⛰️ 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
| Trail | Distance | Difficulty | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Backbone Trail | 3.0 miles | Moderate | Ridge-top views, hardwood forest |
| Buffalo Trail | 2.2 miles | Moderate | Creek crossings, wildlife habitat |
| Cliffside Trail | 1.1 miles | Easy | Rock formations, overlooks |
| Coal Mine Trail | 1.0 mile | Moderate | Historic coal mining relics |
| Glenhayes Trail | 1.5 miles | Easy | Valley walk, family-friendly |
| Additional Trails | 9+ miles | Various | 12 total trails, 18 miles combined |
Swimming and Recreation
| Facility | Details |
|---|---|
| Outdoor Pool | Open Memorial Day–Labor Day, 11AM-6PM, waterslide |
| Indoor Pool | At Chief Logan Lodge (guests only) |
| Recreation Center | Olympic 25m pool, fitness center, courts ($fee) |
| Mini Golf | 18-hole course |
| Tennis Courts | Available |
| Playgrounds | Multiple 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
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 380 Chief Logan Park Rd, Logan, WV 25601 |
| Hours | Dawn to Dusk, year-round |
| Admission | FREE (some activities have fees) |
| Lodge | Chief 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
| Season | Highlights | Crowd Level |
|---|---|---|
| Spring (Apr-May) | Wildflowers carpeting trails, birding, mild weather | Low-Moderate |
| Summer (Jun-Aug) | Pool open, The Aracoma Story, full programs | Moderate |
| Fall (Oct-Nov) | Spectacular Appalachian foliage, cool hiking | Moderate |
| Winter (Dec-Mar) | Lodge stays, quiet trails, wildlife center | Low |
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.
Make it a road trip: Pair a visit with Mingo Oak (a short drive away) or Twin Falls State Park (within about an hour’s drive).
Camping reservations: Book campsites and cabins for West Virginia state parks online at wvstateparks.com.
Park Location
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