The Best Summer Activities At Watoga State Park
Pocahontas County is home to West Virginia’s largest state park — Watoga State Park. Covering over 10,000 acres, this scenic park offers plenty of ways to enjoy the outdoors. Whether you’re hiking, biking, paddling or casting a line, it’s the perfect place to soak up the final days of summer. Here are the best outdoor activities at Watoga State Park.
Take A Hike
With 40 miles of trails, there is a hike for every pace and interest at Watoga. West Virginia’s longest trail, the Allegheny Trail, runs through the park, and the nearby Greenbrier River Trail adds even more options. Bordering Watoga, Calvin Price State Forest offers quieter routes in a rustic setting.
Easy Trails at Watoga State Park
Lake Trail
This 1.5-mile, mostly level trail circles Watoga Lake, providing peaceful views of the water.
T. M. Cheek Trail
A quick and easy half-mile walk leads to the T.M. Cheek Memorial Overlook.
Loop Trails at Watoga State Park
Brooks Memorial Arboretum Trail (easy to moderate)
This 4.5-mile loop winds through a forest filled with native plants and flowers. Shady and cool during the summer, the trail is named after Fred E. Brooks, a respected naturalist. Interpretive signs along the way offer insight into the local ecosystem.
Pine Run, Ten Acre and Honeymoon Trail Loop (moderate)
If you’re short on time but still want a scenic walk, this 2.9-mile loop winds up a quiet hollow and delivers a good variety of terrain.
Bearpen to Buck and Doe Trail
For a longer hike, try this 5.6-mile loop route that connects the Bearpen and Buck and Doe Trails. It takes about 2.5 hours to complete. Want to go farther? Add on the 2.5-mile North Boundary Trail.
Moderate Trails at Watgoga State Park
Burnside Ridge Trail
Branching off from the Ann Bailey Trail, this three-mile route leads to a beautiful ridge. From there, the South Burnside Trail follows an old farm road for one more mile to the end of the ridge.
Monongaseneka Trail
This 2.5-mile trail starts with a climb, then levels out with views of the Greenbrier River through the trees.
Moderate to Difficult Trails at Watoga State Park
Jesse’s Cove Trail
This 2.5-mile trail runs alongside the Greenbrier River before ascending more than 1,000 feet to the top of the ridge. Near the summit, you’ll pass an original pioneer cabin.
Kennison Run Trail
This 3.5-mile trail includes multiple creek crossings and rewarding views throughout the hike.
Ann Bailey Trail
This three-mile trail traces an old roadbed across a mountain and ridge, leading to the Ann Bailey Lookout Tower.
Arrowhead Trail
A short, steep one-mile trail that takes you to the Ann Bailey Lookout Tower. The climb is worth it for the sweeping views of the Greenbrier River Valley and Little Levels.
Mountain Biking
Three of Watoga’s hiking trails are also open to bikes — the Ann Bailey, Burnside and South Burnside Trails — providing around seven miles to explore. For a more exciting ride, try the new Ann Bailey Mountain Biking Trail. This 1.8-mile hand-cut singletrack is built for all skill levels, with smooth curves and gentle slopes that make for a fun, flowy ride.
Lake Activities
Splash around at Watoga Lake, an 11-acre lake that’s perfect for paddling. From Memorial Day through Labor Day, you can rent paddleboards, rowboats, canoes and kayaks. Personal electric trolling motor boats are also welcome. As you explore the lake, you might catch sight of beavers along the shore or swimming through deeper water before slipping beneath the surface.
Fishing
If your idea of fishing leans more toward a quiet float on calm water rather than wading in, Watoga Lake is a great choice. Stocked by the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources, the lake produces trout well into the fall and winter. It’s also a family-friendly fishing spot, with healthy populations of largemouth bass, channel catfish and bluegill. For more variety, anglers can access the Greenbrier River from within the park. Be sure to have a current West Virginia fishing license before you cast your line.
Other Adventures
There’s plenty more to do at Watoga beyond hiking, biking and fishing. Try your hand at geocaching, or enjoy a game of pickleball, basketball, volleyball, horseshoes or disc golf. Kids can burn off some energy at the playgrounds near the recreational building and campgrounds.
Stargazing
Watoga State Park truly lives up to its name. The word “Watoga” comes from the Cherokee language and means “starry waters.” Because of the park’s remote location, it offers some of the darkest skies in West Virginia. In 2021, Watoga, along with Droop Mountain Battlefield State Park and Calvin Price State Forest, received the state’s first official International Dark Sky designation. So when the sun sets, look up and catch the stars twinkling above — or see them reflected below on Watoga Lake.
Camping
Pitch your tent and stay a while at Watoga! The park offers 88 scenic campsites across two areas: the 38-site Beaver Creek Campground and the 50-site Riverside Campground. All sites have 50-amp electric service, picnic tables, grills and access to a central bathhouse with coin laundry and dishwashing stations.
Cabins
Prefer to stay indoors? Watoga has three styles of cabins tucked into the woods. Each one includes a fully equipped kitchen, grill and picnic area, and sleeps between two and eight people, depending on the style. Accessible cabins are also available.
Plan Your State Park Getaway
Watoga State Park is worth visiting any time of year, but late summer is the perfect chance to enjoy the park’s outdoor activities while the weather’s still warm. Request a free Adventure Guide and start planning your trip now!