Logan County, West Virginia
Chief Logan State Park
A modern lodge, a museum of Appalachian life, a lakeside amphitheater, and some of the best elk viewing in the eastern United States — all in the hills of southern West Virginia.

Quick Info
- County / Location
- Logan County, near Logan, WV
- Best For
- Lodge stays, elk viewing, history, hiking, family trips
- Best Time to Visit
- Late spring–fall; fall and winter are best for elk
- Time Needed
- A full day; a weekend with an elk tour
- Fees
- Day use free; fees for lodge, camping and pool
- Notable Amenities
- Lodge, restaurant, museum, campground, pool, amphitheater
Overview
Chief Logan State Park spreads across roughly 4,000 acres of hills and hollows in Logan County, named for the famous Mingo leader whose speech was recorded in the 1770s. The park blends outdoor recreation with a strong cultural and educational mission.
The centerpiece for many visitors is the Chief Logan Lodge, a modern hotel and conference center with a restaurant and sweeping views of the surrounding mountains. The park also maintains a museum operated with the state Division of Culture and History, an outdoor amphitheater that hosts the long-running drama about Aracoma, and a small lake.
Chief Logan has become a base for southern West Virginia's growing elk herd. Reintroduced to reclaimed mine lands in the region, the elk draw wildlife watchers and photographers, especially in fall when the bulls bugle.
Things to Do
- •Take an elk-viewing tour of the surrounding coal-country backroads.
- •Tour the park museum's exhibits on Native American, coal, and Appalachian history.
- •Hike the wooded trails to ridgeline views.
- •Fish the park lake and nearby streams.
- •Swim at the outdoor pool in summer.
- •Catch a summer performance at the amphitheater.
Hiking Trails
Lodge Trail — a short, scenic loop from the lodge with valley views.
Waterfall Trail — a moderate walk to a small woodland cascade.
Ridgetop Trail — a longer climb to high ground with wide Appalachian panoramas.
Nature Trail — an easy interpretive path near the museum and picnic areas.
Lake Trail — a level loop around the park lake, ideal for families.

Lodge, Cabins & Camping
The Chief Logan Lodge is the park's main lodging — roughly 75 rooms, a restaurant, conference facilities, fitness and game areas, and an indoor-outdoor feel that suits both vacationers and business groups.
For a more rustic stay, the park offers cabins tucked into the hills, and a campground with tent and RV sites, electric hookups, and bathhouses. Cabin and lodge weekends fill quickly during elk season and fall foliage.
Fishing & Swimming
The park lake is stocked and open to fishing for bass, catfish, and panfish, with shoreline access and room for small non-motorized boats. Nearby streams in the Guyandotte and Logan County watersheds hold stocked trout. A valid West Virginia fishing license is required.
The outdoor swimming pool operates seasonally in summer, a favorite with families staying at the lodge or campground.
Best Time to Visit & Directions
Summer is best for swimming, hiking, and the amphitheater season. Fall is prime time for elk bugling and foliage, while winter offers a quieter park with occasional snow views. Elk tours are most popular in fall.
From Logan, take WV-10 south for about 2 miles and follow signs to the park entrance. From Charleston, the drive is roughly 1 hour 15 minutes; from Beckley, about 1 hour.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I see elk?+
The herd roams reclaimed mine lands around Chief Logan. Guided tours from the lodge are the most reliable way to see them; dawn and dusk are best.
Is the museum free?+
The park museum is generally free or donation-based, with seasonal hours. Confirm before your visit in the off-season.
Is the lodge open year-round?+
Yes, the Chief Logan Lodge operates year-round, with the restaurant's hours varying by season and occupancy.
What is the amphitheater used for?+
The outdoor amphitheater hosts the historic drama about Aracoma and other performances and events during the summer season.
Can I ride ATVs in the park?+
The park itself is not an ATV trail system, but it is a convenient base for the nearby Hatfield-McCoy Trails.
About Discover WV Today
Discover WV Today is an independent guide to West Virginia's state parks, mountain towns, trails, and waterfalls. We publish practical, first-hand trip planning for the Mountain State. Learn more about us.