The West Virginia State Parks Foundation is proud to announce the winners of its winter “Mountains Are Always Free” photo contest.
The contest, which opened in early December 2025, invited both professional and amateur photographers to submit winter-themed images captured within West Virginia State Parks, forests, and rail trails. Entries were judged across three categories.
Winners of the “Mountains Are Always Free” Photo Contest:
-Winterscape Category- Matthew Marsh of Keyser, WV – Ekalaka Falls, Blackwater Falls State Park
-Fancy Facilities Category- Peggy Smith of Jodie, WV – Glade Creek Grist Mill, Babcock State Park
-Outdoor Recreation Category- Teresa Taylor of Culloden, WV – Sled Run, Blackwater Falls State Park
“We received hundreds of submissions from across the state, as well as from individuals in other states who share a love for West Virginia State Parks,” said Foundation Executive Director Brad Reed. “There were so many outstanding images that selecting the winners was no easy task. We assembled a team of state park staff and Foundation board members to review and score each entry. I’d especially like to thank Sylvia Walton from the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources for her invaluable support in coordinating the administrative aspects of the contest.”
Foundation Treasurer Kim McCluskey, who participated in the final selection process, added, “The quality of submissions was incredible, making it very difficult to choose just one winner in each category. The photos truly showcase the diversity of our park system—from beautiful facilities like lodges and historic sites to the wide range of outdoor activities enjoyed by visitors.”
The Foundation plans to launch a spring and summer-themed photo contest in the coming months.
The West Virginia State Parks Foundation is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving, protecting, and enhancing West Virginia State Parks. The Foundation provides leadership in communication, funding, and advocacy in partnership with individual park foundations throughout the state.
