State Park Location Maps:
(click here to zoom and navigate local map)
(click here to zoom and navigate regional map)
View TOPO Maps!
Get directions to this park:
State Park Photo Gallery:
volunteer positions open
State Park Event Calendar:
volunteer positions open
Nearby Parks:
Droop Mountain Battlefield State Park
Calvin Price State Forest
Watoga State Park
West Virginia State Fish Hatchery
|
| State Park Overview: |
 | 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. |
| Nature of the Area: |
| Beartown is noted for its unusual rock formations, which are comprised of Droop, or Pottsville, Sandstone formed during the Pennsylvanian age. Massive boulders, overhanging cliffs, and deep crevasses stir the imagination of most visitors. Pocketing the face of the cliffs are hundreds of eroded pits, ranging from the size of marbles to others large enough to hold two grown men. Ice and snow commonly remain in the deeper crevasses until mid to late summer. Vegetation clings tenaciously to life, sending roots into mere cracks in the rocks.
At Beartown, one may see that the forces of nature are constantly at work, slowly breaking down even the largest rocks, only to deposit them elsewhere and build new ones. Witnessing the evidence of this process often allows visitors an opportunity to forget for a while the hectic pace of modern life. |
| Reviews By Park Visitors: |
| Be the 1st to Review Beartown State Park. You can rate it, post a comment on it, or do both. |
| |
| History of the Area: |
| The name Beartown was chosen because local residents claimed that the many cave-like openings in the rocks made ideal winter dens for the black bears of the area. Also, the many deep, narrow crevasses were formed in a somewhat regular criss-cross pattern and appear from above like the streets of a small town. |
| |
| |
| | Advertise your park related business
on stateparks.com
...vacation cabin, weekend getaway, log cabin rental, romantic cottage, vacation home, resort, hotel, motel, bed and breakfast, country inn, campground, RV park, horseback riding stable, canoe livery, river rafting, outfitting, sporting goods store, guide service, RV rental, etc read more.... |
|
| Related Links: |
| RED OAK REALTY:Links - Red Oak Realty offers homes, land,ski condos, camps, investment and commercial properties, in Pocahontas,Greenbrier, Pendleton, and Randolph counties. List on web site. | | Beartown State Park - Welcome to the West Virginia State Parks! If this page does not refresh in 1 second click here. | | Beartown State Park - The West Virginia State Park system is comprised of over 80,000 acres which have been set aside to protect regions of natural wonder, showcase scenic beauty, and preserve sites of historical... | | Books by W. Lynn Seldon Jr. - Travel Writer & Photographer - Home. Services. Articles. Books. Photos. Contact Us. Excerpt...Country Roads of West Virginia Ordering Information. Chapter 6--The Potomac Highlands. From Charleston, take I-77 south to Route... | | Articles by W. Lynn Seldon Jr. - Travel Writer & Photographer - Home. Services. Articles. Books. Photos. Contact Us. Recreation News.... RVING WEST VIRGINIA: A PERFECT PLACE FOR. FIRST-TIMERS AND VETERANS. As long-time tent campers and fans of West Virginia... |
| Area Attractions: |
| Beartown is noted for its unusual rock formations, which are comprised of Droop, or Pottsville, Sandstone formed during the Pennsylvanian age. Massive boulders, overhanging cliffs, and deep crevasses stir the imagination of most visitors. Pocketing the face of the cliffs are hundreds of eroded pits, ranging from the size of marbles to others large enough to hold two grown men. Ice and snow commonly remain in the deeper crevasses until mid to late summer. Vegetation clings tenaciously to life, sending roots into mere cracks in the rocks.
At Beartown, one may see that the forces of nature are constantly at work, slowly breaking down even the largest rocks, only to deposit them elsewhere and build new ones. Witnessing the evidence of this process often allows visitors an opportunity to forget for a while the hectic pace of modern life. |
| Area Fishing Related Businesses | | Four Seasons Outfitters
190 Middletown St
Richwood, WV
(304) 846-2862
| |
|
| Directions: |
| Located in the southeastern part of the state, Beartown State Park is located 7 miles southwest of Hillsboro, West Virginia off Rt. 219.
NOTE: Access to the park is via Pocahontas county route 219/11 (Beartown Road), which is not shown on the state highway map. Avoid Brownstown Road at Renick and continue onwards up the mountain to 219/11, especially when travelling north on US 219 after leaving Interstate 64 at Lewisburg. |
|
|
| |
|
USA
