Parks & Public Lands
Few places offer as much open space to roam as Nature’s Mountain Playground.
Pocahontas County is home to nearly 350,000 acres of public land, including five state parks, two state forests and the Monongahela National Forest. Our public lands and parks provide pristine landscapes open for exploring, with vast trail systems, clear streams and stars that make our night skies shimmer.
State Parks and Forests
Our state parks offer a variety of experiences, from history to recreation. Take in the scenic beauty of Watoga State Park, West Virginia’s largest state park, step back in time at Droop Mountain Battlefield State Park or explore the fascinating rock formations at Beartown State Park. Ride a steam-powered locomotive through the mountains at Cass Scenic Railroad State Park or follow miles of riverside beauty at the Greenbrier River Trail State Park.
For those seeking quieter, more remote escapes, our two state forests provide just that. Seneca State Forest features mountain biking and hiking trails, fishing on Seneca Lake and rustic cabins — all beneath a canopy of stars. Calvin Price State Forest invites quiet reflection with undeveloped landscapes, perfect for stargazing, birdwatching and spotting wildlife.
Monongahela National Forest
Pocahontas County is home to nearly one-third of the Monongahela National Forest — the largest national forest in West Virginia. Here, over 400 miles of trails are open to hikers, bikers and equestrians. Some of the county’s most cherished destinations are tucked within the Mon (as the locals call it), including Falls of Hills Creek, Cranberry Glades Botanical Area, Cranberry Mountain Nature Center, Highland Scenic Highway, Buffalo Lake, Gaudineer Scenic Area, West Fork Trail and various campsites where you can fully unplug and reconnect with nature.
Handley Wildlife Management Area
Just eight miles from Marlinton, the Handley Wildlife Management Area offers another way to enjoy the outdoors. Visitors can fish in the lake, hike wooded trails, hunt in-season or set up camp and spend the night surrounded by the tranquil beauty of the mountains.
Prepare For Your Time Outdoors
We ask that all visitors follow the Leave No Trace Seven Principles to help protect the natural beauty of our parks and public lands. Before heading out, check with the U.S. Forest Service and West Virginia State Parks for the latest safety information and user updates. Additionally, we encourage all Pocahontas County visitors to sign up for local emergency alerts and weather notifications by texting “Join911alerts” to 31002.
Contact information for the two U.S. Forest Service offices in Pocahontas County:
Marlinton Ranger District
304-799-4334
1103 Cemetery Road, Marlinton, West Virginia 24954
Greenbrier Ranger District
304-456-3335
7409 Staunton Parkersburg Turnpike, Bartow, West Virginia 24920
Parks & Forests in Pocahontas County
Allegheny Trail
See DescriptionThe Allegheny Trail (ALT) is West Virginia’s longest hiking trail a 311-miles. The Northern Terminus is located on the Mason Dixon Line along the West Virginia/Pennsylvania border. It traverses south until it meets the West Virginia/Virginia border on Peters Mountain where the …
The Allegheny Trail (ALT) is West Virginia’s longest hiking trail a 311-miles. The Northern Terminus is located on the Mason Dixon Line along the West Virginia/Pennsylvania border. It traverses south until it meets the West Virginia/Virginia border on Peters Mountain where the …
Beartown State Park
See DescriptionRoam the boardwalk at Beartown State Park and stand in awe of the ancient and magnificent rock formations that surround you. Made of one large rock formation that splits into sections and clefts large enough for walkways, Beartown State Park is noted for its massive boulders, …
Roam the boardwalk at Beartown State Park and stand in awe of the ancient and magnificent rock formations that surround you. Made of one large rock formation that splits into sections and clefts large enough for walkways, Beartown State Park is noted for its massive boulders, …
Buffalo Lake
See DescriptionBuffalo Lake is a 22 acre lake located near Bartow, WV in northern Pocahontas County in the Monongahela National Forest. Buffalo Lake offers east access to a peaceful fishing and paddling experience with only electric trolling motors permitted on the concrete boat ramp. Limited…
Buffalo Lake is a 22 acre lake located near Bartow, WV in northern Pocahontas County in the Monongahela National Forest. Buffalo Lake offers east access to a peaceful fishing and paddling experience with only electric trolling motors permitted on the concrete boat ramp. Limited…
Cass Scenic Railroad State Park
See DescriptionCass Scenic Railroad State Park now offers bike rentals. Whether you’re looking to bike around the historic logging town, hit the Greenbrier River Trail State Park, or take your wheels up Route 66 to ride the Snowshoe Highlands Silver Designated IMBA Ride Center, Cass Scenic Rail…
Cass Scenic Railroad State Park now offers bike rentals. Whether you’re looking to bike around the historic logging town, hit the Greenbrier River Trail State Park, or take your wheels up Route 66 to ride the Snowshoe Highlands Silver Designated IMBA Ride Center, Cass Scenic Rail…
Civil War Trails of Pocahontas County
See DescriptionPocahontas County has rich Civil War history, from bloody battles at Droop Mountain Battlefield State Park, to camps and forts that housed thousands of men. Today, you can trace the very trails those soldiers walked as they went to and from battle. …
Pocahontas County has rich Civil War history, from bloody battles at Droop Mountain Battlefield State Park, to camps and forts that housed thousands of men. Today, you can trace the very trails those soldiers walked as they went to and from battle. …
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