Beartown State Park is a natural area on the eastern summit of Droop Mountain in northern Greenbrier County, West Virginia. It is known for its massive boulders, overhanging ledges, and deep crevices.
According to the state park, its name comes from a combination of its cave-like openings which would make ideal black bear dens and the many deep crevices that appear like a small town of sunken streets.
Follow a half-mile boardwalk through a maze of Droop (or Pottsville) Sandstone with its horizontal rock strata. The boardwalk minimizes visitors’ impact on the park’s delicate ecosystem. It is part of West Virginia’s Mountaineer Mile Trails.
There are dozens of steps along the boardwalk; however, there is a universally accessible path to an overlook.
Beartown State Park
In late May, I arrived early in the morning and had the boardwalk to myself for the entire loop. It was magical – like stepping into another world! The morning glow highlighted different patterns and textures all around.
Tucked into the forest, deep greens and bird songs surrounded me. There were Acadian flycatchers, black-and-white warblers, black-throated blue warblers, black-throated green warblers, blue-headed vireos, dark-eyed juncos, northern cardinals, and red-eyed vireos.
Information signs throughout the loop taught me about geological features and local plants. Bright green rock-cap ferns and moss top many rocks in the park.
Know Before You Go
- Its parking area is small, fitting perhaps 10 cars.
- The road to the park is a single lane which makes passing impossible without pulling partially off-road.
I highly recommend Beartown State Park for those looking to absorb nature and learn about the area. I appreciate that the park offers an accessible path for visitors with mobility issues. It is a perfect spot for families as well due to its short, easy loop.