West Virginia is filled to overflowing with beautiful scene upon beautiful scene secreted away in the peaks, folds, and valleys of our mountains and rivers. We couldn’t have earned the nickname “Almost Heaven” otherwise. And one of those storybook scenes is the uniquely picturesque Beartown State Park in West Virginia, perched on Droop Mountain.

This 110-acre wonderland sits on the border of Greenbrier and Pocahontas Counties, a handful of miles southwest of Hillsboro, West Virginia.

144blaked / Tripadvisor

What makes it so magical? The awe-inspiring natural formations: cliffs, boulders, and shallow caves all tumbled together like some storybook giant’s marble yard.

144blaked / Tripadvisor

These rock formations are formed of Droop Sandstone (thus the name “Droop Mountain”), also known as Pottsville Sandstone.

Jason Homey / Tripadvisor

Boardwalks cut through these towering formations like a network of ant tunnels.

Management / Tripadvisor

Old rumors hold that bears wintered here in the clefts of these rocks. Other folks point out that, from above, the network of jutting rocks, narrow cracks, and tumbled boulders looks like the streets of a town.

144blaked / Tripadvisor

A legendary town of giants, perhaps? Regardless, that’s the story behind the park’s name of Beartown.

Jason Homey / Tripadvisor

There are other stories to be told here, as well. One of them is the story of the rocks themselves, which is told by various educational signage scattered along the trails.

ControversyX / Tripadvisor

How were they formed? How were they shaped? How did they come to be piled together just here? Come explore this beautiful park and find out!

Michelle H / Tripadvisor

Get a closer look at the natural beauty here while learning the history of Beartown State Park:

144blaked / Tripadvisor

Jason Homey / Tripadvisor

Management / Tripadvisor

ControversyX / Tripadvisor

Michelle H / Tripadvisor

Beartown State Park closes each winter except by appointment, but it reopens fully each April to October. It’s best for those looking to reconnect with nature by foot; a network of hiking trails crisscrosses the crevices between these boulders. To find other amenities like lodging or playgrounds, try nearby Watoga State Park or Droop Mountain Battlefield State Park.

Have you explored the beautiful storybook scene that is Beartown State Park in West Virginia? What a fascinating place! If you liked this, check out these hidden state parks in West Virginia.

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Address: Beartown State Park, Beartown Road, Renick, WV, USA

The OIYS Visitor Center

The Natural Beauty of West Virginia February 14, 2023 William Suphan What are the most scenic hiking trails in West Virginia? The most scenic hiking trails in West Virginia include:

Long Point Trail at Summersville Lake. There’s a gigantic rock outcropping here that extends into the lake and the view from it is mesmerizing. Grandview Overlook at the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve. This is the place to see the rhododendrons bloom in the summer. Campbell Falls at Camp Creek State Park. Not only is the hike gorgeous but it leads to a wonderful swimming hole. Glade Creek Trail. This is one of the most verdant hikes in the state and the swimming hole has stunning blue waters.

Discover more about the most scenic hiking trails in West Virginia.   What are the most impressive natural wonders in West Virginia? The most impressive natural wonders in West Virginia include:

Seneca Rocks. These rocks are not only gorgeous but are very popular with local rock climbers. The New River Gorge. This is one of the oldest rivers on earth with jaw-dropping views and excellent whitewater rafting. Seneca Caverns. Native Americans were residing in these intriguing caves starting around the 1400s and they are a wonder to explore. Sandstone Falls. This spot is beloved by locals and the natural beauty here is unforgettable.

Learn more about the most impressive natural wonders in West Virginia.  What are the most incredible natural attractions in West Virginia? The most incredible natural attractions in West Virginia include:

Dolly Sods. This nature area in the Monongahela National Forest has stunning white rocks and colorful bogs that look like another planet. Ice Mountain. Massive amounts of ice can be found here even during the summer due to how the rocks draw in and cool the air. The Trough. The Potomac River flows through this gorge and there is a train you can ride to take in the stellar views. Spruce Knob. This mountain is not only the highest peak in the state but in the entire Allegheny Mountain chain.

