United States ; West Virginia (WV) ... Best national Forrest we visited in two weeks hiking. #4 - North Fork Mountain Trail: Out-and-Back from WV-28. More than 1 million visitors a year tuck away into the Mon’s 23 campgrounds, 800-plus miles of trails and numerous lakes and rivers. Read all 32 reviews. Will go back. Weather in the area, especially on Spruce Knob, can be severe. There are many campsites and springs along the way. For state park information, call (800) CALL-WVA. This campground is one of five in the -Seneca Rocks National Recreation Area. Within its boundaries are some of the most scenic spots in the country, camping locations that take advantage of the scenery, and a … The views along this trail are incredible, as you traverse the spine of North Fork Mountain. By 1915, Dolly Sods’ forest land was decimated, and the area was essentially ecologically destroyed. Monongahela National Forest 200 Sycamore Street Elkins, West Virginia 26241 (304) 636-1800 Telephone/TTY Cranberry Wilderness Description: The 35, 864 acre Cranberry Wilderness in the Monongahela National Forest is part of the National Wilderness Preservation System. 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. The Monongahela has five federally-designated Wilderness Areas: Otter Creek, Dolly Sods, Laurel Fork North, Laurel Fork South, and Cranberry; and one National Recreation Area, Spruce Knob - Seneca Rocks.. Seneca Rocks is one of the best-known landmarks in West Virginia. Elevation ranges between 3,000 and 3,795 feet, with some small saddles and moderately difficult knobs. https://www.alltrails.com/parks/us/west-virginia/monongahela-national-forest Monongahela Seneca Creek Backcountry. The route on this page has hiker taking a left onto Redman Run Trail, and ending their hike there. Feb 28, 2020 near Franklin, WV. 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. The Monongahela provides a wide range of recreational opportunities, from back country camping and hiking to mountain biking, fishing, and wildlife viewing. Canaan Valley Resort and Blackwater Falls state parks lie to the north in West Virginia. Add Your Photos. From Harrisonburg, Virginia, drive west on U.S. 33 to Franklin, West Virginia. Visit Site E-mail Us. While hiking trails in the area offer great ways to explore the forest, rock climbing is the area's main attraction. ... there are maps and the trails are marked. Ridgetop winds can be fierce. Like most national forests, these woods have been logged at various times, but the summit of North Fork Mountain was spared the axe. The Cranberry Wilderness has been called the crown jewel of the Monongahela National Forest, which covers more than 47,000 acres filled with rhododendron thickets, rushing streams, wide-open meadows and breathtaking views. The crisp air and clear skies make for perfect star gazing conditions around a campfire. You could either get a ride or leave a car at this trailhead. The actual North Fork Mountain Trail runs southeast all the way down to Route 33. Blueberries and huckleberries can be found in the high alpine openings in the Spruce Knob area. May 18, 2015 near Davis, WV. It is legal to do dispersed camping anywhere that is not otherwise restricted. The larger trail systems in the forest that would be good for backpacking include: Lake Sherwood/Middle Mountain Area , Olson Tower/Blackwater Canyon , and Shavers Fork Area . TRIP CANCELLED DUE TO COVID-19: Tread restoration, building rolling dips, removing berm to out slope tread on segments of the the Blue Bend Loop Trail located in the Big Draft Wilderness on the Monongahela National Forest. 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. Monongahela National Forest is a national forest in West Virginia. 200 Sycamore Street. Be aware that poisonous timber rattlers and copperhead snakes are found in the area. Our comprehensive guide to the best backpacking you can find in West Virginia. You could also hike back to the starting point on the North Fork Mountain Trail if you'd like to make this an out-and-back. Read more. of Agriculture. 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. The route on this page has the hiker starting at the southern terminus, Route 33, and then hiking the entirety of the route. Classic eastern mountain scenery along West Virginia's skyline pathway. Any trail in the Monongahela National Forest can essentially be used as a backpacking location. There are wild goats that have been startling hikers for years. The trail winds along the lee side of the mountain rim cliffs. But be aware that snakes may be found in the same rocky locations as the berry bushes and bears are particularly found of berries. #1 - North Fork Mountain Trail: Out-and-Back from Route 33. -- it's moh-NON-ga-HEE-la, with the accent on the second and fourth syllables.). 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