Cathedral State Park, Ancient hemlock forest in Aurora, West Virginia, US.
Cathedral State Park contains over 170 species of trees and plants across 133 acres, with hemlocks reaching heights of 90 feet and circumferences of 16 feet.
Branson Haas, a Brookside hotel worker, purchased this land in 1922 and later sold it to West Virginia in 1942 under the condition of preserving the forest.
The National Park Service recognized the ecological value of this forest by designating it as a National Natural Landmark in 1965.
The park features six miles of hiking trails, two picnic shelters with playgrounds, and restroom facilities accessible from Route 50 in Preston County.
This forest represents the largest remaining virgin timber tract in West Virginia, with trees dating back several centuries.
Location: West Virginia
Inception: 1942
Elevation above the sea: 768 m
Website: https://wvstateparks.com/park/cathedral-state-park
GPS coordinates: 39.32670,-79.53810
Latest update: March 7, 2025 15:56
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