State Parks and National Parks

One of West Virginia's easternmost state parks, Cacapon (pronounced kuh-KAY-pun) covers 6,115 acres dominated by the mountain for which the park is named.

At 2,300 feet, Cacapon Mountain is reached by hiking and bridle trails, as well as a road. Spurs off the hiking trails along Cacapon's north-south ridge lead to large, tough sandstone outcrops with striking views of the valley below.

Other trails, through laurel, pine and hardwood forests, bring the total trail mileage to more than 20. The park boasts a nature center, which may be a good place to begin a visit.

Additional recreational activities abound at this highly developed park. Cacapon Lake is popular for swimming, fishing, and exploring in rental row boats or paddleboats.

The rolling terrain at the base of the mountain makes the 18-hole Robert Trent Jones golf course a pleasurable challenge. When snow conditions permit, cross-country skiers use the fairways.

There is no camping at Cacapon. Accommodations include an 11-room inn built in the 1930s, a modern 48-room lodge, and 31 cabins, some of them open year-round. A new conference center is also available.