The West Virginia State Parks Foundation is proud to announce the winners of its spring and summer “Mountains Are Always Free” photo contest. The contest, which opened in late April 2026, invited both professional and amateur photographers to submit warm weather themed images captured within West Virginia State Parks, State Forests, and Rail Trails. Entries were judged across five categories.
Winners of the “Mountains Are Always Free” Photo Contest:
Summer Beauty Category – Leslie Carpenter of Martinsburg, WV – A night at Droop Mountain Battlefield State Park
Wildlife – Leslie Carpenter of Martinsburg, WV – Magnolia Warbler at Watoga State Park
Plants – Jessica Poling of Salem, WV – Mushrooms at Holly River State Park
Pets in Parks – Stasha Ray of Morgantown, WV – Jemma Jolene enjoys a bath at Coopers Rock State Forest
Outdoor Recreation – Stasha Ray of Morgantown, WV – Hiking at Audra State Park
“We received hundreds of submissions from across the state, as well as from folks 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. “We had two multi-category winners in this contest,” said Reed.
“Any time you can combine that kind of talent, with the beauty of our state parks, amazing results are going to happen.” Foundation Treasurer Kim McCluskey, who participated in the final selection process, added, these pictures were “just so special.” “I wish we could have awarded all of them a first-place prize.”
Winners of the contest receive an overnight stay at a WV State Park of their choice and fantastic WV State Parks and State Parks Foundation gear.