Find out more about the most incredible natural attractions in West Virginia. 

The OIYS Visitor Center

The Natural Beauty of West Virginia

February 14, 2023

William Suphan

What are the most scenic hiking trails in West Virginia? The most scenic hiking trails in West Virginia include:

Long Point Trail at Summersville Lake. There’s a gigantic rock outcropping here that extends into the lake and the view from it is mesmerizing. Grandview Overlook at the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve. This is the place to see the rhododendrons bloom in the summer. Campbell Falls at Camp Creek State Park. Not only is the hike gorgeous but it leads to a wonderful swimming hole. Glade Creek Trail. This is one of the most verdant hikes in the state and the swimming hole has stunning blue waters.

Discover more about the most scenic hiking trails in West Virginia.   What are the most impressive natural wonders in West Virginia? The most impressive natural wonders in West Virginia include:

Seneca Rocks. These rocks are not only gorgeous but are very popular with local rock climbers. The New River Gorge. This is one of the oldest rivers on earth with jaw-dropping views and excellent whitewater rafting. Seneca Caverns. Native Americans were residing in these intriguing caves starting around the 1400s and they are a wonder to explore. Sandstone Falls. This spot is beloved by locals and the natural beauty here is unforgettable.

Learn more about the most impressive natural wonders in West Virginia.  What are the most incredible natural attractions in West Virginia? The most incredible natural attractions in West Virginia include:

Dolly Sods. This nature area in the Monongahela National Forest has stunning white rocks and colorful bogs that look like another planet. Ice Mountain. Massive amounts of ice can be found here even during the summer due to how the rocks draw in and cool the air. The Trough. The Potomac River flows through this gorge and there is a train you can ride to take in the stellar views. Spruce Knob. This mountain is not only the highest peak in the state but in the entire Allegheny Mountain chain.

Find out more about the most incredible natural attractions in West Virginia. 

The OIYS Visitor Center

The OIYS Visitor Center

The most scenic hiking trails in West Virginia include:

  • Long Point Trail at Summersville Lake. There’s a gigantic rock outcropping here that extends into the lake and the view from it is mesmerizing.
  • Grandview Overlook at the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve. This is the place to see the rhododendrons bloom in the summer.
  • Campbell Falls at Camp Creek State Park. Not only is the hike gorgeous but it leads to a wonderful swimming hole.
  • Glade Creek Trail. This is one of the most verdant hikes in the state and the swimming hole has stunning blue waters.

Discover more about the most scenic hiking trails in West Virginia.  

What are the most impressive natural wonders in West Virginia?

The most impressive natural wonders in West Virginia include:

  • Seneca Rocks. These rocks are not only gorgeous but are very popular with local rock climbers.
  • The New River Gorge. This is one of the oldest rivers on earth with jaw-dropping views and excellent whitewater rafting.
  • Seneca Caverns. Native Americans were residing in these intriguing caves starting around the 1400s and they are a wonder to explore.
  • Sandstone Falls. This spot is beloved by locals and the natural beauty here is unforgettable.

Learn more about the most impressive natural wonders in West Virginia. 

What are the most incredible natural attractions in West Virginia?

The most incredible natural attractions in West Virginia include:

  • Dolly Sods. This nature area in the Monongahela National Forest has stunning white rocks and colorful bogs that look like another planet.
  • Ice Mountain. Massive amounts of ice can be found here even during the summer due to how the rocks draw in and cool the air.
  • The Trough. The Potomac River flows through this gorge and there is a train you can ride to take in the stellar views.
  • Spruce Knob. This mountain is not only the highest peak in the state but in the entire Allegheny Mountain chain.

Find out more about the most incredible natural attractions in West Virginia.