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West Virginia
52

West Virginia State Parks

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USA Parks
West Virginia
New River Greenbrier Valley Region
Beartown State Park
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Beartown State Park Beartown Boardwalk © Sharon Bradford
The boardwalk makes this hike just a casual stroll through the woods. It does take you up and down but it was built so that the only thing to leave you breathless is the scenery.
Beartown State Park Rock formations © Sharon Bradford
With a little imagination you can see how the rocks in this area were all one large formation at one time and how they broke apart over time to create this wonderful paradise we see today.
Beartown State Park Awesome rock formations © Sharon Bradford
Balancing rocks, trees growing from the sides of rocks, ferns, moss and various wildlife are just a few of the things to be seen at this fantastic nature park. I cant wait to go back in the fall to view the foliage and see how much that changes the scenery.
Beartown State Park Rock formations © Sharon Bradford
It is so interesting to see the pits and crevices that have formed by forces of nature as well as how the rocks have broken apart through the ages from what was obviously one large shelf at one time.
Beartown State Park Beartown boatdwalk © Jeff Lee
Beartown State Park © Jeff Lee
Beartown State Park © Jeff Lee
Beartown State Park © Jeff Lee
Beartown State Park Christmas fern in beartown © Jeff Lee
taken during December 2013
Beartown State Park © Levi Moore
Beartown State Park © Levi Moore
Beartown State Park © Levi Moore
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BEARTOWN STATE PARK
BEARTOWN STATE PARK
HC 64 Box 189
Hillsboro, West Virginia   24946

Phone: 304-653-4254
Toll Free: 800-225-5982
Email: park email button icon
Beartown State Park is a natural area of 107 acres located on the eastern summit of Droop Mountain, seven miles southwest of Hillsboro, West Virginia. The land was purchased in 1970 with funds from the Nature Conservancy and a donation from Mrs. Edwin G. Polan, in memory of her son, Ronald Keith Neal, who lost his life in the Vietnam War. Development of the park has been minimal in order to preserve the natural attractions of the area. However, basic facilities are provided, and a boardwalk permits easy access. Interpretive signs along the boardwalk guide visitors and provide insights concerning the ecology of the area. The park is open daily from April to October, and may be seen during the closed season by contacting the Superintendent of nearby Droop Mountain Battlefield State Park. No fee is charged.
Nature of the Area
Beartown is noted for its unusual rock formations, which are comprised of Droop, or Pottsville, Sandstone formed during the Pennsylvanian age. Massive boulders, overhanging cliffs, and deep crevasses stir the imagination of most visitors. Pocketing the face of the cliffs are hundreds of eroded pits, ranging from the size of marbles to others large enough to hold two grown men. Ice and snow commonly remain in the deeper crevasses until mid to late summer. Vegetation clings tenaciously to life, sending roots into mere cracks in the rocks.

At Beartown, one may see that the forces of nature are constantly at work, slowly breaking down even the largest rocks, only to deposit them elsewhere and build new ones. Witnessing the evidence of this process often allows visitors an opportunity to forget for a while the hectic pace of modern life.
History of the Area
The name Beartown was chosen because local residents claimed that the many cave-like openings in the rocks made ideal winter dens for the black bears of the area. Also, the many deep, narrow crevasses were formed in a somewhat regular criss-cross pattern and appear from above like the streets of a small town.



Area Attractions
Beartown is noted for its unusual rock formations, which are comprised of Droop, or Pottsville, Sandstone formed during the Pennsylvanian age. Massive boulders, overhanging cliffs, and deep crevasses stir the imagination of most visitors. Pocketing the face of the cliffs are hundreds of eroded pits, ranging from the size of marbles to others large enough to hold two grown men. Ice and snow commonly remain in the deeper crevasses until mid to late summer. Vegetation clings tenaciously to life, sending roots into mere cracks in the rocks.

At Beartown, one may see that the forces of nature are constantly at work, slowly breaking down even the largest rocks, only to deposit them elsewhere and build new ones. Witnessing the evidence of this process often allows visitors an opportunity to forget for a while the hectic pace of modern life.

Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews
March 25 dont miss by linda morehead
park review stars; one to five A must see. Looks A must see . Reminds one of jurrassic park. A short but memorable experience.
November 21 Easy access, beautyful formations by 14K photography
park review stars; one to five Only down side is it is hard to find when coming North on Rt 219. Bring lots of film or a large memory card. NEEDS A LARGER SIGN to find easier.
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Area Accommodations (over 20 miles away)
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Cottages and Cabins
Deluxe Log Cabins Rental, Tree Houses rental and Glamping Yurts cabins. All located a a remote scenic wooded area, near the New River national River and Gauley River National recreational area. Only 10 minutes from the New River Gorge Bridge Each cabin has a Hot tub and 3 cabins have a Red Heart Shaped Jacuzzi tub and gas fireplaces - Great for Romantic Get-a-Ways.
39.9 miles from park*
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Directions
Located in the southeastern part of the state, Beartown State Park is located 7 miles southwest of Hillsboro, West Virginia off Rt. 219.

NOTE: Access to the park is via Pocahontas county route 219/11 (Beartown Road), which is not shown on the state highway map. Avoid Brownstown Road at Renick and continue onwards up the mountain to 219/11, especially when travelling north on US 219 after leaving Interstate 64 at Lewisburg.

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West Virginia
52

West Virginia State Parks

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