Coopers Rock and the Clay Furnace Trail

Aside from the eponymous overlook, Cooper's Rock also offers a wide variety of hiking trails.

In late May 2024, mountain laurels, catalpas, and ferns were all in full bloom. We saw a five-lined skink at the overlook and we explored the furnace.

If you're up for a bit of a hike, the park also has a beautiful 1.2 mile (1.9 km) trail called the Clay Furnace Trail with a 203 ft (~62m) elevation variation. It goes over intense hills along a quiet creek to the Henry Clay Furnace.

This iron furnace was named after then Kentucky Senator because of his role in the iron industry. It operated from 1845 to 1865 with sporadic uses until 1889. The trail passes several of the iron mine chasms.

We often go to Cooper’s Rock because of how easy it is to get there, but we haven’t explored nearly enough of this park. Share with us your favorite trails at Cooper’s Rock, and we hope to see you out and about this year in West Virginia!

Happy Travels!

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If you’re looking to get out and explore this year in West Virginia, and you want some great photos to remember your adventures, contact Gus using the form below. We’d love to show you all of our favorite parts of West Virginia!