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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 Screen-Free Summer campaign invited digitally exhausted travelers to unplug in West Virginia.
National Forests

Drive on Highland Scenic Highway part of Monongahela celebration

by David Sibray

Officials with the Monongahela National Forest are encouraging the public to participate in Scenic Drive Day at the Cranberry Mountain Nature Center on Saturday, June 17, as part of the center’s fiftieth-anniversary celebration. Live mountain music, a classic-car cruise-in, and the opportunity to join other like-minded travelers on the highway are all partof the day-long … Read more

Afternoon at Dolly Sods Wilderness, Monongahela National Forest, National Parks
National Forests

New designation for Mon’ forest announced

by David Sibray

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – West Virginia state forester Randy Dye today praised a new federal designation for the Monongahela National Forest designed to allow the division to work more effectively with the federal government to combat insect and disease threats. Governor Earl Ray Tomblin requested the designation, citing several threats to the 919,000-acre forest, including beech … Read more