The Monongahela National Forest is located in eastern West Virginia, 100 miles northeast of Charleston and 8 miles west of Franklin. The fairly flat trail is ideal for those seeking the perfect overlook, because each tabletop rock outcropping provides an even more stunning vista than the last. The trail winds along the lee side of the mountain rim cliffs. There are many miles of railroad grades that are a link in the recreation use of the forest. Tell us when, where, and how long you want to camp for. Only trained and experienced climbers should attempt to scale the rocks. Getting to Monongahela. The only thing missing the trail maps is distance of hikes, so again, lesson learned- do your research. There are 20 moderate trails in Monongahela National Forest ranging from 0.7 to 22.8 miles and from 1,272 to 4,763 feet above sea level. For state park information, call (800) CALL-WVA. Many campsite reservations are cancelled daily. The road is recommended for four-wheel-drive vehicles only. Barton Knob is a mountain summit located on Cheat Mountain in southeastern Randolph County, West Virginia. Easily accessible during warm-weather months, Bickle Knob is also home to one of the few remaining fire towers in Monongahela National Forest. Usually ripening from late June to early July, these morsels are delicious when eaten still warm from the sun. Please suggest a correction. Read more. Dolly Sods Wilderness, WV. This product is no longer available, but don't go just yet. For more information on the area, contact the Petersburg Chamber of Commerce at (304) 257-2722. Watch for other vehicles and use extreme caution when driving. closest to the River and has some sites a short walk from it. Ridgetop winds can be fierce. To reach the Lower Glady Dispersed Camping Area, take County Road 12 (Gladwin Road) from its intersection with US 33 […] Read More Monongahela National Forest Headquarters Within its boundaries are some of the most scenic spots in the country, camping locations that take advantage of the scenery, and a … The Seneca Rocks Visitor Center is open April 1 through October 31, 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily, and November 1 through March 31, weekends from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. No permits are required. Easy. Feb 28, 2020 near Franklin, WV. Recreation ranges from self-reliant treks in the wildernesses and backcountry areas to the challenges of mountain climbing to … Lightly trafficked and reservable online, the area’s likely to provide a tranquil getaway for you and … The spur … Just tell us when you’d like to camp at Monongahela National Forest, and how long you want to camp for. Offices. Except for the lack of water, the entire length of the 24-mile North Fork Mountain Trail is ideal for a two- or three-day backpacking trip. Forest Service Location Monongahela National Forest, West Virginia Job Category Temporary/Seasonal Positions Salary ~$2,000 total. Cheat-Potomac District Parsons 304-478-3251 Petersburg 304-257-4488 3. Monongahela National Forest: Unspoiled, remote and incredible hikes - See 8 traveler reviews, 34 candid photos, and great deals for Elkins, WV, at Tripadvisor. The Monongahela National Forest is a recreation destination and major tourism attraction. Camping is allowed outside of designated areas, and there are cabin rentals in some areas. Fees for developed campgrounds range between $5 and $30. This campsite has two fire rings, a gravel pad, and is within earshot of the West Fork of the Greenbrier River. The extensive backwoods road and trail system is available for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding. The trails are rated for scenery, difficulty, condition, Backpacking at Spruce Knob Over Columbus Day weekend my husband and I went on a two-day trip backpacking at Spruce Knob in Monongahela National Forest, West Virginia. Be prepared for rain throughout the year and snow in every season but summer. A two-day, 17-mile zigzag along blueberry-lined mountain ridges will give you a dose of the 24,000-acre "Crown Jewel of the Monongahela," threatened by oil and gas drilling. The main roads leading into the Dolly Sods area of Monongahela National Forest include Jordan Run Road and the Appalachian Highway (WV-32). Recreation ranges from self-reliant treks in the wildernesses and backcountry areas to the challenges of mountain climbing to traditional developed site camping. Information on activities at Monongahela National Forest can be found at the Supervisor’s Office at this location. The national importance of the recreation resource of the Monongahela has been recognized through the designation of the Spruce Knob – Seneca Rocks National Recreation Area (NRA), the first NRA in the Forest Service, National Scenic Byway status for the Highland Scenic Highway, and eight Wilderness Areas.