Near Coopers Rock Grand Loop
Coopers Rock State Forest, WV
Near Coopers Rock Grand Loop
The advanced ski trail, part of the grand loop. about 6 inches of snow.
Near Coopers Rock Grand Loop
The view from the Raven Rock Overlook is just spectacular.
Near Coopers Rock Grand Loop
Near the start of the steep descent to Cheat Lake on the Mont Chateau Trail North.
Near Coopers Rock Grand Loop
Roadside Trail, Coopers Rock National Forest, WV

Looking for more photos?

View All Photos
Driving Directions
Hike Route

Coopers Rock Grand Loop

4.6 (5 Ratings)
A full route through Coopers Rock with all the sights.
9.8
mi
Distance
1,609
ft
Gain
moderate
Difficulty
BirdingFall ColorsLess CrowdedRiver/CreekViewsWaterfallWildflowersWildlife

Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
9.8mi
Distance
1,609ft
Elevation Gain
1,609ft
Elevation Loss
55%
Max Grade
2,225ft
High Point
1,326ft
Low Point
Path Type
Loop
Description
This route lets you see all of the environs of Coopers Rock State Forest (without Mont Chateau), including Raven Rock Overlook and the main overlook area.Starting from Coopers Rock Road, on the Scott Run Trail. The trail takes you along a fairly smooth trail, descending to Scott Run. From there, the trail rolls along following the run for roughly a mile. This trail gives hikers wonderful views of Scott Run and the foliage that lines its banks, including soft pines and rhododendron. Soon, visitors will arrive at a fork in the trail. Stay right to continue on Scott Run Trail. This also marks the beginning of the ascent back to Coopers Rock Road. The ascent is entirely made of softball size rocks, with soil eroded away by the stream that runs between the rocks. You'll emerge from the woods at the road, and stray left on Clay Run Road Trail to connect to the Campground Connector Trail. This trail heads through the woods until you come to a junction with the Raven Rock Trail. Turn left for an out-and-back extension to the overlook.Raven Rock Trail proceeds gently downhill on a very rocky dirt road south, parallel to a powerline cut. Near the end, the trail briefly climbs somewhat steeply to the Raven Rock Overlook of the Cheat River Gorge. Once you are done taking in the view, hike back the way you came and continue on the Campground Connector Trail to the Roadside Trail. After a short hike on the Roadside Trail, continue onto the Rattlesnake Trail. Moving below the steep bluff, this hidden gem is a great way to escape the crowds of the park. From here, continue your hike using the short Rock City Trail segment to connect to Ridge Trail where you'll enjoy a downhill to connect to Mont Chateau Trail (North). From here you start the last steady climb on Mont Chateau Trail (North) and the Advanced Ski Trail to get back to the main trailhead where you started.

Route Conditions

Report Conditions
No Condition Reports
Report Conditions

Nearby Hike Routes

Cucumber Falls

Hike Route

Cucumber Falls

Views
easy
1.01 mi
+149 ft
Sugarloaf Sled Hill to Falls Overlook

Hike Route

Sugarloaf Sled Hill to Falls Overlook

Fall Colors
strenuous
9.03 mi
+1,513 ft
Laurel Highlands Trail: Ohiopyle State Park

Hike Route

Laurel Highlands Trail: Ohiopyle State Park

Fall Colors
strenuous
10.76 mi
+2,857 ft
Fork Run Loop

Hike Route

Fork Run Loop

River/Creek
moderate
7.65 mi
+1,052 ft
Meadow Mountain Trail

Hike Route

Meadow Mountain Trail

Birding
moderate
4.46 mi
+661 ft
Beckman Trail

Hike Route

Beckman Trail

Lake
easy
3.27 mi
+356 ft
Contributors
Michael Rankin