This is not your usual HikingUpward location – many might claim it is not a hike at all! But if you find yourself in West Virginia on U.S. 219 between Marlinton and Lewisburg, say on your way to the Cranberry Wilderness, this delightful detour is well worth your time. And if you have travelers aged 10 or younger, this is a must see. They will love it at least as much as you do!
Note that the park is open daily from April to October. During the closed winter season the park notes that “foot travel to the boardwalk area is welcome, with parking available at the closed entrance gate,” creating a slightly longer access walk.
No fee is charged to visit Beartown State Park, and
no camping is allowed. The land was purchased in 1970 with funds from
the Nature Conservancy and a donation in memory of a local soldier who
lost his life in the Vietnam War. The Beartown name was chosen because
local residents claimed that many cave-like openings in the rocks made
perfect winter dens for black bears.
- Mile 0.0 – The main parking area has picnic tables and privies. Access to the rock formations is via a gravel trail on the south end of the lot.
- Mile 0.1 – The gravel base gives way to a boardwalk, which crosses over a ravine. Just after this, the boardwalk offers two directions – you can complete the loop either clockwise or counter-clockwise. We took a right and the followed the boardwalk as it weaved in among large sandstone boulders topped by rock cap ferns, over large crevices, and sometimes through the boulders. Be ready to squeeze! The rocks themselves have interesting fractures, holes, and a variety of plant life.
- Mile 0.3 – At about the halfway point, the boardwalk reaches a second access. This is for handicapped visitors, and includes a small platform for those with mobility issues to view the rocks. From here, the boardwalk ascends, giving the visitor a higher view of the area.
- Mile 0.4 - The upper part of the boardwalk returns you to the beginning of the loop. If you have young visitors with you, they will probably vote to loop the trail again!
- Mile 0.6 – A short stroll has you back at the parking lot and picnic area.
