Watoga State Park

Watoga State Park is a large wooded preserve in the Appalachian Mountains with dense forest and natural ridge landscapes spread across more than 10,000 acres. The grounds include over 40 miles of hiking trails through different ecosystems and an extensive arboretum featuring rare tree species.

The preserve began in 1934 when the Civilian Conservation Corps established initial facilities on land managed as wildlife and timber reserve. This development was part of a nationwide effort to protect forest landscapes during the Great Depression.

The Fred E. Brooks Memorial Arboretum within the park spans 400 acres, named after a prominent West Virginia naturalist.

The grounds offer 34 rental cabins and two campgrounds with about 88 sites total, many equipped with electric hookups for trailers. Visitors should wear sturdy footwear and prepare for changing weather conditions in the mountains.

The grounds received certification as an official Dark Sky Park from the International Dark-Sky Association in 2021 for excellent stargazing conditions. This recognition reflects the minimal light pollution achieved by the remote mountain location.

Location: Pocahontas County

Inception: 1934

Elevation above the sea: 866 m

Website: https://wvstateparks.com/park/watoga-state-park

GPS coordinates: 38.10360,-80.14970

Latest update: December 10, 2025 20:09