[5] Watoga State Park’s name comes from the Cherokee word for “starry waters.” [6] The land that forms the nucleus of Watoga was originally acquired in January 1925, when the park was initially planned to be a state forest.

Much of the development on the site was done by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) and the park was first opened on July 1, 1937.

They include water fountains; trails; a swimming pool; a reservoir; rental cabins; and picnic shelters; as well as a former CCC camp.

Named in honor of Fred E. Brooks, a noted West Virginia naturalist who died in 1933, the Arboretum's construction began about 1935 and a dedication was held in 1938.

[4] Watoga State Park has many hiking trails to choose from that vary in length and difficulty.