List of West Virginia state forests facts for kids

West Virginia contains a network of eight state forests that help to protect over 70,000 acres (28,000 ha) of wooded lands in the state. These forests are like big outdoor classrooms and playgrounds! Most of them are managed by the West Virginia Division of Forestry. However, Kanawha State Forest is managed a bit differently, like a state park, by the Division of Natural Resources. Almost all the forests, except for Calvin Price, have fun things to do, like camping or swimming, which are managed with the DNR.

Exploring West Virginia's State Forests

West Virginia's state forests are amazing places to explore nature and have outdoor adventures. They protect thousands of acres of beautiful woodlands. These forests are perfect for hiking, camping, and learning about wildlife.

What Can You Do in a State Forest?

Many state forests offer lots of cool activities for visitors. You can often find places to camp, either in cabins or at campsites. Some forests even have swimming areas, gift shops, or lakes where you can go boating. It's a great way to enjoy the outdoors!

Meet the State Forests

Here's a quick look at some of West Virginia's state forests and what makes them special:

• Cabwaylingo is in Wayne County. It has 14 cabins and 21 camping spots. You can go swimming and even find a gift shop there.
• Calvin Price is located in Greenbrier and Pocahontas counties. This forest is mainly for protecting nature and doesn't have many visitor facilities.
• Camp Creek is in Mercer County. It has a gift shop where you can find souvenirs.
• Coopers Rock is a large forest in Monongalia and Preston counties. It has 50 camping spots and is known for its historical interest. You can also find a lake there.
• Greenbrier is in Greenbrier County. It offers 13 cabins and 16 camping spots. You can go swimming and visit a gift shop.
• Kanawha is in Kanawha County. It has 46 camping spots and is a place of historical interest. You can also find a lake there.
• Kumbrabow is in Randolph County. It has 6 cabins and 13 camping spots. You can go swimming and visit a gift shop.
• Seneca is in Pocahontas County. It has 8 cabins and 10 camping spots. This forest has a lake and offers boat rentals. It's a great spot for water fun!

Former State Forests

Some areas that were once state forests have changed over time:

• Panther State Forest became the Panther Wildlife Management Area in 2008. This means it's now managed more for wildlife.
• Watoga State Forest was one of the first state forests, started in 1925. It later became Watoga State Park in 1934, which is a popular park today.

See also

• List of U.S. National Forests
• List of West Virginia state parks
• List of West Virginia wildlife management areas

Images for kids

• 

  Thumbnail image of Tick Ridge Fire Tower at Cabwaylingo State Forest

• 

  Thumbnail image of entrance sign for Calvin Price State Forest

• 
• 

  Thumbnail image of Cheat River at Coopers Rock State Forest

• 

  Thumbnail image of Howard Creek gap from Greenbrier State Forest

• 

  Thumbnail image of Kanawha State Forest entrance sign

• 

  Thumbnail image of Seneca Lake in Seneca State Forest

• 

  Thumbnail image of Panther Creek in Panther Wildlife Management Areas

• 

  Thumbnail image of Watoga Lake in Watoga State Park