Cathedral State Park is a 233-acre park in the hills of West Virginia, reached from Route 1 in Aurora. It is set aside to protect a stand of ancient hemlock trees, some of them more than 500 years old, and that is the reason most people come.
What to expect
The park's main draw is a quiet walking trail that winds through one of the last remaining stands of old-growth hemlock forest in West Virginia. The trees are tall and dense, and the forest floor is shaded and cool, which gives the walk a calm, unhurried feel. It suits anyone who enjoys slow walks among big trees, whether on their own, with family, or with a friend.
Planning your visit
- The trail is the core of the visit, so allow time to walk it at an easy pace.
- Wear sensible footwear, as forest paths can be uneven.
- For current details before you travel, call the park at +1-304-735-3522.
The area around it
Cathedral State Park sits in rural north-central West Virginia, where the landscape is wooded and the pace of life is slow. A trip here works well as a half-day or full-day outing, with the forest as the reason to stop and the surrounding countryside as the setting for the drive. Visitors who want to combine it with other outdoor plans will find that the region is well suited to exploring on foot and by car.
Cathedral State Park is best for those who want a peaceful walk among old trees and a chance to see a forest that has been protected for centuries.