It’s hard to imagine a West Virginian who doesn’t know about and love at least one of our amazing state parks. Blackwater Falls State Park, Babcock State Park, Watoga State Park, Pipestem State Park…these are names that pop up again and again of some of the most popular destinations in the state. But in a state with almost 40 state parks and another 8 state forests, there are bound to be a few state parks that fly under the radar.
And one of them that has been largely overlooked, a beautiful state park hidden away in Raleigh County that even many native West Virginians are unfamiliar with, is Little Beaver State Park.
Featuring an 18-acre lake, a 46-site campground, a playground, picnic tables and a picnic shelter, and miles of hiking trails, this 562-acre state park is far from boring. In fact, it's more like an underrated treasure.
It even holds a place on the National Register of Historic Places, thanks to the historic Little Beaver Dam, built between 1938 and 1942. The dam is 400 feet long and 29 feet high, making for an impressive spillway if you catch it when the lake is a little extra full. The outer face of the dam is made of rough chiseled sandstone, giving it a charming, natural look.
So definitely throw in a picnic and your camping gear and plan to spend the night in order to fully enjoy all that this little piece of Almost Heaven has to offer (reservations are required).
So make sure to plan a time to explore this hidden gem next time you are traveling through on Interstate 64. It’s a great spot to stop and stretch your legs. Or, stay for a few days in order to really soak in the beauty of this quiet lake and forest! As with any West Virginia State Park, admission is free. To learn more about accessing the park, visit its webpage here.
If you are among those who already know and love Little Beaver State Park, you might also enjoy discovering Rockcliff Lake, another beautiful but under-rated spot tucked away in the Mountain State!
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