National Parks, Forests & Public Lands

Dusk falls on the Dolly Sods Wilderness

Thousands of square miles of West Virginia are located within national parks, forests, wildlife refuges, and other federally managed public land areas. The Federal government has recognized such areas as valuable to the nation and has authorized that they be managed independently of state and local governments. Whenever you find yourself in a federally designated property such as national park or forest, be aware that you’re immersed in a prized United States landscape, a national treasure. Many federal preserves permit hunting and fishing, though care should be taken to ensure when, where, and if those activities are permitted.

• Appalachian Trail
• Bluestone Scenic River
• C&O Canal Historical Park
• Canaan Valley Wildlife Refuge
• Gauley River Recreation Area
• Harpers Ferry Historical Park
• Monongahela National Forest
• National Coal Heritage Area
• New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
• Ohio River Islands Refuge
• Washington & Jefferson Forests
• Wheeling National Heritage Area

Help build our content for national parks and forests .

The editorial department is continuously looking for for new ways to improve our coverage for national parks, forests, and refuges in West Virginia. Please contact a member of our editorial staff if you’ve an idea for an article or have found an error in our content.