West Virginia may not be a large state, but it's possible to live here for most of your life and not know about every hidden gem. Beartown State Park is certainly on the map, but to many, it's a mystery location. You might even say it's one of the Mountain State's best-kept secrets.
Beartown State Park is a 110-acre state park that's located near Hillsboro.
You'll find it on the eastern summit of Droop Mountain, about seven miles from Hillsboro.
Property for the park was purchased in 1970.
Funds for the park came from both the Nature Conservancy and a substantial donation from Mrs. Edwin G. Polan in memory of her son, Ronald Keith Neal, a local soldier who was killed in the Vietnam War.
The park is well known among West Virginians for its unusual rock formations, enormous boulders, overhanging cliffs, and deep crevasses.
It feels mystical and enchanting being here - and it's a geological wonder. The rock formations consist mainly of Droop or Pottsville sandstone formed during the Pennsylvanian age.
Beartown State Park's main attraction is a boardwalk, which spans a half mile and takes you through the park's best territory.
There's no better way to see all the sights than by sticking to this boardwalk.
If you visit the cliffs, you'll spot hundreds of eroded pits.
The pits range from the size of a marble to others large enough to hold two grown adults.
If you've never been to this remarkable hidden gem of a park, plan a trip as soon as possible.
Typically, Beartown State Park is open from April - October. You can visit in the offseason by appointment only. Admission is always free.
Have you ever been to Beartown? Tell us all about your experience in the comments!
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