{"id":766,"date":"2025-09-17T13:24:07","date_gmt":"2025-09-17T13:24:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/zmm.com\/news\/?p=766"},"modified":"2025-09-18T13:11:13","modified_gmt":"2025-09-18T13:11:13","slug":"stargazing-cabins-open-at-coopers-rock-state-forest","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/zmm.com\/news\/stargazing-cabins-open-at-coopers-rock-state-forest","title":{"rendered":"Stargazing Cabins open at Coopers Rock State Forest"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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photo courtesy of WV State Parks (via WV News)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Designed by ZMM Architects and Engineers in partnership with the WV Division of Natural Resources and WV Division of Tourism, the A-frame Stargazing Cabins at Coopers Rock State Forest<\/a> opened in September 2025, set a new standard for experiential lodging, blending rustic charm with modern comfort while preserving and enhancing the natural environment.<\/em> The article below was originally published by WV News<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

West Virginia State Parks officials on Monday announced the opening of the first five stargazing cabins at Coopers Rock State Forest, adding a new way for visitors to stay overnight and experience one of the state\u2019s most popular outdoor destinations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cCoopers Rock has always been a favorite place for hiking, climbing and camping, and these new cabins give our guests another way to enjoy it by providing unparalleled stargazing opportunities,\u201d said Dillard Price, acting chief of West Virginia State Parks. \u201cWith modern amenities and a setting that\u2019s truly Almost Heaven, these cabins will make one of our most iconic forests an even more unforgettable destination.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once completed, these stargazing cabins will add a total of 12 cabins and supporting facilities to the forest. Construction on the first five cabins began in March 2023 and was completed in mid-August 2025. Construction on the remaining seven cabins and additional facilities is ongoing and expected to be completed in time for the 2026 summer travel season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cRecent research shows that travelers are escaping overpopulated, light-filled areas in search of stargazing opportunities,\u201d said West Virginia Tourism Secretary Chelsea Ruby. \u201cWest Virginia is one of the best places for stargazing on the East Coast. With three International Dark Sky Parks and plenty of places in the state where clear, starry skies are easily visible, we want to create as many opportunities as possible for travelers to take in the nighttime views from the comfort of their accommodations. These cabins at Coopers Rock are a great step in that direction.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The design of the A-frame stargazing cabins received a 2025 Honor Award from the American Institute of Architects (AIA) prior to reservations opening. Each cabin features two bedrooms, full furnishings, modern amenities, Wi-Fi and a telescope. Two of the current five cabins are ADA accessible, and sleeping accommodations vary to suit different group needs, including options with king, queen and twin beds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For more information, visit WVstateparks.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Additional coverage<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n