Beartown State Park

Sarah J. “Sarahbel” Belcher

2023-07

My parents (late 60s and early 70s) and my husband & I (early 40s) took a trip to Beartown together in mid-June. The weather was mild, the greens (trees, ferns, mosses) were bright and vivid), and there were only a couple of other people in the park besides us. It was absolutely gorgeous and we were all easily able to traverse the boardwalks throughout the park.I do enjoy hiking, but there's something I really like about the look of a boardwalk in the wilderness. I know that sounds weird. I love taking photos of them though. There's just something about the juxtaposition of the boardwalk between those massive rocks, and the different colors. I don't know, I'm strange, what can I say? But this and Cranberry Glades may be my favorite places in WV now.

Pat Pikulski

2023-08

An interesting side trip to take if you’re in the area, the geology aspect alone makes the trip worth it. Tons of sandstone boulders to walk amongst on a boardwalk that makes a look. The loop takes about 30-45 minutes to make at a leisurely pace. I would not recommend using the outhouse by the parking area unless you really had to go.

David Kahn

2023-07

Wonderful walkways through beautiful rocks and trees makes this a very special place. A small section is wheelchair accessible, the majority is not. Yet, my wife was able to negotiate the steps and really enjoyed the trip.

Hesam

2023-08

Fantastic; there are well paved boardwalks that take you to the rocks. The rocks themselves are full of holes and pits and just fantastic to observe up close. The walk is 20 minute but you can easily spend an hour if you stop to check the rocks out.(Visitor center guide at Marlinton explained to me) that this place used to be hunting ground for bears and these animals used to hide in between these rocks. Apparently there is a network of holes in the rocks where bears live/hibernate and hence the name beartown

Mercedes Tumbleson

2023-05

Definitely worth checking out of you have some spare time! A pretty plus-size friendly hike from your fellow plus size hiker. The entire trail is a board walk and very short! We walked it in 20-30 minutes. Lots of steps, but just a few at a time, and then straight level walking. Beware how slick it is when wet!A very small portion is handicap accessible. When you pull in, you see the main parking lot. When entering the trail, to the left you’ll see a gravel drive way. If you drive down it, you are taken directly to handicap parking spaces that take you to the board walk without using stairs. From there, there is just a small portion to see before you have to inevitably use stairs.

Jessica Weller

2023-09

Beautiful place with a nice boardwalk. A pretty place to visit during any season, but we love to visit in the fall.Restrooms: Clean vaulted toilets

CJ

2023-05

Located on the eastern part of Droop Mountain, Beartown State Park is an 110-acre park with a fairly narrow access road. Its peaceful environment has been a nice spot to explore for over 50 years.One of the nice things about the park…there was no getting lost in the maze of rocks as long as you stayed on the “elevated” boardwalk that runs throughout the park.According to Alltrails app, the Beartown Boardwalk is labeled as an “easy” 1/2-mile loop trail. The wooden walkway does a great job winding you through the rock maze so that you have an up-close adventure. The downside…if you have mobility issues, I need to mention…there are multiple sets of stairs throughout the boardwalk trail.I’m always amazed how adaptive trees are. Don’t trees need soil and nurturing to live? This isn’t the first time I’ve seen trees literally growing on rocks and other surfaces you wouldn’t think they could.The horizontal fractured rock formations of what they call “droop” limestone could be seen throughout the park.The towering trees were just beginning to change colors in this part of Greenbrier County when we were there. With trees as tall as 30 ft, Beartown is a great place for tree and rock lovers.

Charles Allen

2023-07

This reminds me of a smaller more natural and intimate version of Rock City. Awesome boardwalk loop over and through the “streets” of beartown. A small parking area for maybe 10 cars. One picnic table and i didn’t notice any outhouse. The access road is recently paved but narrow. A small but representative section is wheelchair accessible. The rest is an easy walk but with frequent stairs. Plenty of signage to let you know what you’re looking at. A great stop to add if you’re also going to Droop Mountain Battlefield.

Heather Glenn

2021-05

I took my adventure group, Heather's Adventures, to Beartown. It was my 2nd time visiting. This place in just absolutely incredible. The boardwalk path is amazing. The forest is filled with huge boulders and the ecosystem is just so very interesting. We had a great time and will definitely go back again.

Wendy Fivash

2023-06

Fabulous. Spectacular. Wonderful small State Park with one of the best boardwalk and stairs meandering through the Rock outcroppings and woods. Educational postings along the way a nice bonus. Also has a nice option for those with limited mobility.

Stephanie Hayduk

2021-05

We arrived this past Monday at around 10am and literally had the park to ourselves for an hour. It was amazing. The boardwalk is well maintained with very little graffiti. Lots of small wildlife and peacefulness. A great place to explore for those who might have physical limitations and can’t enjoy nature as much as they’d like. This trail is not difficult at all and the steps are easy to climb. Highly recommend checking it out if in the area.

Decidion 2

2023-08

This is an interesting little place and we actually saw a small black bear cross the road as we drove into it has a nice long walk way that you can travel into the forest with it is just a beautiful spot in West Virginia.Restrooms: There are outdoor restrooms thereDog-friendliness: Plenty of area to walk your dog.Picnic area: Picnic tables here in there to sit down and have lunch

Bill Hampton

2023-08

My wife and I took our grandsons there to explore and learn about the plants and rock formations. We saw lots of chipmunks, squirrels and even a large Rat Snake perched on a tree stump!!Restrooms: Typical State Park hiking trail toilets, stinky but a little more private than going where the bears go!!Dog-friendliness: My dog was friendly, so no problem with me but it would be difficult for two parties with dogs to pass each other on the narrow boardwalk.

