Coopers Rock State Forest: The Perfect Fall Couples Getaway from Pennsylvania
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Some trips you plan meticulously. Others just fall into place perfectly — and you end up wondering why you hadn’t gone sooner. Our fall long weekend to Coopers Rock State Forest in West Virginia was absolutely the latter.
Jason and I loaded up and headed south from Central PA on a crisp Friday morning in October, about three hours of easy driving between us and one of the most breathtaking fall escapes we’ve ever experienced. By the time we arrived, the leaves were putting on their full show — golds, oranges, and reds as far as the eye could see — and the cool mountain air made everything feel like a scene from a movie.
West Virginia has a way of doing that to you.
Why Coopers Rock State Forest Belongs on Your Fall Bucket List
Coopers Rock State Forest sits in the mountains of northern West Virginia near Morgantown, and it is absolutely stunning any time of year. But in fall? It’s something else entirely. The forest transforms into a patchwork of color that makes every trail, every overlook, and every quiet moment feel like a painting.
The park is massive — over 12,000 acres of forest, trails, and dramatic rock formations — and it’s completely free to enter.
The Coopers Rock Overlook: Stop Everything For This View
If there is ONE thing you absolutely cannot miss at Coopers Rock, it’s the Coopers Rock Overlook.
I want to be honest with you: I’ve seen a lot of overlooks. I’ve driven to a lot of “scenic views” that were mildly impressive at best. The Coopers Rock Overlook is not one of those. It stopped us both in our tracks.
Standing at the edge of that rocky outcrop, looking out over the Cheat River Gorge with the fall foliage stretching endlessly in every direction — it’s the kind of view that makes you go completely quiet for a moment. Jason and I just stood there, breathing it in.
Plan to spend time here. Bring your camera. You will not regret it.
The Almost Heaven Swings: Your New Favorite Photo Spot
I had heard about the Almost Heaven swings before this trip and now understand why people can’t stop talking about them! I want to sit on all the swings! We need to visit more WV State Parks to find all the swings!
West Virginia state parks have these gorgeous wooden swings installed at scenic overlooks, and they are every bit as magical as they sound. We sat on the swing together overlooking the WV mountains, the fall colors spread out below us, and honestly it might be one of my favorite travel memories. The photo we took there is one of the best from any trip we’ve ever taken.
If you see an Almost Heaven swing — sit in it. Always.
Hiking the Clay Furnace Trail
We laced up our hiking boots and hit the Clay Furnace Trail during our stay — a wonderful trail that winds through the forest and takes you past the historic Clay Furnace, an iron furnace dating back to the 1800s. It’s a perfect mix of natural beauty and fascinating history that makes the hike feel extra rewarding.
Along the way we spotted deer weaving through the trees, chipmunks darting across the trail, and squirrels doing their very serious autumn work. Fall hiking in West Virginia really does feel like walking through a storybook.
Our Airbnb Camper: The Star of the Trip
Now let me tell you about where we stayed — because this might be the best decision we made for this entire trip.
Instead of booking a hotel, we found a cozy camper on Airbnb located in nearby Grantsville, MD, just a short drive from Coopers Rock. And it was absolutely perfect.
Picture this: your own private little oasis tucked in the woods, completely disconnected from the noise of everyday life. Everything we needed to cook by the fire, sit outside under the stars, breathe fresh mountain air, and just be — no phones buzzing, no emails, no hustle. Just us, the fire, and the sound of the forest.
For two people looking for a true escape, a camper rental beats a hotel every single time. There’s something about being outside — even while sleeping — that resets you completely.
My tips for booking an Airbnb camper:
- Read the reviews carefully — previous guests will tell you everything you need to know
- Check what’s included (we had everything we needed for cooking and outdoor living)
- Just go for it — the experience is absolutely worth it!
Beyond the Park: Dan’s Rock Overlook and the Paw Paw Tunnel
On our way home Sunday we made two stops that turned a drive home into an adventure of their own.
Dan’s Rock Scenic Overlook in Maryland offers sweeping views of the Allegheny Mountains and Cumberland — a gorgeous spot worth a quick stop that most people drive right past.
And then there’s the Paw Paw Tunnel on the C&O Canal — a 3,118-foot brick-lined tunnel carved through a mountain in the 1850s that you can actually walk through. It’s fascinating, atmospheric, and yes — a little bit spooky in the best possible way.
Pro tip: Bring a headlamp. It gets very dark in the middle. We may or may not have been slightly more nervous than expected. 😂
The Paw Paw Tunnel is one of those hidden gems that makes you feel like a real explorer — highly recommend adding it to your itinerary!
Where to Eat: Sand Springs Saloon & Steakhouse
For our one dinner out, we headed to Sand Springs Saloon & Steakhouse in Frostburg, MD — a fun, rustic spot with great food and a perfect atmosphere for a couples weekend. Beyond that we cooked most of our meals at the camper, which honestly added to the whole experience. Nothing quite like food cooked over a campfire!
Planning Your Coopers Rock Fall Getaway
Getting there: About 3 hours from the Lebanon County PA area — an easy and beautiful drive south through Maryland into West Virginia.
Best time to go: Fall foliage season (mid-October) is absolutely magical. Spring and summer are also gorgeous for hiking.
Where to stay: Search Airbnb for campers near Coopers Rock or Grantsville, MD — the experience of staying in a cozy camper makes the whole trip feel like a true escape.
Don’t miss:
- 🪨 Coopers Rock Overlook — non-negotiable
- 🪷 The Almost Heaven Swing — bring your camera!
- 🥾 Clay Furnace Trail — history meets nature
- 🚇 Paw Paw Tunnel — bring a headlamp!
- 🏔️ Dan’s Rock Overlook — great stop on the drive home
Tips Before You Go
- 👜 Love PA outdoor adventures? Carry your snacks and gear in our Always Sunny in PA Canvas Tote Bag — perfect for day hikes and state park adventures! ☀️
- 🍂 Visit in fall for peak leaf peeping — mid to late October is magical
- 👟 Wear good hiking shoes — Columbia Hiking Boots are my go-to on every trail
- 🎒 Pack a daypack — Osprey Daylite is perfect for trail snacks and layers
- 🔦 Bring a headlamp for the Paw Paw Tunnel — you’ll thank me later! We love the Energizer LED Headlamp Pro
- 🦟 Bug spray for the trails — Sawyer Permethrin is our favorite
- 📱 Download trail maps before you go — cell service can be spotty in the mountains
- 🔥 Book your Airbnb camper early — the best ones fill up fast, especially in fall!
Would We Go Back?
Absolutely — without question. Coopers Rock is the kind of place that gets under your skin in the best possible way. The views, the trails, the fall colors, the Almost Heaven swing, the cozy camper nights by the fire — it was the perfect reset for two people who needed to disconnect and breathe.
If you’re looking for a long weekend escape from Pennsylvania that feels a world away, Coopers Rock State Forest should be at the very top of your list.
Have you visited Coopers Rock State Forest or the Paw Paw Tunnel? Drop a comment below — I’d love to hear about your experience! 🍂
