Day 398 - Coopers Rock-Almost Heaven West Virginia Hiking- Easy/Intermediate to Views

 

 I started the first few days leading up to summer with a visit to Coopers Rock State Forest, a place that requires minimal hiking effort to partake in breathtaking views of West Virginia’s plush mountains. Hiking is one adventure that you can make as easy or challenging as you desire. I especially enjoy hikes with a view.  Coopers Rock State Forest in West Virginia, is only about 1.5 hours from Pittsburgh and boast that the canyon views will have you singing the lyrics from John Denver’s song, Country Roads: “almost heaven West Virginia.”

 Reflection

Coopers Rock overlook is the main attraction of the park and a short walk from the parking area. You can easily cross a bridge to a huge rock with eye popping views of the mountains and the valley. The trees have varied hues of green. They seem to be painted with a brush. 

I sat on the rock and observed multiple “wow” facial expressions on those that crossed onto it. One young man looked to his partner with bewilderment, “you live so close, and I can’t believe that you have not been here.”  I thought yep, I should have ventured to Coopers Rock State Forest sooner.

From the rock overlook parking area, you can get a map to a variety of day hikes between .2 mile (Chestnut Trail) to 3 miles (Roadside Trail). You can pick your adventure. We picked a 7 mile loop that was mostly moderate hiking that sampled the highlights of the area (Roadside Trail to Advanced Ski Trial, Clay Run Trail, Rhododendron Trail, Ridge Trail and ending with  Rattlesnake Trail  back to the rock.

It was not that hard to complete.  The Rhododendron Trail was steep but seemed so for only a short time. The Rattlesnake Trail weaved through big boulders and was interesting and fun but it required a lot of up and down motion for the  knees. Clay Run opened into the historic Henry Clay Iron Furnace at the end, which you don’t want to miss. The furnace looked like something from an episode of the Ancient Alien TV show. It was hard to believe that where I was standing there had been a town employing about 200 people. Between 1834 and 1836, the furnace produced 4 tons of pig iron every 24 hours. Now it's all part of nature with only a glimpse left of its past power.

You just never know what you will find on a hike: some history, a crooked tree, blossoms and butterflies. It’s always an adventure but it’s your personal one. This one was almost heaven.

Spiritual Reflection

The God who made the world and all things in it, since He is Lord of heaven and earth, he does not dwell in temples made with hands. (Acts 17:24)

Other Sources

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IUmnTfsY3hI

https://wvstateparks.com/park/coopers-rock-state-forest/