Coopers Rock State Forest
Exploring Coopers Rock State Park: A Day Trip Adventure - Coopers Rock State Park has been on my radar for ages. It’s only an hour and a half from Pittsburgh, so we decided to make a day trip out of it. But let me tell you, it’s totally worth staying overnight. There are tons of camping options if you want to make a weekend out of it.
No matter how long you spend there, the views are absolutely stunning. I highly recommend checking it out at least once. It’s a must-see!
Almost Heaven!
Raven Rock Trail
After a bit of research, we settled on the Raven Rock Trail (we picked this one specifically due to views, length, and popularity). It's a 2.6-mile round trip with stunning views of the Cheat River Canyon. The hike starts just down the road from McCollum campground, and most people (ourselves included) park along the road and walk over to the trailhead.
It IS a moderate climb, with a few steep sections so please remember to take breaks when necessary!
We started early to beat the crowds and were rewarded with a peaceful hike through the woods. The trail winds through a mix of forest and open areas, offering glimpses of the surrounding landscape. Since we went in early October, I was glad I dressed in layers. The first half of the hike is through a heavily wooded area, so my flannel was a lifesaver. But as we climbed higher, the sun warmed things up, and I was comfortable in just a sleeveless shirt.
The views at the top are absolutely breathtaking. It probably took us about an hour, maybe a little longer, to reach the peak of the mountain. Once there, we spent about 30 minutes taking photos, soaking it all in, and enjoying the fresh mountain air.
After our hike, we grabbed a quick lunch on the truck bed tailgate. Then we decided to drive to the scenic overlook near the Cooper Rock Park entrance. This one seemed like a rite of passage to visit (if you've ever come across chances of pictures from Cooper’s rock, chances are they were probably taken from here). There is parking right on site and its conveniently located a few steps away from the rocky overlook area so no more uphill hikes for the day! Reminder, this is a very popular spot, and we found that it was full of other people wanting to take in the views along with their dogs. I wouldn’t say this is somewhere I’d recommend sitting down hoping for some peace and quiet, but rather somewhere to look, enjoy the beauty, take photos, and head off.
Tips for Future Visitors
If you plan to visit Coopers Rock State Park:
Start Early: Beat the crowds and enjoy quieter trails and overlooks.
Stay Prepared: The Ravens Rock Trail, while moderate, includes uphill sections that may challenge some hikers. Be sure to research your trails beforehand so you know what you’re in for!
Respect Nature: Keep pets leashed and be mindful of your surroundings, especially near cliff edges.
Capture Memories: Bring a camera or smartphone for the stunning photo opportunities at the overlooks.
Other recommended trails that we have on our list:
Underlook Trail - a short and sweet quick half mile that leads you out below the main overlook.
Roadside Trail - a six mile path that runs along the gorge's rim and links up with additional trails.
Rock City Trail - a nice half our hike through a variety of rock formations in the forest.
Final Thoughts
Our day at Coopers Rock State Park was a perfect blend of adventure, natural beauty, and unexpected moments. Whether you’re a local looking for a quick escape or a traveler passing through, this place is a gem worth exploring. We’re already planning our next visit to check out more trails and maybe even camp out for a night under the stars. Until then, happy trails and safe travels!