The Coopers Rock Foundation, with assistance from the WVDOT is currently building a 3 mile trail which starts at the entrance gate and terminates near the overlook parking area of Coopers Rock State Forest.
We hooked up to the Roadside trail by using the x-country ski trail which starts at the gate parking area.
Trail damage caused by inconsiderate and thoughtless mountain bikers.
Many of these RudeRiders tout their alliance with IMBA (International Mountain Bicycling Association). Too bad they don't follow the IMBA guidelines!
"2. Leave No Trace.
Be sensitive to the dirt beneath you. Recognize different types of soils and trail construction; practice low-impact cycling. Wet and muddy trails are more vulnerable to damage. When the trailbed is soft, consider other riding options. This also means staying on existing trails and not creating new ones. Don't cut switchbacks. Be sure to pack out at least as much as you pack in.Keep trails open by setting a good example of environmentally sound and socially responsible off-road cycling."
Source: IMBA
The Roadside Trail is well marked with cairns - many of which seemed to defy gravity!
One of several clumps of Squawroot or bear-corn (Conopholis americana) we saw along the trail.
The New York Fern (Thelypteris novaboracensis) is a common understory plant at Coopers Rock State Forest.
I spotted this on a Red Maple just off the trail. It may be a real early formation for a large colony of shelf fungi.
The Hayscented Fern (Dennstaedtia punctilobula) is another common understory plant in the Forest.
A dark view from the overlook. This view is to the South West, towards the Cheat Lake and Morgantown area.
I was surprised at the number of people at the overlook on a weekday afternoon - a testament to the popularity of Coopers Rock State Forest.