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National Forests

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National forests in West Virginia showcase the state’s stunning natural beauty and provide endless opportunities for outdoor adventure and relaxation. Home to the vast Monongahela National Forest and parts of the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests, West Virginia offers visitors over 900,000 acres of scenic woodlands, rugged mountains, and pristine rivers. Hikers, campers, hunters, and wildlife watchers can explore miles of trails, secluded campsites, and breathtaking overlooks throughout these protected lands. Popular spots like Spruce Knob, Dolly Sods Wilderness, and Cranberry Glades highlight the rich biodiversity and unique landscapes that make West Virginia’s national forests a top destination for nature lovers seeking an authentic Appalachian escape.

The Williams River winds through one of the most scenic and remote sections of West Virginia's Monongahela National Forest. Temporary road closures beginning July 20 will affect access to parts of the river corridor while the U.S. Forest Service repairs flood damage and improves stream crossings for native wildlife. (Photo: David Sibray)
National Forests

Road closures planned across Monongahela National Forest as repairs, stream projects begin

by Clyde Craig

ELKINS, W.Va. — Travelers planning to explore the high mountains of eastern West Virginia this summer should expect significant road closures in parts of the Monongahela National Forest as major construction projects begin to repair storm damage, improve stream crossings for native wildlife, and upgrade access to some of the state’s most popular outdoor destinations. … Read more

The Williams River flows through the Monongahela National Forest in Pocahontas and Webster counties. Road repairs planned for nearby Forest Road 86 could affect access to campgrounds, trailheads, and recreation areas in the Williams River and Cranberry regions this summer.
National Forests

Road closures to affect access to Cranberry and Williams River recreation areas

by Will Reedy

RICHWOOD, W.Va. — Visitors planning trips to the Cranberry and Williams River regions of the Monongahela National Forest this summer should prepare for detours and temporary road closures as the U.S. Forest Service begins repairs to flood-damaged forest roads serving some of the area’s most popular recreation destinations. Construction is expected to begin in late … Read more

Forest projects have included stream restoration, erosion control, invasive plant removal, native tree planting, wildlife habitat improvements, and trail or road maintenance.
National Forests

Monongahela National Forest seeks conservation proposals in five West Virginia counties

by Clyde Craig

ELKINS, W.Va. — The W.Va. Resource Advisory Committee is seeking proposals for conservation and infrastructure projects that benefit the Monongahela National Forest and surrounding communities. Funding is provided through the federal Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act, a program designed to compensate counties that contain large amounts of federally owned land exempt from local … Read more

A new partnership is working to improve and maintain more than 500 miles of trail in the northern region of the Monongahela National Forest.
National Forests

Partnership to enhance more than 500 miles of Monongahela National Forest trails

by David Sibray

ELKINS, W.Va. — Recreational trails are a major part of West Virginia’s tourism economy, especially in the rugged landscape of the Monongahela National Forest, where thousands of hikers and mountain bikers explore its scenic backcountry each year. To strengthen tourism and improve trail conditions in the forest’s northern region, a new partnership has been formed … Read more

Cunningham Knob Addition
National Forests

Monongahela National Forest acquires Cunningham Knob acreage in Randolph County

by David Sibray

ELKINS, W.Va. — The Monongahela National Forest has acquired a 427-acre tract in Randolph County known as the Cunningham Knob addition, expanding public land near Cunningham Knob and the Laurel Fork area. The property was purchased from Cunningham Knob rises above the Sunks of Gandy. Photo by Rick Burgess[/caption] Greenbrier District Ranger Shane Jones said … Read more

National Forests

Woodside Fire in West Virginia national forest reaches 75% containment

by Clyde Craig

CIRCLEVILLE, W.Va. — Firefighters in West Virginia continue to make progress in ending the Woodside Fire in the Monongahela National Forest, with containment now at 75 percent. Cooler temperatures and weekend precipitation have helped moderate fire behavior. Crews used the favorable conditions to construct additional handline and dozer line along the 385-acre fire’s perimeter, according … Read more

Dolly Sods at Sunrise
National Forests

Breathtaking Dolly Sods wilderness attracts throngs to West Virginia’s high country

by Hinaa Noor

LANEVILLE, W.Va. — At more than 4,000 feet above sea level, the Dolly Sods Wilderness in West Virginia has become one of the most recognizable outdoor recreation destinations in the Appalachian Mountains. Once considered remote and difficult to reach, the completion of the US-48 expressway from Washington, D.C., has dramatically changed how people experience the … Read more

September view at Dolly Sods Wilderness, Tucker County, Allegheny Highlands Region
National Forests

Monongahela National Forest sets opening dates for recreation sites

by David Sibray

ELKINS, W.Va. — Officials at the Monongahela National Forest have announced the 2024 opening dates for developed recreation sites across the 921,000-acre forest in eastern West Virginia. Campground and picnic shelter reservations for some sites may be made at Recreation.gov, and roadside camping, or dispersed camping, is available in much of the forest year-round. According to … Read more