Beartown State Park
Step into a fairytale at Beartown State Park, a natural wonderland of massive boulders, deep crevices, and mossy cliffs.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Secluded, magical atmosphere
Beartown State Park
Best Time
Secluded, magical atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Step into a fairytale at Beartown State Park, a natural wonderland of massive boulders, deep crevices, and mossy cliffs.
"This place is truly amazing hidden gem! The view is truly beautiful! The boardwalk is super tranquil."
👟 Sturdy Footwear is Key
Boardwalks get VERY slick after rain. Avoid Crocs! Wear grippy shoes to prevent slips.
🚶♀️ Take Your Time
It's a short loop, so savor the unique formations and read the informative signage.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Massive Sandstone Boulders
Throughout the park
Towering sandstone formations create a surreal, otherworldly landscape. Explore their nooks and crannies.
Mysterious Crevasses
Along the boardwalk
Deep, moss-covered crevices and overhanging cliffs evoke a fairytale atmosphere. Peer into their depths.
Wooden Boardwalk Trail
Main loop
A well-maintained boardwalk guides you through the park's unique geological wonders. Easy to navigate.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Slickness!
Beat the Crowds for Magic
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Sturdy Footwear is Key
Boardwalks get VERY slick after rain. Avoid Crocs! Wear grippy shoes to prevent slips.
🚶♀️ Take Your Time
It's a short loop, so savor the unique formations and read the informative signage.
🐶 Pet-Friendly Exploration
Well-behaved dogs are welcome! Enjoy the unique scenery with your furry friends.
🚗 Plenty of Parking
Ample parking is available, making your arrival smooth and easy.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Sturdy Footwear is Key
Boardwalks get VERY slick after rain. Avoid Crocs! Wear grippy shoes to prevent slips.
🚶♀️ Take Your Time
It's a short loop, so savor the unique formations and read the informative signage.
🐶 Pet-Friendly Exploration
Well-behaved dogs are welcome! Enjoy the unique scenery with your furry friends.
🚗 Plenty of Parking
Ample parking is available, making your arrival smooth and easy.
✨ Hidden Gem Vibes
Visit on a weekday for a truly tranquil experience, feeling like you have the park to yourself.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Beartown State Park's unique, fairytale-like geological formations and its status as a hidden gem. The boardwalk trail offers an accessible way to explore massive boulders and deep crevices. While the park is generally well-maintained, visitors strongly advise caution due to slippery conditions on the boardwalk, especially after rain.
"I went here years ago with my family, but I recently decided to take my very adventurous boyfriend to see Beartown, as he adores hiking and really cool rocks 💖 we also took our doggos Hemi and Critter to enjoy the park for the first time! I have one warning: if it has rained recently, please do not wear Crocs or any sort of treadless shoes! It is very, very slick! We both almost slipped and fell on our butts several times 🙈 but there is so much to see and it's just a short little loop, you can easily take time out of your trip to come through and take a peek at some really cool geological formations ☺️"
Wild Ginger Exploration (Jayro Vids)
"Plenty of parking, handicapped accessibility, and restrooms on site. The boardwalk trail is a short loop through the area with a ton of signage explaining more about the different rock formations, vegetation, and the area itself. Very cool stop, relatively easy walk, good for families."
Ryan De La Luz
"This place is truly amazing hidden gem! There are not many reviews, and there were also not many visitors when we arrived on a weekday. However, the view is truly beautiful! The boardwalk is super tranquil. Highly recommend!"
Y.C. Wu
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Beartown State Park is located in Pocahontas County, West Virginia. It's often described as a 'hidden gem' and 'off the beaten path.' While specific directions can vary, it's generally accessible by car. Many visitors find it a worthwhile stop when exploring other West Virginia state parks. 
It's considered a bit of a hidden gem, so while there's parking, it might not be as prominently signed as larger attractions. Planning your route in advance is recommended.
Driving is the primary way to access Beartown State Park. The park is situated in a scenic, mountainous region of West Virginia, so enjoy the drive!
Yes, Beartown State Park is often mentioned alongside other beautiful West Virginia locations like Droop Mountain Battlefield State Park, Watoga State Park, and Cass Scenic Railroad State Park, making it ideal for a day trip.
