Cathedral State Park is an ancient hemlock forest of
majestic proportions, and one of the last living commemorations of the
vast virgin hemlock forest which once flourished in the Appalachian
highlands. Trees up to 90 feet in height and 21 feet in circumference form
cloisters in the park. Throughout the woods, eastern hemlock is the
dominant species.
The woods were preserved because of the love each owner
had for this unique area. The land was eventually purchased, in 1922 by
Mr. Branson Haas. Mr. Haas was a workman for the Brookside Hotel, which
stood where the park superintendent's residence now stands. He sold the
forest to the State of West Virginia in 1942, with the provision that it
remain untouched by ax or saw. Mr. Haas served as caretaker until his
death. On October 6, 1966, Cathedral State Park was entered in the
National Registry for Natural Historical Landmarks, as “an area that
possesses exceptional value in illustrating the natural history of the
United States.” It is of note this is the only stand of mixed virgin
timber left in West Virginia. Also the largest hemlock tree in the state
is located within the park.
On May 20, 1983, the Society of American Foresters
recognized Cathedral in its National Natural Areas Program. As an
“outstanding example of vegetative community in a near natural
condition…with its associated biotic, edaphic, geologic and aquatic
features dedicated for scientific and educational purposes”. The area was
registered because it is “maintained in the natural condition, by allowing
physical and biological processes to operate, usually without direct human
intervention.”
Cathedral State Park consists of 133 acres, located on
Route 50, in Preston County in Northeastern, West Virginia. The region is
hilly to mountainous, but the park is located on rather gently sloping
ground with an elevation varying from 2460 to 2620 feet. Over 170 species
of vascular flora have been catalogued; to include 9 species of fern, 3
club moss, over 30 tree species (17 broad leaf) and over 50 species of
wildflowers.
How to Get There
Cathedral State Park is located on Rt. 50 near Aurora, WV,
approximately five miles west of Red House, MD.
