Alerts
National Forest visitors are required to follow rules designed to protect the natural environment, ensure health and safety of visitors and promote pleasant and rewarding outdoor recreational experience for all. Forest Officers are empowered to enforce Federal Regulations applicable to National Forest use. The rules described in 36 Code of Federal Regulations 261 apply to all National Forests all the time.
Regional Foresters and Forest Supervisors may issue additional special orders closing or restricting the use of certain areas, if the need arises. These orders are posted at the closed area, on the forest webpage, and paper copies are available in Forest offices and Visitor Centers.
This list shows current orders specific to Monongahela National Forest. If you have additional questions, please call your local Forest Service Office for clarification.
Road Conditions Cameras
The state of West Virginia Department of Transportation and Pendleton County in West Virginia each maintain road condition cameras that include roads popular with Monongahela National Visitors. These cameras are not maintained by the Forest Service but can be used to assess conditions on the Forest prior to your visit.
Forest Alerts
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Cranberry Road Closed for Bridge Construction Projects
Monongahela National Forest officials have closed Forest Road 76 (Cranberry Road) between the North Fork Shelter and the Dogway Shelter to permit construction work on the Birchlog Run and Tumbling Rock Run bridges.
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Forest Road 296 closed as of October 7th, 2024
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service will be closing Forest Road 296 beginning October 7th, 2024.
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Stay Alert and Drive Safely
Log trucks and equipment may be encountered at any time while driving Forest Service roads, which are often narrow, curvy and steep. Log trucks are very large and heavy, making it hard for them to stop or get over quickly. Be aware of your surroundings and use caution when driving.
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Forest Road 209 (through Stonecoal Camping Area) Closed in Randolph County
Forest Road 209 (Shavers Fork Road) on Monongahela National Forest in Randolph County is closed for a construction project. The road leads to Stonecoal Dispersed Camping area along the Shavers Fork of the Cheat River and has an undetermined completion date at this time.
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Licensed Off-Highway Vehicle Use Restrictions
Prohibits use of licensed off-highway vehicles on all Forest roads.
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Motor Vehicle Use Restrictions
Lists restrictions on possession and use of motor vehicles on Forest roads, trails and land
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Little Black Fork Day Use Area
Monongahela National Forest has issued a permanent order prohibiting camping and being on national forest land after sundown or before sunrise in the Little Black Fork Day Use Area. Little Black Fork Day Use Area is located along County Route 6 north of Stuart Recreation Area.
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Dispersed Camping Prohibted near Anthony Creek
Restricts camping to designated sites along Anthony Road near Blue Bend area in Greenbrier County. -
Cave Closure Order
Prohibits entering, being in or using any cave on National Forest System lands within Monongahela National Forest, unless the cave is specifically posted open.
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Cranberry Glades Botanical Area
Issues restrictions in Cranberry Glades Botanical Area located in Pocahontas County, WV.
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Food Storage Restrictions
Outlines food storage restrictions for Gauley and Marlinton-White Sulphur Ranger Districts. These restrictions are necessary due to bear activity within these areas.
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Wilderness Restrictions
Issues restrictions in Wilderness Areas throughout the Forest.
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Cranberry and Williams River Camping Areas
Restricts camping to designated sites and the number of vehicles at campsites in Cranberry and Williams River areas.
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General Use Restrictions
Outlines Forest rules and restrictions related to camping, developed recreation sites, vehicle use, public nudity, boat usage, pyrotechnic devices, use of spark arresters, consumption of alcoholic beverages and use of tree stands.
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Lake Sherwood and Blue Bend Area
Outlines restrictions on alcoholic beverages in Lake Sherwood and Blue Bend Recreation Areas
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Camping Restrictions at Big Bend
Prohibits camping within 300 feet of the corridor of the South Branch of the Potomac River in a specified area near Big Bend campground. -
Seneca Rocks Use Restrictions
Restricts activities at Seneca Rocks related to alcoholic beverages, camping, open fires, use of pack or saddle animals, use of bicycles and parking/leaving vehicles in certain areas.
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Bowden Cave Closure
Closes the Bowden Cave near ceiling collapse.
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Controlled Substances
Protects public health and safety, it is prohibited to enter or use National Forest lands while violating any part of Title 21 U.S.C. Chapter 13 Drug Abuse Prevention and Control.
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Dolly Sods Wilderness and Scenic Areas
Prohibits the use of saddle, pack or draft animals on Blue Bend Trail.
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Blue Bend Recreation Area
Prohibits the use of saddle, pack or draft animals on Blue Bend Trail.
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Gandy Creek Dispersed Area
Restricts activities in the Gandy Creek area including location of camping, number of vehicles at sites and the restraining of saddle or pack animals.
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Fernow Experimental Forest Use Restrictions
Prohibits camping, collection of any plant materials and use of fires, campfires or stoves in the Fernow Experimental Forest.