Lynn Stewart

2023-05

if you like nature, Moss and rocks, you will absolutely love this State Park! And the boardwalk around the park blends right in to the landscape, what an awesome experience you get to have, It is a small park in a secluded area of Greenbrier County, West Virginia!I can’t wait to go view it in the Fall, I know it’s going to be just gorgeous, Hopefully this time I will get to see a bear and get to stay longer

Ashley Taylor

2021-05

This has been on my bucket list for a few years and it was more beautiful than I imagined! We spent about 45 minutes on the well maintained boardwalk looking at the rock formations. They even have several signs describing what you're looking at and how the area developed. For those with mobility issues there are a fair amount of steps, but they have a wheelchair accessible area of the boardwalk that offers a pretty view of the formations.

Nicole Eplee

2023-08

Beautiful, easy boardwalk trail through boulders, moss, and ferns. The boardwalk is slick after rain, so use caution.

M Vang

2019-05

The time I spent here, while brief (30 min max), was very enjoyable. Walking through the rock formations was cool, albeit very slippery on the boardwalk. If its a beautiful day and youre looking for a nice and easy trek in nature, you should stop by.

Trypp Adams

2021-05

Free! A short boardwalk takes you through some interesting rock formations. The boardwalk makes a big loop and a portion is handicap accessible. It would be a great place to unleash your kids and let them burn off some energy. I thought the boardwalk construction was nearly as impressive as the rock formations.

Carla McClure

2020-05

Very cool rock formations in a forest setting. I visited in August and did only part of the trail but saw a variety of plants and mushrooms. Lots of steps up and down but there’s also a handicap-accessible trail. Small parking area with restrooms. Planning to go back when I have more time.

Francis Fisher

2019-05

Beartown is close to a religious experience. We can all share Beartown because of a guy who cherished the place, was drafted then died in Vietnam as a young man. His parents bought the property and then deeded it to the State. It takes maybe 30 minutes to walk along a thoughtfully laid out boardwalk. You'll ponder how nature conjured up this quiet and naturally beautiful spot. And if you're lucky enough to see a bear or two -- as I have -- no worries, WV bear have no interest in people. You'll see numerous examples of primary regeneration where moss grows on a bolder, a bird drops a seed then a tree grows "out" of a rock. Take a few minutes to visit Beartown if only because it's West Virginia at it's best. You won't forget this one!

John Hunter

2021-05

I had no idea what to expect from this park when I put it on my list of things to visit in WV, and was amazed! The sandstone rock formations are some of the most unusual and unique geological structures I have ever seen. To protect the flora and the stones, the path is via raised wooden walkway. There are loads of stairs and at one point I felt like I was in an Escher painting.It's not a long hike, and the stairs are rarely more than 6 in a row, so unless you just cannot navigate stairs at all you shouldn't have any problems. Highly recommend this hidden gem!

Jessie Purtell

2022-05

Words and pictures don't do it justice, you really have to experience it firsthand. Note that it is partially wheelchair/stroller accessible, but the accessible portion of the boardwalk is pretty short. The gate to the park was closed and there were some confused people standing outside the gate unsure of whether to go in. Luckily we had read other reviews that instructed us just to walk through the gated section. From the gate to the park it is about .3 miles. Even though the park was technically closed because of the time of year, the bathroom was unlocked. Keep in mind if you do visit when it's closed there's only room for 2, maybe 3 cars to park by the gate.

Ellen Knotts

2024-04

Make sure this is a side stop on your way to doing other things. Droop Mt is nearby, cranberry glades and falls of hills creek. This area is a great part of your journey just not a great distraction.Restrooms: These are primitive. However there was toilet paper and a hand sanitizer dispenser available. I've been in worse.Picnic area: Unless there is another area away from the beginning of the trail, they are in poor repair and way too close to the trail.

Adriana VH

2022-05

Beartown State Park is amazing. On a day it was 82 felt like 65 wlking down into the shadyness of the canapy of the forrest. Wasn't crowded first thing in the morning. Clean. Can't wait to go back.

pmccallister79

2022-05

Beautiful as always. We stop every time we pass by there. It's one of those places I can see 100 times and still find it amazing each time. Wear appropriate shoes,the walkways are very slippery

Jake Dean

2020-05

I grew up in marlinton and when I'm in town I like to visit this place it's so beautiful, nature at it's best. Took my wife there for the first time, if it's a hot day out it's nice to walk the trail cause it's all shady and cooler.

EVO 108

2022-05

I enjoyed that for sure! Very interesting place to look around and take pics of, bonus for us we got to see a pretty big black bear we left some pretzels for. 😏

Teresa Adams

2023-09

Beautiful little park with lots of bear dens and rock formations

Steve Shepard

2023-05

Geological wonder,awesome rock formations. Boardwalk through ravines, cracks in rocks in a loop around the top of a mountain.

Dustin White

2019-05

Really cool walk. Quite a few stairs. Would give it 5, but only took us maybe an hour to go through it. Awesome rocks though!