Beartown State Park - West Virginia

Address:HC 64
Hillsboro, West Virginia

Named for the cave-like openings in the rocks that make ideal winter dens for black bears, Beartown State Park is known for its unusual rock formations, called Droop or Potsville. Visitors are intrigued by the massive boulders and overhanging cliffs as well as eroded pits on the cliff faces. The park has plenty of trails for hiking as well as boardwalks with interpretive signs detailing area ecology. Visitors are welcome to drop in between April and October and enjoy area fishing, canoeing, and kayaking. But most of all, Beartown is perfect for relaxing and taking in the beauty of the rocks and crevasses that make Beartown unique.

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.