Cathedral State Park
- Status
- Status not postedOpen 24 hours
- Entrance fee
- Statewide rule — see below
- Day-use reservations
- None mentioned
- Dogs
- Statewide rule — see below
- Camping
- Yes
- Official site
- wvstateparks.com304-735-3771
Official page last checked Oct 29, 2026. How we keep this current
Overview
Covering about 127 acres, Cathedral State Park lies in Preston County, about 10 miles south of Terra Alta.
The park supports historic sites, geocaching, and hiking. Overnight options include campsites, with tent sites.
Hours
Park, gate, office and facility hours are listed separately because they often differ. Alerts above override normal hours.
| Facility | Days | Hours | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Park | Open 24 hours | ||
Official wording
24/7
Source: official park page, checked Oct 29, 2026. Times are local to the park (America/New York).
Pets
'Dogs and cats are the only pets permitted in state parks and forests. Pets must be leashed and restrained.' Select cabins are pet-friendly, varying by park.
Statewide rule from West Virginia's park system (source). This park’s page doesn’t state its own pet rules, so check for local restrictions.
Fees and passes
Fees apply to lodging, camping, pools and activities.
Statewide fee rule from West Virginia's park system; this park’s page doesn’t list its own fees.
Reservations
- Day use
- No day-use reservation requirement mentioned
- Booking system
- WV State Parks reservations (Inntopia-based, reservations.wvstateparks.com)
We link to the official booking system rather than showing live availability, which changes minute to minute.
Camping
Cathedral is a day-use park, but you’re never far from a campground in West Virginia. Try these nearby state parks: Canaan Valley Resort State Park Blackwater Falls State Park
From the official park page, checked Oct 29, 2026. Site counts and prices can change; confirm when booking.
Cabins and lodging
Cathedral State Park does not provide any overnight accommodations, but visitors may camp, rent a cabin or stay in the lodge at nearby Blackwater Falls State Park.
Things to do
CampingGeocachingHikingHistoric sites and tours
Trails
| Trail | Length | Difficulty | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cathedral Trail | 1.1 mi | Moderate | Footbridges available where the trail crosses the Rhine Creek. Distance: 1.1 miles Difficulty: Moderate |
| Giant Hemlock Trail | 0.2 mi | Easy | Several of the largest hemlocks in the park are found along this trail. Distance: 0.2 miles Difficulty: Easy |
| Partridge Berry Trail | 0.6 mi | Moderate | A good trail to observe wildlife such as deer, birds and squirrels. Distance: 0.6 miles Difficulty: Moderate |
| Trillium Trail | 0.1 mi | Easy | This short path connects to Cardinal Trail. Distance: 0.1 miles Difficulty: Easy |
| Cardinal Trail | 0.2 mi | Moderate | A good trail to observe wildlife such as deer, birds and squirrels. Distance: 0.2 miles Difficulty: Moderate |
| Wood Thrush Trail | 0.6 mi | Easy | Trail is leisurely, except where it is divided by Route 50. Distance: 0.6 miles Difficulty: Easy |
Trail descriptions from the park
Ready for a hike? The peaceful shade under Cathedral State Park’s dense leafy canopies, accentuated with rhododendrons, birdsong and a mountain stream, creates a serene atmosphere visitors are sure to enjoy. Hikers can amble along the park’s three miles of trails and see an abundance of plant and tree species as well as wildlife creatures. [trailcta]
Amenities
Facilities
- Nature center or museum
Camping
- Tent camping
✓ listed by the park · ✕ the park says it is not available. Anything not shown here isn’t mentioned by the official source — that means unknown, not unavailable.
Getting there
- Address
- 12 Cathedral Park Drive
Aurora, WV 26705 - Nearest town
- Terra Alta — about 10 mi south (straight line)
- Coordinates
- 39.3049, -79.5842
- Phone
- 304-735-3771
- cathedralsp@wv.gov
Nearby state parks
Sources and freshness
- West Virginia State Parks — park page — last checked Oct 29, 2026; page says updated Jun 29, 2025
- West Virginia State Parks park finder: window.parks JSON embedded in the /parks/ page (WordPress page + park post with ACF meta)
- Wikidata
- USGS PAD-US 4.1 (boundary and acreage)
“Last checked” is when our system last read the official source. No change has been detected since this page was first published. Hours, fees and rules can change without notice — confirm with the park before you go. Methodology