If you want to check out the state’s largest growth forest, then Cathedral State Park in Aurora, WV is for you. This park is one of 602 areas in the US designated as a national natural landmark. Aside from the numerous manmade foot bridges, the rest of the park is left to its natural state. It may not be the most beautiful park in West Virginia, but you will see some very unique, giant hemlock trees. With its trees, creeks and trails, you are in for a peaceful leisure adventure.
Deb Alford362 days ago
This is a small park with narrow hiking trails amongst the hemlocks. Perfect for an hour or two hike. I took my dog, she seemed to enjoy it. Several times you cross the Rhine Creek on nice sturdy bridges. Great photo opportunities along the trails. Traffic can be heard from Rt 50 which might turn off some nature lovers.
Donald Nair1 year ago
If your just wanting to see some nature or go to the park to eat your lunch this is a peaceful place to do so. Also have a playground for children and bathroom facilities. Handicap accessible parking and usually 24 hour guard or forester services.
Abbi Ruppert1 year ago
My favorite park in WV so far. Even in the dead of winter Cathedral is vibrant with ferns and moss. Trails wind along and bridge over a creek. Cool fungus, moss, diverse plants, and huge trees. Love this place. It's named Cathedral for a reason. Enchanting and spiritual place.
Cheryl1 year ago
Numerous old growth hemlocks tree scattered throughout. Do not miss the Giant Hemlock Trail! The largest ones are there. It's a half-mile one way. The Cathedral Trail is very nice too. When your nearest to the creek on this trail, look around by the water. There's some big trees there too! And be sure to grab a map! The trails can be confusing without one. This is a small nature preserve, but definitely worth the visit.
Vincent Nocito1 year ago
Great walk through a giant hemlock forest. Trails are well marked.
Traci Stead10 years ago
It's a beautiful Park and the trails are well maintained. The restrooms were very clean and functional. The hardest trail is listed as moderate, but it isn't steep. It is rocky, so people with mobility issues would probably have difficulty on it. The trails labeled easy would have no difficulty. I gave it a four-star because it is close to route 50 and therefore does have some traffic noises.
Chris Russell10 years ago
Visited on December 18th. Rained and was still a nice walk down to the geocache we were looking for. Working on my WV state parks.18 to go. Picked some tea berries. Hope to visit again in the summer. We had the park to ourselves not another sole around.
