cathedral state park

We had not been here in more than 30 years. We went recently. It's still a beautiful virgin growth forest, but Hurricane Sandy did a real number on it, felling many of its old, lovely trees. There's still more than enough left to wander around inside, but there are now large gaping holes. Eventually, they will fill in. The trails are fairly well marked, but seemed a little confusing in places, but it's not large enough to get lost in at 133 acres. It's fairly easy hiking, not too hilly or challenging. At the moment there is a bridge out on the main Cathedral Trail, which I think led to some of the confusion. There's also a sow with two cubs, but we never saw any sign of them. The picnic area and playground are open now. It was sad to see how much is gone, but once inside, it's still a beautiful place for a quiet walk.

This state park was probably more beautiful before Super Storm Sandy. Now many trees are down and/or dead. Some trails are closed. Picnic area and children's play area is closed. But there is still an abundance of huge hemlock trees and other flora. We got bit lost on the Cathedral Trail and finally walked out to the main road. But the path we did walk was easy and there were multiple places for picture taking.

This lesser known State Park IS known for its giant hemlock trees. There was ongoing construction for a new visitor's center. In addition, many trees had been felled by recent storms. Nonetheless, we enjoined walking among the leafy giants.

Great park in the middle of nowhere USA!!! There are areas of virgin timber, many different species of plant life, plenty of parking, nice trails. If you find yourself in Aurora, WV, do yourself a favor and stop by this great little park!!!

This park is a forest with very old trees and is dark and mysterious. I believe it may be closed due to damage from the winter storms. Check before visiting. There are picnic tables, restrooms, and nearby accommodations.

This small park with beautiful virgin Hemlock trees is a wonderful place to go for a walk and explore. Accessible trails, a great stop for families with children. :) Close your eyes and breathe that fresh air!

Nice playground, great natural experience for the kids, great way to kill a few hours and take a break while camping in the area or just on the way to somewhere else on US 50. Worth a trip over all by itself though.

Cathedral is one of my favorite places on this planet! It is a small and accessable park, and beloved by me and my family (especially our yellow lab) for many years. The trails are not too long and too arduous, and it is perfect for a hike before or after dinner at the Brookside Inn, right across the street. It is safe and the trails are very well maintained. You'll love it!

Drive SR 50 just east of Aurora, WV.Pull off into the park, and take a hike to appreciate the majesty of this wonderful park!

Cathedral State Park is certainly out of the way but worth the trip. Once you get there, you enter a pocket of forest that looks as the forests did centuries ago before logging took away the oldest trees in the state. You can visit the huge hemlocks and other trees on a series of easy-to-walk-on trails that cross throughout the park. The trails are both beautiful and relaxing in all the seasons. There is a playgrond for the kids and a number of shelters where you can picnic. Shelters can be reserved if you have a group though most days you can find an unused one for free.There is one forest ranger who is friendly and glad to give visitors a history of the park if he is available.This is a colder area of the state and the rest rooms are closed starting in the fall and do not reopen until after freezing in the spring. Restrooms and food are available at the family restaurant across the street from the park entrance.