Absolutely! Beartown State Park is a perfect stop on a West Virginia road trip, offering unique natural beauty that's easily accessible from the main routes.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Beartown State Park is a natural area and typically does not require an admission fee. Entry is generally free, allowing easy access to its unique geological features.
As a natural park, Beartown State Park is generally open from dawn to dusk. It's best to check with the West Virginia State Parks system for any specific seasonal hours or closures, though it's usually accessible year-round.
No, there is no entrance fee for Beartown State Park. It's a free-to-access natural area for visitors to explore.
Yes, Beartown State Park is pet-friendly! Well-behaved dogs are welcome to explore the park with their owners, making it a great spot for a family outing with pets.
The park features a boardwalk trail that offers a relatively easy walk through the unique rock formations. While it's a natural area, the boardwalk aims to improve accessibility for many visitors.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Beartown State Park is renowned for its unusual rocky formations, massive sandstone boulders, deep crevasses, and mossy cliffs that create a fairytale-like atmosphere. The half-mile loop boardwalk trail allows visitors to get up close to these natural wonders.
The park features a half-mile loop boardwalk trail that winds through the unique geological formations. It's designed to be accessible and offers great views of the boulders and crevices.
Yes, the boardwalk can become very slippery, especially after rain. Visitors are strongly advised to wear sturdy, non-slip footwear and use handrails where available.
You'll find massive sandstone boulders, deep, mysterious crevasses, and impressive overhanging cliffs. The formations are unique and create a sense of wonder.
The main boardwalk loop is about half a mile. It's a relatively short and easy walk, typically taking around 30-60 minutes to explore thoroughly, depending on how much you stop to admire the scenery.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the dramatic sandstone boulders, the deep, moss-covered crevices, and the unique textures of the rock formations. The boardwalk itself also offers interesting perspectives.
Absolutely! The park's unique geological features, lush moss, and forest setting provide excellent opportunities for nature and landscape photography.
Early morning or late afternoon can offer softer light and fewer crowds, enhancing the magical atmosphere. However, the unique formations are photogenic throughout the day.
Drone usage regulations can vary by state park. It's best to check with the West Virginia State Parks system for specific rules regarding drone operation before your visit.
The entire boardwalk loop offers fantastic views. Keep an eye out for the larger boulders and the deeper crevices, which are particularly striking.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting on a weekday morning to avoid potential crowds and give your children a more immersive experience. The park's 'hidden gem' status means you might even feel like you have it all to yourselves! It's a great way to introduce kids to the wonders of nature in a safe and engaging environment.
🚶♀️ Hikers & Nature Enthusiasts
📸 Photographers
+1Aim for early morning or late afternoon light to capture the most atmospheric images. The boardwalk provides a stable platform for your shots, but be mindful of its potential slipperiness. The park's relatively uncrowded nature, especially during weekdays, allows ample time to compose your perfect photograph.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Unique Geology of Beartown
+1The wooden boardwalk is crucial for navigating this unique terrain. It allows visitors to safely traverse the area, getting up close to the impressive rock formations without disturbing the delicate ecosystem. The boardwalk winds through the park, offering different perspectives of the boulders and the intriguing crevices that dot the landscape. It's a relatively short loop, making it an accessible way to experience the park's natural wonders.
Many visitors are struck by the mossy, verdant appearance of the rock formations, especially after rainfall. This lush vegetation adds to the mystical ambiance of Beartown. The park's unusual rocky features make it a standout destination for those seeking unique natural attractions in West Virginia.
Experiencing Beartown: Tips from Visitors
For the most enchanting experience, many recommend visiting early on a weekday. This strategy helps avoid crowds and allows for a more peaceful and immersive exploration of the park's unique features. The feeling of having the park to yourself is often highlighted as a magical aspect of the visit.
Beartown State Park is also noted for its accessibility and family-friendliness. The boardwalk trail is relatively easy to navigate, and there are restrooms and ample parking available. It's a great spot for families, including those with pets, to enjoy a short but memorable nature walk and learn about the area's geology through informative signage.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit