COOPERS ROCK, W.Va. — The new star-gazing A-frame cabins at Coopers Rock State Forest haven’t opened yet and have already won two awards from the West Virginia chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA).
The cabins have received the 2025 AIA Honor Award, West Virginia Chapter: Excellence in Architecture, and the 2025 AIA Honor Award, West Virginia Chapter: Excellence in Craftsmanship.
State Tourism Secretary Chelsea Ruby provided the vision and ZMM Architects designed the cabins with input from Civil & Environmental Consultants, Inc. ZMM Architects Principal Adam Krason said there are a total of 12 cabins strategically located to capture some of the best views of the forest.
“They’re arranged along the edge of the slope, strategically located along the main ridge between Raven Rock and the renowned Overlook,” Krason said on WAJR’s “Talk of the Town.” “The state really has some incredible dark sky areas, and this is one of those.”
The cabins are oriented to provide privacy and LED lighting is used to prevent light pollution. The structures are wood-framed, two-bedroom A-frames with rustic pine interiors and plenty of glass to provide opportunities for amazing views.
“There’s a second bedroom on the upper level, and at the top of that stair up to the bedroom, we’ve created a platform and a skylight where we can position a telescope to view the night sky,” Krason said.
The front entrance of the cabins is typical but the rear of the cabins is predominantly glass that provides plenty of natural light.
“The entire backside of the A-frames is glazing, or glass and looks out over the landscape,” Krason said. “So, we think that helps to make the wood interiors not too overwhelming; it really opens it up, and the views are really the focus of these A-frames.”
Acting Chief of Parks for the West Virginia Department of Natural Resources Dillard Price said guests in the cabins will have everything they need, and they’re always welcome to bring their own equipment. The state has connected with other “Dark Sky” communities across the nation in order to provide a top-quality stargazing experience.
“We’ve purchased telescopes you can use inside or outside the cabin on the deck and they will be fully equipped with everything,” Price said.
Coopers Rock State Forest is a prime location in one of the darkest sky regions on the east coast, making the cabins a destination for outdoor adventure and astrophotography. But Price believes the cabins will be a very popular local draw as well.
“The location, the ability to stay there and go to a few WVU football games, basketball games, or family get-togethers—the local community is going to love it,” Price said. “It’s going to be a gathering point for everybody.”
The cabins are expected to open by mid-summer and range in price from $150 to $225 per night depending on the season and the day of week.