Coopers Rock State Forest
Forest · Bruceton Mills · West Virginia
A West Virginia state forest less than 15 miles east of Morgantown, famous for a sandstone overlook high above the Cheat River gorge that blazes with color each October. More than 50 miles of trails thread the boulder fields and cliffs, a draw for hikers and rock climbers alike.
Don’t miss
Plan your visit
Peak: October 13–October 17
Color builds from October 5 · mostly bare by November 6
Sampled at Coopers Rock State Forest’s own coordinates and elevation (660 m) rather than a regional average.
12 weather points cover West Virginia, and the model needs no correction to land on 1 published peak date from smokymountains.com. Against West Virginia's own climatology, the 2026 weather puts the peak 6 days earlier. How the forecast works
When to go to Coopers Rock State Forest
Good color holds through about October 24, giving you roughly 19 days from the first turn to past peak. The elevation is 2,165 ft, which pulls the turn earlier.
Figure about 55 mi from Pittsburgh.
Coopers Rock State Forest on the map
Drag the date slider to see when color reaches this corner of West Virginia, or tap a pin for that stop’s own peak window.
More things to do in West Virginia
Leaves & views
Farms & harvest
Plan from a city
Frequently asked
- When does Coopers Rock State Forest peak in 2026?
- Peak color is predicted for October 13–October 17 (best estimate October 15). Color starts around October 5 and is mostly bare by November 6.
- How do I get to Coopers Rock State Forest?
- Coopers Rock State Forest is in Bruceton Mills. The closest city is Pittsburgh, about 55 mi away. It's part of West Virginia's fall lineup.
Own or manage Coopers Rock State Forest? Update your listing or get in touch.