Coopers Rock State Forest

Coopers Rock State Forest
West Virginia State Forest
Cheat River from Raven Rock Overlook
Country United States
State West Virginia
Counties Monongalia, Preston
Elevation 2,159 ft (658.1 m)
Coordinates 39°39′20″N 79°47′16″W / 39.65556°N 79.78778°W / 39.65556; -79.78778Coordinates: 39°39′20″N 79°47′16″W / 39.65556°N 79.78778°W / 39.65556; -79.78778
Area 12,747 acres (5,158.5 ha) [1]
Management West Virginia Division of Natural Resources and West Virginia Division of Forestry
Owner West Virginia Division of Forestry
Nearest city Morgantown, West Virginia
Location of Coopers Rock State Forest in West Virginia
Website: Coopers Rock State Forest

Coopers Rock State Forest is a 12,747-acre (52 km2)[1] state forest in Monongalia and Preston counties in the U.S. state of West Virginia. Its southern edge abuts Cheat Lake and the canyon section of Cheat River, a popular whitewater rafting river in the eastern US.

History

Coopers Rock State Forest gets its name from a legend about a fugitive who hid from the law near what is now the overlook. A cooper by trade, he resumed making barrels at his new mountain hideout, selling them to people in nearby communities. He lived and worked in the forest for many years.[2]

Much of Coopers Rock was originally developed by projects of the Civilian Conservation Corps from 1936-1942. Many of these structures, including durable rustic picnic shelters made of American chestnut, exist today and are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.[2]

Forest management

The Coopers Rock forest is roughly bisected by Interstate 68. The northern portion of the forest is managed by forestry program at West Virginia University and is lesser-developed. The southern part is jointly managed by the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources and West Virginia Division of Forestry. It is more developed than some of the other state forests as it functions as a major recreation destination for the Morgantown area.

Recreation activities

Coopers Rock provides a diverse array of recreational opportunities. While the forest itself is open year-round, the main entrance to the southern portion of the park is closed each year from December 1 to March 31. During the winter, visitors will need to park at the first lot off I-68 and walk in.

Overlooks

Main overlook

Main overlook at Coopers Rock State Forest, West Virginia. October 19th, 2012.

The forest is best known for its scenic overlooks of the Cheat River in Cheat Canyon. The main overlook is accessible by car and was developed as a CCC project. It provides excellent views of the Cheat, Snake Hill Wildlife Management Area across the river, and Morgantown to the west. The overlook is located on a large rock connected to the main land by a footbridge. It is not handicapped-accessible, but there is a nearby ADA-compliant overlook.

Raven Rock overlook

For a more rustic view, many people take the approximately 2 miles (3.2 km) hike to Raven Rock. This site, which is dominated by a high-voltage power line crossing of the Cheat River, is home to a series of large boulders and features a point that juts into the canyon. Hikers to this site with pets and children should be cautious as there are no railings - missteps could lead to significant and potentially fatal falls.

Hiking

View from inside the Rock City canyon

Coopers Rock is home to a well-developed system of nearly 50 miles (80 km) of hiking trails.[3] These trails are generally usable for cross-country skiing during the winter.

One trail, approximately 3 miles (4.8 km) long, provides access to the former Mont Chateau State Park at Cheat Lake.

The Rock City Trail leads through rock city, a long crevasse between towering outcrops.

Rock Climbing

Cooper's Rock is a popular bouldering area with boulder problems ranging from V0-V11 and numerous areas that can be easily set up for top-roping. Bolting is currently prohibited.

Campground

The McCollum Camping Area is a 25-site campground at Coopers Rock open April 1- October 31. All sites have electric hookups and there is a showerhouse in the campground. Wi-Fi access is provided for registered campsites.[4]

Henry Clay Iron Furnace

Main article: Henry Clay Furnace

Aside from the overlooks, the Henry Clay Iron Furnace is perhaps the most well-known portion of the forest. Accessible via the Clay Furnace or Clay Run trails, the furnace was built between 1834-1836 and produced pig iron. Capable of producing 4 tons of iron each day, the furnace employed about 200 people and operated until 1847.[5]

It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1970.[6]

See also

References

  1. 1 2 "Coopers Rock State Forest". West Virginia Division of Forestry. Archived from the original on 2008-05-09. Retrieved 2008-11-02.
  2. 1 2 "Coopers Rock State Forest". West Virginia Division of Natural Resources. Retrieved 2008-06-13.
  3. ↑ "Coopers Rock State Forest: Recreation". West Virginia Division of Natural Resources. Retrieved 2008-06-13.
  4. ↑ "Coopers Rock State Forest: Camping". West Virginia Division of Natural Resources. Retrieved 2015-12-07.
  5. ↑ Display located at Henry Clay Iron Furnace.
  6. ↑ National Park Service (2010-07-09). "National Register Information System". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service.
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