Copse Cove Trail

This is a forested, ridge-and-hollow style hike inside Lost River State Park near Mathias, West Virginia, with a steady climb that feels “earned” rather than brutal. Expect a mix of shaded woodland, short steeper pitches, and a few junction decisions where it helps to have HiiKER open so you can confirm you’re staying on Copse Cove rather than drifting onto one of the connecting park trails. (wvstateparks.com)

At roughly 5 km (3.1 mi) with about 200 m (656 ft) of total ascent, it sits comfortably in the medium effort range: long enough to get your heart rate up, short enough to fit into a half-day with time to explore the park’s other features.

Getting to the trailhead (car + public transport reality check)

By car: Navigate to Lost River State Park, 321 Park Drive, Mathias, WV 26812. This is the most reliable “nearest known address” for the hike area, and it places you right where the park’s cabin/amenities/trail network begins. (wvstateparks.com)
Copse Cove Trail is described by the park as running from the Lee Sulphur Spring near Cabin No. 1 (or across from the parking lot near Cabin No. 2) to the Light Horse Harry Lee Trail intersection—so once you’re in the cabin loop/central facilities area, you’re close. (wvstateparks.com)

By public transport: There isn’t dependable, frequent public transit that drops you at the park entrance. The practical approach is to take intercity service to a larger nearby town and then use a taxi/rideshare for the final rural leg. If you’re planning this without a car, build in extra buffer time and have a backup plan for the return trip (cell coverage can be inconsistent in mountain parks).

What the hike feels like underfoot

The tread is typical state-park singletrack: packed dirt with leaf litter, occasional roots, and short rocky bits where water has cut into the path. After rain, the low spots can hold mud and the leaf layer can hide slick roots—trekking poles help with traction and knee comfort on the way back down.

Because Copse Cove is a connector-style trail within a larger network, you’ll notice the character change as you gain elevation: cooler air, more open understory in places, and a quieter feel away from the cabin area. The climb tends to come in small waves rather than one continuous grind—so pacing is mostly about not overcooking the early minutes.

Key junctions, landmarks, and pacing (approximate)

• Start (near Lee Sulphur Spring / Cabin area): You’re beginning close to developed park features, so it’s a good moment to do a quick gear check (water accessible, layers adjusted) before you commit to the climb. The park specifically notes the Copse Cove Trail begins near Lee Sulphur Spring by Cabin No. 1 or near Cabin No. 2 parking. (wvstateparks.com)
  
• Mid-hike climb (about 1–3 km / 0.6–1.9 mi): This is where most of the 200 m (656 ft) gain is typically felt—expect a few steeper pitches where the trail angles up the hillside. Keep an eye out for side paths and signed intersections; confirm with HiiKER if you’re unsure which branch continues toward the Light Horse Harry Lee Trail connection.
• Upper section to the Light Horse Harry Lee Trail intersection (final ~1–2 km / 0.6–1.2 mi): Grades often ease slightly near ridge-adjacent terrain, and you’ll start encountering more “through traffic” from hikers, equestrians, or riders using the broader trail system (always yield appropriately and step to the downhill side when horses pass).

If you’re doing this as an out-and-back, the turnaround is naturally the intersection with the Light Horse Harry Lee Trail. If you’re linking trails into a loop, plan your loop direction intentionally—descending steeper grades is where slips happen most often.

Nature and wildlife to look for

Lost River State Park sits in a classic Appalachian highland setting—mixed hardwood forest with seasonal wild