State Parks

Droop Mountain Battlefield State Park

Located near Watoga State Park and Beartown State Park, Droop Mountain State Park is the site of the last Civil War battle fought in West Virginia. Offering a museum, day park, hiking trails, and play areas, this park is a great, educational opportunity for all ages.

Beartown State Park

Beartown State Park is a natural area of 107 acres located on the eastern summit of Droop Mountain, seven miles southwest of Hillsboro, West Virginia. The land was purchased in 1970 with funds from the Nature Conservancy and a donation from Mrs. Edwin G. Polan, in memory of her son, Ronald Keith Neal, who lost his life in the Vietnam War. Development of the park has been minimal to preserve the natural attractions of the area. However, basic facilities are provided, and a boardwalk permits easy access. Interpretive signs along the boardwalk guide visitors and provide insights concerning the ecology of the area. The park is open daily from April to October.  During the closed winter season foot travel to the boardwalk area is welcome, with parking available at the closed entrance gate.  No fee is charged to visit Beartown State Park.

Watoga State Park

Watoga State Park is in the mountains of Pocahontas County just 14 miles south of Marlinton, West Virginia. The park consists of 10,100 acres filled with a multitude of recreational activities including hiking, swimming, fishing and boating. Watoga visitors that bike and hike take advantage of the access to the Greenbrier River Trail in addition to the miles of hiking trails located on the state park.  A multipurpose building, CCC museum and observation tower are a few of the unique features you’ll find at Watoga State Park.

Cass Scenic Railroad State Park

Take a trip back to an era when steam driven locomotives were an essential part of everyday life. Trips to Cass Scenic Railroad State Park are filled with rich history, unparalleled views and the sights and sounds of an original lumbering town. The parks 11-mile heritage railroad and authentic company town are some of the state's most popular tourist attractions.