Chief Logan State Park
West Virginia

Chief Logan State Park

380 Chief Logan Park Rd, Logan, WV 25601
Available Activities
  • Hiking
  • Camping
  • Swimming
  • Picnicking
  • Bird Watching
  • Golfing

⛰️ Appalachian Heritage in the Coalfields — 4,000 acres of Appalachian wilderness with 18 miles of trails, outdoor pool with waterslide, wildlife center, historical amphitheater, lodge, and free admission in West Virginia’s coalfield country

Nestled in a deep mountain valley in the heart of West Virginia’s coalfield country, Chief Logan State Park is a 4,000-acre retreat that honors the legacy of Chief Logan (Tah-gah-jute), the Mingo leader whose eloquent speech against the injustices suffered by his people during Lord Dunmore’s War became one of the most famous orations in American history. The park spans a forested mountain hollow near the city of Logan, offering 18 miles of hiking trails, a seasonal outdoor swimming pool with waterslide, a wildlife center, and the Liz Spurlock Amphitheater — home to “The Aracoma Story,” a historical outdoor drama that tells the story of Shawnee Chief Cornstalk’s daughter and the settlement of the Appalachian frontier.

What makes Chief Logan distinctive is its role as both a recreational park and a community gathering place for the Logan County region. The park complex includes a full-service lodge with conference center, an Olympic-style recreation center with indoor pool, an 18-hole miniature golf course, tennis courts, and playgrounds — all set within a dramatic Appalachian landscape where ridge-top trails climb 1,000 feet above the valley floor through hardwood forest carpeted with wildflowers in spring and blazing with color in autumn.

Hiking Trails

TrailDistanceDifficultyHighlights
Backbone Trail3.0 milesModerateRidge-top views, hardwood forest
Buffalo Trail2.2 milesModerateCreek crossings, wildlife habitat
Cliffside Trail1.1 milesEasyRock formations, overlooks
Coal Mine Trail1.0 mileModerateHistoric coal mining relics
Glenhayes Trail1.5 milesEasyValley walk, family-friendly
Additional Trails9+ milesVarious12 total trails, 18 miles combined

Swimming and Recreation

FacilityDetails
Outdoor PoolOpen Memorial Day–Labor Day, 11AM-6PM, waterslide
Indoor PoolAt Chief Logan Lodge (guests only)
Recreation CenterOlympic 25m pool, fitness center, courts ($fee)
Mini Golf18-hole course
Tennis CourtsAvailable
PlaygroundsMultiple locations

Wildlife Center

The park’s Wildlife Center, located about a mile from the main office area, houses native West Virginia wildlife including birds of prey, reptiles, and small mammals. The center operates seasonally and offers educational programs.

The Aracoma Story

Performed at the Liz Spurlock Amphitheater, “The Aracoma Story” is a historical outdoor drama that tells the story of Aracoma, daughter of Shawnee Chief Cornstalk, and the early European settlement of the Guyan Valley. Check with the park for the current summer performance schedule.

Essential Visitor Information

DetailInformation
Address380 Chief Logan Park Rd, Logan, WV 25601
HoursDawn to Dusk, year-round
AdmissionFREE (some activities have fees)
LodgeChief Logan Lodge & Conference Center (separate entrance)
Phone(304) 792-7125

Getting There

  • From Charleston: 65 miles south (~1 hour 15 minutes via US-119)
  • From Huntington: 55 miles southeast (~1 hour)
  • From Beckley: 75 miles west (~1 hour 30 minutes)

Best Time to Visit

SeasonHighlightsCrowd Level
Spring (Apr-May)Wildflowers carpeting trails, birding, mild weatherLow-Moderate
Summer (Jun-Aug)Pool open, The Aracoma Story, full programsModerate
Fall (Oct-Nov)Spectacular Appalachian foliage, cool hikingModerate
Winter (Dec-Mar)Lodge stays, quiet trails, wildlife centerLow

Is Chief Logan State Park free?

Yes! There is no entrance fee or parking fee for Chief Logan State Park. The park grounds, trails, and picnic areas are free to enjoy. Certain activities like the swimming pool, recreation center, and mini golf have separate fees. The lodge and conference center are available for overnight stays at standard rates.

Does Chief Logan have a swimming pool?

Yes! The park has an outdoor swimming pool with waterslide, open daily from Memorial Day through Labor Day (11 AM – 6 PM). There’s also an indoor pool at the Chief Logan Lodge for overnight guests, and an Olympic-style 25-meter pool at the recreation center for a separate admission fee.

Sarah Mitchell

About the Author

Outdoor Editor & Trail Expert

Sarah Mitchell is an outdoor writer and trail researcher with over 8 years of experience exploring state parks across America. As the lead editor at AmericasStateParks.org, she has personally visited more than 200 parks in 42 states, logging thousands of trail miles and hundreds of campground nights. Sarah specializes in detailed park guides, accessibility information, and family-friendly outdoor planning. Her work focuses on helping first-time visitors feel confident and well-prepared for their state park adventures.

200+ state parks visited across 42 states | 8+ years of outdoor writing

Last updated: April 18, 2026

Park Location

380 Chief Logan Park Rd, Logan, WV 25601