A West Virginia Loop Trail To A Historic Furnace

Have you been looking for more exciting hiking trails in West Virginia lately? There’s nothing like an adventure, and the trail out at Coopers Rock State Forest comes with plenty to see, including the historic furnace. Between the views, the wildlife, and the history, this trail is a great addition to any day outdoors.

Welcome to today’s adventure, a hike out at Coopers Rock State Forest. This loop trail is full of more than just pathways, which makes it a bit more special than your average hike.

Pat Thompson/AllTrails

The rocky trail isn’t too hard to follow, but the trail does get a bit tough in some areas. It’s rated as a moderate level hike, due to the extra bit of challenge that rocky paths and the 600-foot elevation gain gives hikers.

Ashley Kennedy/AllTrails

As for the historic furnace, the Henry Clay Iron Furnace was built here in the mid-1830s, and retired around 1847. Somewhere around 200 people worked here, making over four tons of pig iron every day.

JR Ernst/AllTrails

All over the 4.7 miles of trail, the overlooks are by far where most photos are taken. No matter the season and the colors, these views are always stunning.

Rachel Russo/AllTrails

Also at Coopers Rock, there are plenty of opportunities for fishing and hunting as well as camping and rock climbing. If a simple hike isn’t enough for you, there’s always something to add to the experience.

Marissa Bennett/AllTrails

Make sure that you never leave anything behind, whether it is trash or food scraps. Keeping our parks as natural as possible is a goal we should all work towards. Happy hiking!

Eileen Angulo/AllTrails

If you’d like to check out this trail for yourself, you can find a trail map, reviews, and even a local weather forecast at the AllTrails page.