All schools in Upshur County will close at 1 p.m. today. All B-UHS sporting events today are canceled.

Gov Justice announces closure of state park campgrounds

Photo courtesy of the West Virginia Department of Commerce.

SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. — West Virginia state park and forest campgrounds, as well as the scenic overlooks at Coopers Rock and Blackwater Falls have been closed, Gov. Jim Justice announced on Monday.

The closures of scenic overlooks at Coopers Rock and Blackwater Falls is due to these areas being heavily trafficked and among the first stops across the state parks system to draw crowds. West Virginia’s state parks and forests otherwise remain open for recreational use, such as hiking, but visitors are reminded to avoid crowded areas and leave no trace following their outdoor adventures.

“State park and forest facilities may be closed, but trails remain open and we want to remind folks that they need to properly dispose of waste by packing it in and pack it out,” said West Virginia Division of Natural Resources Director Stephen McDaniel. “West Virginia’s state parks and forests provide a much-needed escape at this time, and picking up after yourself helps ensure they stay clean for everyone to enjoy.”

Due to an influx of visitors over the weekend, West Virginia state parks officials also want to remind guests that most facilities, including restrooms, remain closed at the recommendation of state health officials. As such, arrangements should be made to remove all trash, waste and personal belongings before leaving a park or forest.

Park guests are encouraged to continue practicing public distancing by avoiding crowded trails and public spaces. To stay up to date on state park facility closures and service changes, visit wvstateparks.com/travel-alert.

About West Virginia State Parks
West Virginia’s state parks and forests are the vacation destination of choice for more than 7 million people each year. Made up of 35 parks, 9 forests and two rail trails, the West Virginia State Parks system provides endless opportunities for family fun and adventure.

West Virginia State Parks is managed by the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources, a division of the West Virginia Department of Commerce.

Share this story:

Local Businesses

RECENT Stories

Moon Flower opens first satellite store at Delmonte Market in Elkins

Moon Flower Hemp, a woman-owned craft cannabis shop, is opening its first satellite location inside Elkins’s Delmonte Market, offering exclusive products, infused drinks, educational support and special perks for early customers.

Buckhannon Community Theatre’s ‘The Lion King Kids’ set to roar at Colonial Arts Center this weekend

Buckhannon Community Theatre will present Disney’s The Lion King Kids on June 20 and 21 at the Colonial Arts Center, showcasing young local talent in a family-friendly production directed by Ella McNeish.

Buckhannon Consolidated Public Works Board Agenda: June 26, 2025

The City of Buckhannon Consolidated Public Works Board has released the agenda for its upcoming June 26, 2025, meeting.

B-U’s Landon Marple earns All-State baseball honors

Buckhannon-Upshur senior Landon Marple, who led his team in multiple offensive categories, was named to the West Virginia Sports Writers Association Class AAAA All-State Baseball Team as an Honorable Mention.

WVU Medicine St. Joseph’s Hospital’s Kelly Povroznik earns certification in integrative and functional nutrition

Kelly Povroznik, Director of Food and Nutrition Services at WVU Medicine St. Joseph’s Hospital, has earned certification as an Integrative and Functional Nutrition Certified Practitioner, bringing advanced holistic nutrition expertise to her patients and community.

Upshur County Sheriff Mike Coffman says numerous community complaints led to vape shop raids

Community complaints about Upshur County vape shops selling to minors prompted a months-long investigation that led to multi-agency raids, seizure of $500,000 in illegal products, and an ongoing probe with arrests likely.

Buckhannon Banter: Get the local lowdown for June 19, 2025

Argo Books is launching a community co-op, the Upshur County Library has won a grant for new computer classes, Meals on Wheels needs volunteers, and Fish Hawk Acres has resumed ‘grab & go’ service but paused breakfast.

Weese family legacy burns bright as Brandon coaches Flame 304 to new growth

Brandon Weese is continuing his family’s Buckhannon-Upshur basketball legacy by coaching the Flame 304 girls travel team, which now features players from multiple counties and emphasizes both athletic and personal growth.

Upshur County pool splashes back from repairs, continues busy summer with activities, parties and night swims

After a multi-day closure for repairs, the Upshur County Pool is reopening with a packed summer schedule featuring lessons, parties, night swims, and new event packages, positioning it for one of its busiest seasons yet.