Lose Yourself in the Outdoors in Preston County!

At Glade Farms Campground you'll find a great place to relax by the fire, head down to do some fishing or hike and explore the beautiful hills of West Virginia!

Come enjoy our spacious campground! Our 44 acres of unspoiled woodlands are settled in the middle of an old-growth forest. Spring and summer find us wrapped in rolling green hills overlooking valleys bursting with life. Come fall, the more than 30 varieties of trees explode with color, delighting the eyes of visitors.

Located just 12 miles from the college town of Morgantown and a few minutes off Interstate 68, Coopers Rock has scenic overlooks you won’t want to miss. In addition to selfie stops and canyon gorge views, the park offers biking, fishing, hiking, and rock climbing, along with several playgrounds for families with children.

Coopers Rock is home to two distinct campgrounds, McCollum and Rhododendron with a total of 50 campsites. Call the forest office at 304-594-1561 for more information or to make a reservation.

Nestled in the core of the Appalachian Mountains of West Virginia, Big Bear Lake and Campgrounds provide relaxation, fun and togetherness to its guests. Surrounded by over 5,000-acres of land to explore, Big Bear Lake attracts nature and camping enthusiasts with a variety of camping options, complete with sports facilities and Bearfoot Springs, a thrilling waterpark. Bring your pets along to explore the hiking trails and enchanting scenery. 

One of the largest attractions of the complex is the Big Bear Lake Trail Center, a privately-owned trail system that draws mountain bikers from throughout the region and beyond. ​​Hikers and bikers of all abilities find the nearly 50 miles of world-class trails exciting and challenging.

With year-round tent camping, cabin rentals and RV sites, Chestnut Ridge Park offers an experience for everyone! Spend the day hiking, sledding, fishing, biking, swimming, or taking in a summer concert at the family-friendly park.

Running from Kingwood to Tunnelton, the former West Virginia/Kingwood Northern rail-trail is a 10-mile scenic greenway.  Trail development will enhance the Preston County community and advance the revitalization of blighted maintenance facilities.

The non-motorized rail-trail will provide a safe corridor for exercise and short distance travel promoting health and wellness and walkable communities and creating economic opportunity though recreation related business. The line features a rare switch-back and was once operated as a scenic railroad.

Preston County has 23 named mountains. Each mountain offers unique natural beauty along hiking trails and breathtaking photo opportunities.

The Allegheny Trail runs south nearly 300 miles through the forested hills of West Virginia from the Pennsylvania border near Bruceton Mills until it meets the Appalachian Trail on Peters Mountain at the Virginia border. Nature lovers will love the beautiful vistas and wildlife viewable along the trail, whether they seek a short day trip or enjoy a multi-day excursion.

Located on the summit of Cheat Mountain, Aurora is a prime spot for visitors attracted to its high altitude and crisp, clean air, gentle rolling mountains and deep forests. Designated a National Natural Landmark, Cathedral State Park is West Virginia’s largest old-growth forest and home to one of the largest stands of virgin hemlock in the state. Hiking through the 133-acre park offers miles of trails, original photography opportunities against endless varieties of flowers and trees.

One must-see stop for hikers in Preston County is the Raven Rock Trail and Overlook. The awe-inspiring overlook is 1,000 feet above the Cheat River at Coopers Rock State Forest. Enjoy a 2.5-mile hiking trail leading to the overlook, filled with astounding views over the Cheat River Gorge. An action-packed experience is promised at the Adventure WV Zipline Canopy Tour, complete with four zip lines, seven tree-based platforms and an aerial bridge through Coopers Rock State Forest. Hike an interpretive nature trail back from the base of the final tree to the equipment shed.

The unique weather elements of West Virginia have created a breathtaking and rare landscape. The climactic elements have produced a natural occurrence, “frost pocket,” an area where the hills capture moisture and cold air, creating a landscape resembling the environment found further north in Canada. Cranesville Swamp is one of the coolest and soggiest spots in West Virginia. Beautiful nature, wildlife and access to trails offer the perfect learning experience, with stunning picture-perfect moments along the way.

Outdoor activists can pick up this old railroad bed trail in Reedsville for activities year-round. Bikers, hikers and skiers can travel the 19 miles to Morgantown through the multi-faceted landscape.

Looking for cabin rentals in West Virginia? Mountain Creek Cabins offers various cabins in both Canaan Valley and Cooper’s Rock that are affordable and offer amazing amenities. Our cabins with hot tubs are perfect for couples who are looking for a private getaway or for a family who wants to spend more quality time together.

