Coopers Rock State Forest is among the destinations recommended for October’s final weekend in the West Virginia Department of Tourism’s fifth fall foliage report, updated October 27. The department reported autumn color across the state but did not give a specific observation date or percentage of color change for Coopers Rock. Its weekly report offers a planning reference, rather than a guarantee of peak color on the day of a visit.
Autumn Along the Forest Trails
Within 15 miles of Morgantown, Coopers Rock combines sandstone cliffs and Cheat River Gorge views with wooded trails and remnants of an old iron industry. The photo collection accompanying the tourism report includes log shelters and rock formations framed by yellow and orange leaves. Official metadata dates the shelter photograph used here to fall 2023, distinct from the report’s October 27 update.
According to the official trail guide, Eagle Trail begins to the right of the gift shop and runs 0.3 mile to Shelter 3 and the Rock City Trail entrance. Rock City Trail is a 1-mile route through rock formations from Picnic Shelter 3, rated easy to moderate. Ravens Rock Trail, which leads toward the gorge, is listed at 1.5 miles. Those distances help visitors choose between a short woodland walk and a longer outing to an overlook.
For RV Camping, Look to McCollum—and Check the Season
RV travelers should distinguish McCollum Campground from tent-only Rhododendron Campground. Official information lists McCollum as accommodating RVs, trailers, fifth wheels, tents and vans. It has electric sites, showers and laundry facilities; an expansion opened in 2025 added sites with 50-amp electricity and water hookups. Amenities vary, so check the hookups and vehicle requirements for the individual site before booking.
The detailed camping guide gives Rhododendron’s seasonal closing date as the first Saturday in November, while McCollum operates through the first Saturday in December, weather permitting. In 2026, those dates are November 7 and December 5. The park overview, however, summarizes the camping season as April through November. For a late-fall stay, confirm both actual operations and availability for the intended dates. The published minimum is two nights on Fridays and Saturdays and one night Sunday through Thursday, with a maximum stay of 14 nights.
Before traveling, select the dates and a McCollum site on the official reservation page, then confirm seasonal closing and access conditions with the park office at 304-594-1561. An earlier notice announced replacement work on the pedestrian bridge to the main overlook; the completion date projected at that time does not establish whether it is currently open. Use the official trail map and on-site signs to plan a route, and check foliage plans separately from campground operating dates.
Sources: West Virginia Tourism October 27 foliage report · Coopers Rock State Forest · Official trail guide · Official camping operations guide · 2025 campground expansion announcement · Overlook bridge replacement notice · Official camping reservations
Photo: West Virginia Department of Tourism · West Virginia Department of Commerce / Commerce Communications. Fall 2023. Original photo page · Tourism-related media use and credit requirements.