Â. Contact Information. North Fork Mountain, along with the Smoke Hole Canyon on the eastern spine of the mountain, was recently highlighted by the Nature Conservancy as one of the most remarkable natural areas in the eastern United States. Web resources: Otter Creek Wilderness – MNF site. Monongahela National Forest is a national forest in West Virginia. The Monongahela National Forest includes some major landform features such as the Allegheny … Grouse often thunder out of the brush, and turkey vultures soar overhead. Don't get caught up in all the viewpoints and miss what's under your nose, though. Photo by: U.S Dept. 304-478-3251 (Voice & TDD), 304-636-1800 – Mon. The gate of the Stuart Recreation Area welcomes visitors to leisure on the Monongahela National Forest. Free housing and a field vehicle provided. But be aware that snakes may be found in the same rocky locations as the berry bushes and bears are particularly found of berries. Most of the forest roads are narrow and winding, surfaced with gravel, and are often very rough. Start Date 04/12/2021 Last Date to Apply 01/29/2021 Description A stream passes by snow-laden trees in Monongahela National Forest. Monongahela National Forest Camping: Campendium has 41 reviews of 38 Campgrounds in Monongahela National Forest. Whoops! Discover a slice of rare Eastern wild country in West Virginia, where Canadian taiga meets Southern forests. Date of experience: November 2018. I first walked the crest of Monongahela National Forest's North Fork Mountain Trail 20 years ago as part of a college lark. Shop similar products. Seneca Shadows Campground overlooks Seneca Rocks and is surrounded by mountains on both the east and west. The Monongahela National Forest is a recreation destination and major tourism attraction. From Harrisonburg, Virginia, drive west on U.S. 33 to Franklin, West Virginia. The Monongahela National Forest is a national forest located in the Allegheny Mountains of eastern West Virginia, USA. Weather in the area, especially on Spruce Knob, can be severe. Monongahela National Forest provides visitors with scenic vistas, country roads, flowing streams and abundant plant and animal life. In all its autumn grandeur, I thought it was the most beautiful place on Earth, so wild, remote, untrammeled, diverse, and pulsating with foliage that it overloaded the senses. It's a place where such far-north species as aspen and white birch are treated to a little southern hospitality, and warmth-loving magnolias get a Yankee nod of approval for toughing it out so far north. hiking dogs-leash views forest nature-trips wildlife birding wild-flowers walking camping trail-running mountain-biking backpacking river kids Monongahela National Forest Hiking Guideby Allen de Hart and Bruce Sundquist This hiking guide features more than 200 maintained hiking trails with a cumulative distance of over 835 miles; trails are appropriate for hiking, backpacking and ski touring adventures. Classic eastern mountain scenery along West Virginia's skyline pathway. There are many miles of railroad grades that are a link in the recreation use of the forest. Share. For more information on the area, contact the Petersburg Chamber of Commerce at (304) 257-2722. of Agriculture. Summers are hot and dry with highs in the 90s. This hidden gem in the Monongahela National Forest provides one of the best views in the state of West Virginia. There is no available water along the trail. A backpacking trip in this area will expose you to a very diverse and unique landscape with sphagnum bogs, grassy meadows lined by spruce trees, wind-carved boulders, and beautiful mountain vistas. Helpful. Linger at sunset and you can watch as the horizon fades to soft pink. During hunting seasons, hikers are urged to dress in high visibility clothing. Respect areas of private land; the trail crosses private land in four areas. A bird banding station is operated by West Virginia University and members of the Brooks Bird Club from mid-August to early October in the nearby. For those with cars to shuttle, the blue-blazed trail can be broken up into two roughly equal 12-mile sections, thanks to a dirt Forest Service road that meets the trail midway. Sites typically include picnic tables, lantern posts, and fire rings. Red Creek The Dolly Sods Wilderness is located on top of the Allegheny Plateau of West Virginia, and is part of the Monongahela National Forest. The only thing missing the trail maps is distance of hikes, so again, lesson learned- … The trail is so isolated and rugged that in places, it's in danger of being overrun by the mountain laurel, vast fern beds, flaming azaleas, and grasses that line the route. rated 0 out of 5. Eyeball to beak with impressively taloned hawks in West Virginia's Monongahela National Forest. Monongahela National Forest. Located northwest of the Spruce Knob-Seneca Rocks National Recreation Area, Dolly Sods is comprised of a 10,215-acre wilderness and a 2,000-acre scenic area. We’ll notify you (via SMS) when a suitable spot opens up at that campground—so you can nab that sold-out campsite reservation! National Forest. -- it's moh-NON-ga-HEE-la, with the accent on the second and fourth syllables.). Forest and trail maps are available from the National Forest office and Seneca Rocks Visitor Center. The narrow trail leads under maple and oak trees that shimmer red and yellow when backlit by the high sun. National Recreation Area, is composed of two unnamed loops and a spur on a large sweeping bend of the South Branch of the Potomac Lantern poles are found at all campsites. The extensive backwoods road and trail