Most People Don’t Know West Virginia Has A Medieval Forest And It’s Positively Magical
West Virginia is known for its wild ecology and unique geological features. With so much wilderness across this state, it is no wonder that places still exist that inject a sense of magic and wonder into anyone who visits them. There are many places that feel a bit out of this world, even if they are well-trodden travel destinations. Beartown State Park is one such place.
Beartown State Park, located near Marlinton in Greenbrier County, is easy to miss. It is a relatively small region nestled in the Greenbrier Valley on the southern cleft of Monongahela National Forest.
The park is largely comprised of sandstone rock formations within lush woods that seem to envelope you as you enter. The area is actually a single rock formation that has fractured over time, creating valleys through which a boardwalk trail weaves.
The foliage, coupled with the moss laden rock, creates an old world atmosphere that feels like a medieval forest, ancient and magical. It is not difficult to imagine you are in a different time while exploring this park.
Along the wooden walkway, it is easy to picture two knights having a battle; the clang of steel against steel echoing across the dense forest, their heavy breaths and exhausted grunts surprisingly loud amidst the silent trees, their every movement tracked by the watchful eyes of the forests inhabitants.
