Coopers Rock Foundation

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Coopers Rock Foundation The Coopers Rock Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation founded in 1989. The forest includes a campground, pavilions, a playground, and a fishing pond.

The foundation’s dual mission is to promote preservation and recreation in Coopers Rock State Forest and nearby Snake Hill Wildlife Management Area. WEST VIRGINIA'S LARGEST AND MOST-VISITED STATE FOREST

Coopers Rock is West Virginia’s largest state forest, with over 12,000 acres. It is also one of the state’s most-visited forests, with easy access via I-68 to major population areas including Morgantown, WV (home of West Virginia University) and Pittsburgh, PA. Best known for spectacular views of the Cheat River Canyon and world-class rock climbing, Coopers Rock also offers miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking, trail running, and cross-country skiing. It is home to a diverse ecosystem of plants and animals (including threatened species), and is rich in history, with a 19th-century iron furnace and numerous stone structures built in the 1930′s by the Civilian Conservation Corps. PROMOTING PRESERVATION AND RECREATION FOR A 3-STATE REGION

The Coopers Rock Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation founded in 1989. Each year, CRF volunteers invest hundreds of hours in a wide range of activities, including cleanup, maintenance, and improvement of structures and trails; year-round activities and events; habitat restoration; outreach and education; and recreation advocacy. CRF members care about the future of the forest, and help ensure Coopers Rock will remain one of the finest places for outdoor recreation in a region that encompasses Northern West Virginia, Western Maryland, and Southern Pennsylvania.

Coopers Rock 50K & Half Marathon NIGHT Trail Run - Less Than ONE MONTH Away!📅 Saturday, April 25, 2026🕣 Race Start: 8:30...
03/27/2026

Coopers Rock 50K & Half Marathon NIGHT Trail Run - Less Than ONE MONTH Away!

📅 Saturday, April 25, 2026
🕣 Race Start: 8:30 PM

To celebrate the 10-year anniversary of this incredible race, we’re doing something special…

For one year only, the Coopers Rock 50K & Half Marathon goes after dark - a rare opportunity to experience these iconic trails under the night sky. This unique nighttime event will start and finish in darkness before returning to its traditional daytime format in 2027.

🌲 The Experience
Set in the rugged beauty of Coopers Rock State Forest, this race is known for its rocky terrain, scenic overlooks, and challenging climbs. Runners will traverse the forest’s south side, taking in breathtaking nighttime views of Cheat Canyon and Cheat Lake, winding through towering boulder formations and technical trails.

🏔 Course Details
• 50K (31 miles) – ~5,000 ft elevation gain, covering nearly every trail on the south side
• Half Marathon (13.1 miles / 21K) – ~2,000 ft elevation gain on a condensed version of the course
• No repeating loops on either course

📍 Location
Coopers Rock State Forest (Exit 15 off I-68)
~15 minutes east of Morgantown, WV
Start/Finish: Overlook Area
➡️ Follow the main forest road ~3 miles to the overlook

🕗 Event Schedule
• 8:10 PM – Pre-race meeting
• 8:30 PM – Race start (both distances)

Whether you're chasing a PR or just looking for a one-of-a-kind trail experience, this 10-year anniversary night run will test your endurance and reward you with unforgettable views and atmosphere.

👉 Details, rules & registration:

Register Now!

❄️ Snow is in the forecast and the countdown is ON!Winter Fest is shaping up to be a true winter celebration. Join us th...
02/02/2026

❄️ Snow is in the forecast and the countdown is ON!

Winter Fest is shaping up to be a true winter celebration. Join us this Saturday, February 7 from 10:00 AM–4:00 PM for a full day of snowy fun, outdoor adventure, and family-friendly activities. All events are FREE!

📍 Hosted by the Coopers Rock Foundation
📌 Location: Pavilion #1 by the Overlook
⚠️ Please note: While the Overlook is closed for upgrades and renovations, Pavilion #1 and the surrounding forest are open and accessible.

☃️ SNOW DAY ACTIVITIES:
• Try-out Cross-Country Skiing (10–3)
• Sledding (10–4)
• Snowman Zone (10–4)
• Hike Through a Rock Maze (10–11)
• Winter Tree ID Walking Classroom (11–12 & 1–2)
• Snowman Piñata (12–12:30)
• How to Measure a Tree in 3 Ways (1–2)
• Women’s Frying Pan Toss (3–3:30)
• Group Ski: “In Search of the Missing Skisquatch” (4)

👀 NEW for 2026:
• Group Ski — “In Search of the Missing Skisquatch”

Did you know there is also a statewide parks foundation?
05/01/2025

Did you know there is also a statewide parks foundation?

Love WV State Parks is the Foundation's initiative to protect our parks and forests. With your support, we can ensure WV State Parks thrive for generations to come.

04/14/2025

Remember to register for the 9th annual Coopers Rock 50k/Half Marathon!

Registration closes at 10 PM this Friday!

The conditions at Coopers are great for all kinds of winter activities. Please try to respect snow etiquette and help ke...
01/10/2025

The conditions at Coopers are great for all kinds of winter activities. Please try to respect snow etiquette and help keep the snow fun for everyone!

Snow Etiquette: Sharing Winter Trails with Respect

Winter brings a magical transformation to our trails, covering them in snow and inviting adventurers of all kinds—skiers, hikers, snowshoers, and fat bikers—to enjoy the season. But with so many ways to experience snowy trails, a little trail etiquette goes a long way to ensure everyone can enjoy their favorite activities safely and comfortably.

This morning, I saw a post that got me thinking about how we share snowy spaces, so here are some quick tips to keep in mind:
1.
https://deepcreektimes.com/?p=127101

It’s that time of year again! 🍂🍁🍃🍎☕️
09/25/2024

It’s that time of year again! 🍂🍁🍃🍎☕️

Address

Morgantown, WV
26501

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