National Forests

ELKINS, W.Va. — Most of the Monongahela National Forest in West Virginia is open year-round, closing only when access roads are snow-covered, though some developed campgrounds, picnic areas, and visitor centers routinely close from late fall through mid-spring. According to forest service media contact Kelly Bridges, officials have posted the following seasonal closures for winter … Read more

ELKINS, W.Va. — Staff at the Monongahela National Forest in eastern West Virginia plan to conduct prescribed burns and pile burns in Greenbrier, Pocahontas, Grant, and Pendleton counties this fall and winter, weather permitting. According to Kelly Bridges, a spokesperson for the service, the burns help re-establish fire’s natural role in the forest ecosystem, improve … Read more

MARLINTON, W.Va. — Officials at the Monongahela National Forest are inviting the public to visit the Cranberry Mountain Nature Center for its annual Native Orchid Tour Saturday, June 24, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The program begins at the Cranberry Mountain Nature Center with a presentation followed by a guided trip to Cranberry Glades … Read more

The Monongahela National Forest has received $1,092,000 million in funding from the Great American Outdoors Act to support three projects in the Allegheny Mountains of eastern West Virginia. According to Kelly Bridges, spokesperson for the Monongahela, the three projects include the mountain bike trail improvements, repairs to a bridge in Webster County, and the installation … Read more

RICHWOOD, W.Va. — Officials with the Monongahela National Forest in eastern West Virginia are inviting motorists to explore the forest highlands during National Scenic Drive Day on June 4 at the Cranberry Mountain Nature Center. Off the Highland Scenic Highway near Cranberry Glades and the Falls of Hills Creek, the visitor center is an ideal … Read more

ELKINS, W.Va. — The U.S. Capitol is going wild and wonderful this Christmas as West Virginia comes to the fore as the nation’s forest and outdoor recreation wonderland. In addition to providing the 70- to 80-foot tree that will be displayed on the west lawn of the U.S. Capitol this holiday season, smaller trees are … Read more

ELKINS, W.Va. — In light of dramatic increases in visitation in the Monongahela National Forest in eastern West Virginia, officials are advising guests to plan ahead when arranging to visit the forest, which protects more than 921,000 acres, including vast uninhabited regions. Forest Supervisor Shawn Cochran says the visitors may now find parking areas full … Read more

Weather permitting, officials at the Monongahela National Forest plan to conduct prescribed burns on 1,251 acres in Pocahontas, Greenbrier, and Pendleton counties from March through June. According to Kelly Bridges, a spokesperson for the forest service, the treatments aim to re-establish fire’s natural role in the forest ecosystem, improve forest health and wildlife habitat, and … Read more

Officials with the U.S. Forest Service have unveiled a new logo designed to commemorate the 2023 Capitol Christmas Tree, which will be harvested from the Monongahela National Forest in eastern West Virginia. Amy Albright, project manager for the Christmas tree project, unveiled the design, which draws on the mountain beauty of the Monongahela. “All of … Read more

A volunteer group that helps maintain the scenic Dolly Sods Wilderness in northern West Virginia is looking for additional volunteers to help maintain its trails. The stewards serve as a resource for visitors, helping them have a safe and enjoyable wilderness experience while working to preserve Dolly Sods for future visitors, according to David Johnston, … Read more