Cranesville Country Rentals, just 20 minutes from Deep Creek Lake, Maryland.

Enjoy spectacular views and fresh country air for an unforgettable vacation!  Our lovely country rental homes will slow down your hectic pace or liven up your sense of adventure.

Please contact Carter and Roque for vacation rental cabins at (301) 759-0100 or visit Alpine Lake Vacations.

Escape away to bucolic Reedsville, a small town located 25 minutes from Morgantown. Centrally located to area attractions and short distance from outdoor activities and historic landmarks.

The Cheat River Water Trail offers river options for all experiences. SImple float trips are available through the trail. Experienced whitewater enthusiasts find their ultimate test in the Cheat Canyon Section near Albright. Guided adventures are possible on the Cheat River’s premiere Class V whitewater run. The nearby Cheat Narrows offers a Class II to Class V option as well.

Fishing in Preston County draws individuals from states throughout the country. Fly fishermen seek elusive trout species on the Cheat River and countless tributaries, while the peaceful lakes hide the intensity of smallmouth bass, bluegill and sunfish. Preston County’s State Wildlife Management Areas at Fairfax Pond-Rehe and Upper Deckers Creek offer excellent lake fishing. Trout for the Cheat is a nonprofit that has stocked Rainbow and Golden Trout on the Cheat River for years and can offer plenty of information for eager fishermen.

The mountains, forests and fields of Preston County are home to white-tailed deer, grouse, rabbit, turkey and waterfowl. State Wildlife Management Areas in the county are pristine, managed habitats available for public hunting use. Fairfax Pond-Rehe and Upper Deckers Creek are two within the county and there are several in nearby counties as well. At 1,200 acres is one of the largest hunting ranches in the state, Dream Mountain Ranch is a perfect habitat for trophy deer and elk.

The Golf Club at Alpine Lake is an 18-hole golf course featuring a unique combination of the golf design and West Virginia mountain vistas. The club markets the six Par-3s as the “hardest you’ll play anywhere.”

The PCPaRC’s mission is to manage the development, operations, and maintenance of lifelong leisure and recreational opportunities for the citizens and visitors of Preston County. The Commission manages fabulous amenities for people of all ages, from hiking trails to picnic areas and playgrounds.

Just outside Bruceton Mills, the premier arena facility features a sand arena with lighting and bleacher seating, cattle chutes, covered pavilion with a stage and concession stand. Site rentals are available upon request.

Nestled in the woods, the Kingwood treasure began with a small array of black bear, deer, tigers and cougars that has blossomed into an eclectic display of grizzlies, chimpanzees, white and orange tigers, spotted leopards and more.

What’s more inviting on a warm, sunshine-filled day, than a refreshing pool with all of the amenities? Kingwood proudly supports youth sports and exercise. Bring your family and friends for day and night swimming, lessons, private pool parties. Dressing rooms and concessions are offered.

Seemingly every community in Preston County has a wonderful park! Many are spectacular jewels of their community, offering riverside space and access, picnic pavilions or sporting facilities for residents and visitors alike.

Kingwood is home to the pristine 18-hole golf course offering beautiful scenery along the Cheat River. Highlighted as one of West Virginia’s longest golf courses at 7,001 yards from the tips, Preston County Country Club has proudly hosted the Men’s and Women’s Tri-State for more than 20 years, the Senior Tri-State and other tournaments. End your unforgettable round of golf with dinner at Rosemary’s Thyme Mexican Restaurant.

The Cheat River Water Trail is the perfect way for families and friends to spend a relaxing day on the water. River House Boat Exploration offers boat rentals at the River House Lodge for folks to cruise down the Cheat River while immersing themselves in the beautiful scenery Rowlesburg has to offer. Padlz Canoe and Kayak Rentals provides kayaks, canoes and paddle-boards to rent and use on Bruceton Mills Lake.

Serene Alpine Lake covers nearly 2,000 acres of wooded land and 35 miles of roads, giving easy access to 2,300 lots and amenities. Alpine Lake Resort, complete with 35 gorgeous rooms, lake access, private homes, dining and an 18-hole golf course, is special to those in Preston County. Optimal lake and pool activity, cabin rentals for lounging and multiple dining options mean you never really have to leave! The largest hunting ranch in the state, Dream Mountain Ranch, also offers accommodations at their lodge and three cabins during the hunting offseason that are perfect for weddings or just a relaxing weekend getaway.