Located on the eastern summit of West Virginia's Droop Mountain, Beartown State Park houses an unusual collection of rock formations that remind some visitors of a small city. The results of erosion, huge blocks of Droop and Pottsville sandstone have split apart, creating deep vertical fissures. Some of these cracks open more than three feet wide, creating inviting footpaths in this enchanting dreamscape. Long walkways between the rocks remind Beartown sightseers of city streets, lining both sides with miniature skyscrapers.
   Many of the cave-like rock shelters gave the impression of bear dens, leading to the state park's quizzical name of Beartown. A boardwalk system is laced throughout this natural jumble of unusual rock formations. The boardwalk ushers visitors through narrow crevasses, under cliff overhangs, passed mineral stained rock walls. Plants that tenaciously cling to the rocks with the tiniest foothold, varying from delicate mosses and ferns to the park’s towering hemlocks. Beartown State Park hasn't escaped the deadly scourge of the woolly adelgid. The Aphid-like creature has attacked the park's hemlocks, causing the loss of needles and a serious decline in the trees health. Young birch trees have already begun to fill the empty niches in the eco-system, displaying a fascinating page of natural evolution.
   Notes: When heading north and turning onto Beartown Road from U.S. Route 219, this is a very sharp right-hand turn and not easy to see from the main highway. Once in the park, you may drive beyond the picnic area to another small parking lot near the boardwalk area. Seen in these photos, take heed, there are plenty of steps.

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