificent overlook with its panoramic views!
Realizing you're standing on a huge sloped boulder high above
the Cheat River Gorge is quite a thrill! It really is beyond compare!
Aren't these woodsy walkways fantastic?
Beginning in 1936, the Civilian Conservation Core (CCC) was responsible for
building the bridge across to the main boulder overlook,
as well as the rustic stone and wood railings,
which so naturally fit into the forest surroundings.
And there you have it- what a view!
So, how did Coopers Rock get its name?
According to legend, a fugitive from the law made his hideout in the area.
He had been a cooper, so he continued making and selling barrels to support himself.
In the distance to the west is Morgantown, WV.
To the southeast is a great view of the Cheat River winding through the gorge.
Besides the fantastic scenery, I was totally in awe of the structure.
This picnic pavilion is one of 11 structures built by the CCC
that are listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
And how about this stone fireplace?
This engraved boulder pays homage to Robert Fechner,
director of the CCC from 1933 to 1939.
By the way, I'm proud to say that my dad worked with the CCC!
Here's where you can learn more about
Coopers Rock State Forest:
Have you been to Coopers Rock?
Let me know what you thought of it in the Comments below!
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