This ancient forest was once the site of the Brookside Resort, which was built in 1882. Summer visitors flocked from the cities to the West Virginia mountains for the cool, clean air and natural beauty. In 1922, Brookside caretaker Branson Haas purchased the land, and later sold it to the state of West Virginia with the stipulation that the forest remain uncut. In 1966, the park was entered in the National Registry of Natural Landmarks.

Gauley Season, taking place in September & October, draws whitewater enthusiasts from across the globe. The Upper Gauley is the epitome of whitewater excitement.  It drops over 335 feet in less than 13 miles, resulting in high-volume and technical whitewater from start to finish. Consistently rated one of the top five rivers to raft in the world, and one of the top three in the United States, this is the Beast of the East.  

Set on the rim of the Gauley River Canyon, the Carnifex Ferry Battlefield State Park is an important Civil War battle site. It is part of the Civil War Discovery Trail, which links more than 300 historical sites in 16 states, and commemorates the 1861 Battle of Carnifex Ferry, a major Union victory that led to the eventual Confederate withdrawal from western Virginia. Carnifex Ferry is also one of the oldest state parks in the United States.