The best walks and hikes around Brookhaven
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hikes
Hiking around Brookhaven offers routes through dense woodlands characterized by sandstone cliffs and scenic overlooks. The area's trails navigate through forests, leading to historical sites and rock formations. The terrain includes moderate elevation changes, providing varied experiences for hikers.
Best hiking trails around Brookhaven
- The most popular hiking route is Coopers Rock Overlook – Henry Clay Furnace loop from Copper Beech, a 5.9 mile (9.6 km) trail that takes about 2 hours 45 minutes to complete. This route features…
Last updated: June 28, 2026
8
hikers
8.08km
02:17
180m
170m
Hike the moderate 5.0-mile Coopers Rock State Forest Loop, gaining 579 feet in elevation with panoramic Cheat River Gorge views.
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7
hikers
9.03km
02:30
150m
180m
The Snake Hill Trail offers a diverse hiking experience through rolling hills and rocky cliffs, leading to exceptional scenic overlooks. You'll find yourself gazing out at sweeping vistas of Cheat…
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5
hikers
7.06km
02:07
230m
220m
The Rhododendron, Ridge, and Rattlesnake Trail Loop offers a diverse hiking experience through Coopers Rock State Forest, combining dense forests with dramatic rock formations. You'll navigate dirt paths and rocky…
2
hikers
1.94km
00:34
20m
110m
The Ravens Rock Trail in Coopers Rock State Forest offers a fantastic, easy hike to one of West Virginia's most impressive viewpoints. You'll start on a wide gravel path that…
942m
00:20
60m
30m
The Underlook Trail offers a unique, hands-on hiking experience beneath the famous Coopers Rock Overlook in West Virginia. This short but adventurous route, just 0.6 miles (0.9 km) long with…
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Tips from the Community
The cliffs at Coopers Rock Overlook are one of the main attractions on the entire property. There are fences and barriers at most of the cliff edges, but it's still smart to be "edge aware" while in the viewing area. There are some binoculars that take quarters that you can use to get a better view of the surrounding skylines and ridges. This overlook is just a short walk from the main parking area, so it's one of the more crowded spots within the park. As you branch off on some of the hiking trails, you instantly get more solitude and really get to experience the peacefulness of this state forest.
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Encompassing over 3,000 acres, the Snake Hill Wildlife Management Area plays host to a bunch of trails that journey up next to Cheat River in the bottom of Cheat Canyon. With lots of rocky overlooks and some forest ruins, this Wildlife Management Area is popular among a lot of different trail users for a reason.
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Raven Rock offers some of the best views in all of Coopers Rock State Forest. The rocky outcrop is pointed out over the Snake Hill Wildlife Management Area and Cheat River. This viewpoint is largely located near a cliff, so keep loved ones at an arm's length.
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This small pond, nestled within Coopers Rock State Forest, is enveloped by lush greenery. While fishing or swimming isn't permitted, a charming dock provides an epic view of the water, making it an ideal spot to take a break.
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The Henry Clay Furnace, constructed between 1834 and 1836, was capable of producing 4 tons of pig iron (crude iron) every 24 hours. At its peak operation, this furnace employed about 200 people. It stands as a significant piece of history, complemented by information boards providing additional insights.
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Encompassing over 3,000 acres, the Snake Hill Wildlife Management Area plays host to a bunch of trails that journey up next to Cheat River in the bottom of Cheat Canyon. With lots of rocky overlooks and some forest ruins, this Wildlife Management Area is popular among a lot of different trail users for a reason.
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Raven Rock offers some of the best views in all of Coopers Rock State Forest. The rocky outcrop is pointed out over the Snake Hill Wildlife Management Area and Cheat River. This viewpoint is largely located near a cliff, so keep loved ones at an arm's length.
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Viewpoint of Coopers Rock State Forest. From the platform you get a 360 degree view of the forest and the Cheat River.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are the hiking trails in this area family-friendly?
Yes, there are several easier options suitable for a family outing. For example, the Raven Rock Viewpoint loop from Copper Beech is a relatively short walk of about 2.4 miles (3.9 km) that still offers rewarding scenery through the woodland.
Can I bring my dog on the trails?
Dogs are generally welcome on the trails in Coopers Rock State Forest, but they must be kept on a leash at all times. Please be sure to clean up after your pet to help keep the trails beautiful for everyone.
What kind of scenery and terrain should I expect?
The hikes here are known for their impressive sandstone cliffs, dense woodlands, and scenic overlooks with views of the river gorge. The terrain includes moderate elevation changes, with trails winding through forests to historical sites and prominent rock formations.
Are there any circular or loop trails available?
Most of the popular routes in this guide are loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point without retracing your steps. A great moderate option is the Henry Clay Furnace loop from Copper Beech, which takes you to a fascinating 19th-century iron furnace.
Are there any long-distance hiking options?
For a longer, more challenging hike, consider the Coopers Rock Overlook – Henry Clay Furnace loop from Copper Beech. At nearly 6 miles (9.6 km), it combines a famous viewpoint with a significant historical landmark, offering a substantial outing.
What do other hikers think of the trails in this area?
The routes around Brookhaven are highly rated by the komoot community. Hikers often praise the stunning views from the rock overlooks and the well-maintained paths that lead through beautiful, quiet forests.
Are there any historical sites to see on the hikes?
Yes, a key historical feature in the area is the Henry Clay Furnace. This 19th-century iron furnace is a fascinating piece of local industrial history and can be reached via several trails, including a moderate loop that focuses on the site.
What are the trail conditions like?
The trails are generally well-maintained forest paths. You can expect some rocky sections and moderate climbs, especially on routes leading to overlooks. The paths can become muddy after rain, so sturdy hiking shoes are recommended.
How many hiking trails are there around Brookhaven?
There are over a dozen designated hiking routes in this area. This guide highlights the top choices, but you can find more options on komoot, ranging from easy walks to more demanding moderate hikes.
Are there any particularly scenic viewpoints?
Absolutely. The area is famous for its viewpoints. The Raven Rock Viewpoint loop from Coopers Rock State Forest is an excellent choice for experiencing one of the best vistas, offering expansive views over the surrounding landscape.
Is there a good trail for a shorter, moderate hike?
The Coopers Rock Overlook – Raven Rock Viewpoint loop from Copper Beech is a perfect choice. At 4.7 miles (7.5 km), it connects two of the area's best viewpoints in a single, manageable hike with some rewarding elevation gain.
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