Coopers Rock

Coopers Rock State Forest is a 12,747-acre recreational area in West Virginia. Its overlook offers spectacular views of the Cheat River Gorge, 1200 feet below. The place gets its name from a fugitive who hid there (he was a cooper by trade). Much of Coopers Rock was developed by the Civilian Conservations Corps (CCC).

Entrance sign

Go left to get to the overlook

Spring house built by CCC

It was a beautiful fall day when Ty and I went to Coopers Rock. It took us about two hours to get there. Traveling west is usually pleasant, even on the interstates. I stopped a few times along the way to let Ty pee and stretch his legs. I got refreshments. We arrived about midday. My first stop was the visitor's center.

Main overlook

Cheat River Gorge

Ty at the overlook

Not too much color yet

People have left their marks on the overlook.

Sweeping across the gorge

1200 feet above the gorge

The iconic West Virginia swing

Almost Heaven West Virginia

Underneath the overlook, there is a network of massive sandstone cliffs, boulder fields, narrow crevices, and small cave-like rock shelters. Not sure what trail I was on (they weren't always well marked), but I found plenty of rocks to explore. We had the area to ourselves, too.

That's a big rock!

Layers of stone

A cave

Moss covered rock

Geology over time

Me and Ty underneath

Looks like some kind of animal

Lots of moss grows on the rocks

Crevices in the rocks

The most scenic area in Coopers Rock National Forest may have been the reservoir. I was disappointed that my foot pain prohibited me from hiking the Underlook and Raven Rock trails. I tried, but determined it wouldn't be good for my feet, especially my right foot. I might have fallen. Not to mention my foot would have hurt like hell. So, I looked for a a hike that would be more suitable for my Plantar fasciitis. The Reservoir loop fit the bill. It was a 0.7 mile loop that encircled the reservoir. 

Quiet and secluded 

2 to 3 acre reservoir

Just about every place along the loop offered spectacular views of the reservoir. Between the trees, grasses, water, and reflections, the colors were an absolute treat for the eyes. In another week or so, the reservoir would be even more breath-taking. I allowed Ty a quick dip into the water. He appreciated it. We met a botanist (from WVU) along the way.

So much vegetation

The resident fish

Vibrant colors

The dock

Up-close with a leaf

Reservoir Loop Trail

Ty at the reservoir

Harper's Ferry National Historic Park

It wasn't the first time Ty and I had visited Harper's Ferry. This time we went on a day that was too pretty to stay home, sunny and in the 70's. Consequently, the park was a bit on the crowded side. I got the last parking space in the visitor's lot. After Ty took a dump and went for a dip in the river, we walked to Lower Town Harper's Ferry. We toured the historic area and point, walked across the Appalachian Trail Bridge (and back). We "shared" a milk shake (almost $10!) on the street. On the way back to the car, we took the Virginius Island trail, walking along the railroad tracks and river (Shenandoah). There is history wherever you go in Harper's Ferry.

Established 1963  

Click for bigger map

Confluence:  bridges

Confluence: pylons

Appalachian National Scenic Trail

Appalachian Trail Bridge

The Appalachian Trail

Love locks

Ashley & Jamie

Stepping stones

Lower town

St. Peter's Roman Catholic church is a historic chapel in Harper's Ferry. The church occupies a prominent site on the heights above the town. The street alongside the church is part of the Appalachian Trail. There is a short trail from the church to Jefferson Rock. I had forgotten or Ty and I would have climbed to the Rock. The original church was built in 1833. It was the only church in Harper's Ferry to escape destruction during the Civil War. Robin is a docent at the church.

St. Peter's Roman Catholic Church, c. 1833

Entrance to the church

Ty went to church

The stone steps (c. 1810) predate the church.

View from the church

Rail bridge and St. Peter's Church

Construction of the US Armory and Arsenal at Harper's Ferry began in 1799. The only building that remains is the fire engine house (John Brown Fort). When the Civil War began the armory became an immediate target.  In 1859, abolitionist John Brown unsuccessfully tried to seize the armory. His raid helped to incite the country.

Armory grounds

Arsenal Square

Another view

John Brown Fort, c. 1848 (location since 1968)

John Brown monument (obelisk), c. 1895
Original location of John Brown Fort

Train coming through

Ty after a day of hiking