Coopers Rock State Forest Fire Road Complex
Technical sandstone challenge above Cheat Canyon
Coopers Rock’s fire road maze threads between sandstone cliffs that gave this place its name, where legend says a barrel cooper once hid from revenue agents. The main circuit runs 8 miles through dense laurel thickets and over exposed rock slabs that’ll test your line choice. Raven Rock overlook requires a short technical climb through loose shale, but rewards with a 1,000-foot drop view into Cheat River Canyon below.
Difficult rating comes from wet rock sections that turn slick as ice and tight switchbacks through CCC-era stone walls. Requires experienced driver with lockers or good traction aids during wet conditions. Trail stays open year-round except during hunting season closures. No water sources on the ridge — pack everything you need. Primitive camping allowed in designated areas, and those sunset views over Morgantown’s lights make the rocky ride worthwhile.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Difficult |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Technical 4x4 |
| Surface | Rock |
| Features | Camping, Historic, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 8 mi / 12.9 km |
| Duration | Half day |
| Max elevation (ft) | 2480 ft |
| Best season | May-October |
| Minimum vehicle | Modified 4WD with lockers |
| Nearest town | Morgantown, WV |
| Land manager | West Virginia State Parks |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | Good |
| Water crossings | No |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Official sources | wvstateparks.com |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
| Copy both for Google Maps directionsClick to copy the directions URL · or open it directly in a new tab | |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
No recent condition reports. Be the first to post one.
Log in to post a condition report.
Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Jeep Wrangler run Coopers Rock, or do I need lockers?
The trail lists lockers as the minimum requirement — a stock Wrangler will get hung up on the sandstone rock gardens without them. Skid plates and a lift also matter here; low-clearance rigs will take hits.
Is the fire road complex accessible in early spring or after heavy rain?
Stick to the May–October window. West Virginia springs are wet, and the sandstone sections turn into a greasy mess after rain — you'll also risk tearing up the trail surface. Snow closes access before May most years.
Do I need a permit or day-use fee to drive Coopers Rock State Forest?
West Virginia State Parks charges a day-use fee at Coopers Rock — check current rates at wvstateparks.com before you go. No separate OHV permit is required, but you must stay on designated fire roads.
What's the gnarliest section and what should I actually expect?
The exposed sandstone rock gardens are where rigs get sorted out — ledges, off-camber shelf sections, and loose broken rock that will flex your suspension hard. At 8 miles over a half day, the pace is slow and deliberate, not a cruise.
Is there reliable water at the dispersed campsites, and how far is the nearest gas from the trailhead?
There's no reliable water source at the dispersed sites — pack everything in. Morgantown is roughly 10–15 minutes from the forest entrance and has full services including gas, so top off before you head in.
Trail track
No GPX track for this trail yet. If you've driven it and have a track, contribute below.
Log in to contribute a GPX track.