system is available for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding. The recommended seasons are spring and fall. But wander 100 yards or less from the rim and the world becomes one of roaring wind and gnarled pines that are missing branches on their windward sides. We love camping, and want to help you reserve the perfect campsite! The mountain plays host to a dizzying assemblage of rare plants and animals. West Virginia University/U.S. It was established in 1920 and encompasses one of the most ecologically diverse areas in the United States. May 18, 2015 near Davis, WV. 8 h 45 m If you're looking for a spectacular backpacking trip without too much difficulty, this is the trail for you. Our comprehensive guide to the best backpacking you can find in West Virginia. Red Creek Trail. Stay on trail where possible to avoid trampling sensitive plants along the edges of the trail and near cliffs. Add Your Photos. Also, beware that many of the roads leading to trailheads are unsaved, ... We drove through part of the Monongahela National Forest when leaving Elkins, WV. Now, one fine October day two decades later, I have returned, cringing at the possibility that the high-mountain pathway has been spoiled or that my memories had greatly exaggerated reality. Starting with 7,200 acres of overused and abused land, today the Monongahela National Forest is a lush, beautiful, healthy hardwood forest. Monongahela National Forest. Hunting, fishing, and wildlife viewing are also popular uses. Start checking them out and you'll be out on the trail in no time! Photos of Monongahela National Forest - 155. Sometimes we make mistakes. Bear Rocks Trail. Read more about Monongahela National Forest at Wikipedia. Resources: Books – “Monongahela National Forest Hiking Guide”, “Out There West Virginia A Guide to Backcountry Travel and Adventure”, “West Virginia Hiking Trails” Monongahela National Forest Potomac Ranger District Route 3, Box 240 Petersburg, WV 26847 (304) 257-4488, Seneca Rocks Visitor Center Box 13 Seneca Rocks, WV 26884 (304) 567-2827. Throughout this natural heritage area are numerous hiking trails, all described in the new edition of this comprehensive guide. There are wild goats that have been startling hikers for years. Seneca Rocks. There are eight trailheads for entering the interconnected trail system at Dolly Sods: one on the west side of the wilderness, two on the south end, and five on the east side. Want to help improve the Monongahela National Forest listing? Monongahela National Forest Hiking Guide - 8th Edition. Campgrounds in the Seneca Rocks area include Big Bend, Seneca Shadows, and the privately-owned Yokums Private Vacationland. From Harrisonburg, Virginia, drive west on U.S. 33 to Franklin, West Virginia. Monongahela National Forest moderate (73) Length: 17.7 mi • Est. I can happily report that this mountaintop trail in West Virginia is still as good as mountain country gets in the East. It was a bit of a drive from where we live – three and a half hours – but we figured we could recover from all the hiking and driving on Monday. Winters can reach lows of 20 degrees F. While walking from the trail to the cliffs, you might discover white-tailed bucks lying low in the thick mats of blueberry bushes. Item # 757833. Birds and deer are your only companions on this stretch of the Allegheny Trail. We can help! This is a free dispersed and primitive campsite in the Monongahela National Forest off of Forest Road 44 adjacent to the Allegheny Trail and West Fork Rail Trail in Pocahontas County, West Virginia. May 18, 2015 near Davis, WV. Blueberries and huckleberries can be found in the high alpine openings in the Spruce Knob area. Explore Trails. Attracting visitors to the Monongahela National Forest will require that we offer a variety of trail options and deliver consistently good user experiences through well-maintained trails. Spruce Knob – Seneca Rocks National Recreation Area, Sequoia Kings Canyon National Parks camping, Pacific Rim National Park Reserve camping. Like most national forests, these woods have been logged at various times, but the summit of North Fork Mountain was spared the axe. Avoid the crowds at nearby Seneca Rocks and Dolly Sods with a hike in the woods along the North Fork Mountain Trail. As interest in hiking and biking grows, so does the number of systems from which trail users can choose. The North Fork South Branch Potomac River is nearby, making fishing a popular pastime. ... there are maps and the trails are marked. Jan 5, 2021 - Monongahela National Forest, in the northcentral highlands of West Virginia, is a place where visitors can enjoy breathtaking vistas, peaceful country roads, gently flowing streams, and … Monongahela National Forest, Elkins: See 8 reviews, articles, and 34 photos of Monongahela National Forest, ranked No.8 on Tripadvisor among 29 attractions in Elkins. "Monongahela National Forest Hiking Guide," a detailed guidebook that contains trail locations and topographic maps, is available for $12.95 from the visitor center and Petersburg Ranger District. Flat Rock Roaring Plains offers 20 miles of hiking trails where you can escape the crowds. 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