River and Stream Fishing

River and Stream Fishing Areas

Cheat Ranger District
The Cheat Ranger District is located in Parsons, WV. Some of the district’s highlights include:
- Otter Creek Wilderness - Solitude-filled wilderness adventure for those looking to be a self-reliant traveler.
- Canaan Mountain Backcountry - Gorgeous scenic recreation hub filled with trails that will transport you into a rhododendron filled fairy tale.
- Bickle Knob Observation Tower and Olson Observation Tower - A climb to the top of these observations towers offers the opportunity to soak up the beautiful sites of this rugged region.
If you need somewhere to stay to enjoy the area, check out some of the available campgrounds or venture into one of the vibrant neighboring communities. For more information on recreation opportunities, please contact the Cheat Ranger District

District Contact Information

Cheat Ranger District
PO Box 368, Parsons, WV 26287
Phone:(304) 478-2000, ext. 0.
Canaan Mountain Backcountry
Canaan Mountain is a high elevation plateau ranging in elevations from 4,145 feet at Pointy Knob to 3,100 feet near Blackwater Falls State Park. The semi-primitive area consists of approximately 13,532 acres on the top of the plateau. Since Canaan Mountain is relatively flat, there are many seasonally wet places.

The Allegheny Trail connects this trail between the Blackwater Falls State Park and Canaan Valley State Park. The Park and the Forest offer a "walk on the wild side" to those who wish to travel between parks or camp in a park and take day hikes. Maps of the park trails can be obtained at the park visitor centers.

Many of the trails are great for mountain bikes, but please use discretion on wet trails to avoid environmental damage. There are three trail shelters on a first come, first served basis. One is near the intersection of the Allegheny and Plantation trails, a second is on the Railroad Grade Trail south of Plantation Trail, and the third is on the west side of the Pointy Knob Trail.

Additional Resources
- Canaan Mountain Backcountry Map and Trail Information (PDF, 2MB)
Horseshoe Recreation and Campground Area
Otter Creek Wilderness
Stuart Day Use Area and Campground
Gauley Ranger District
The Gauley Ranger District is located in Richwood, WV.

District Contact Information

Richwood Office
932 Northfork Cherry Road
Richwood, WV 26261
(304) 846-2695 (Voice & TDD)
One mile east of Richwood on Rt 39/55
Big Rock Campground
Bishop Knob Campground
Cranberry Campground
Cranberry River Sites
North Bend Picnic Area
Williams River
Williams River Sites
Woodbine Picnic Area
Greenbrier Ranger District
The Greenbrier Ranger District is located in Bartow, WV. Some of the district’s highlights include Laurel Fork Wilderness, which offers a solitude-filled wilderness adventure for those looking to be a self-reliant traveler. Gaudineer Scenic Area offers a gorgeous scenic overlook with an interpretive trail and a secluded picnic area.

The Mower Basin Trails offer over 7 miles of hiking and mountain biking trails that meander through open meadows, high-elevation red spruce, and northern hardwood forests in a partnership-led restoration effort in Randolf county.

Area campgrounds or the secluded Middle Mountain Cabin offer great places to stay while you enjoy the area.

For more information on recreation opportunities, please contact the Greenbrier Ranger District at (304) 456-3335.
Laurel Fork Wilderness
Marlinton Ranger District
The Marlinton Ranger District is located in Marlinton, WV.
Potomac Ranger District
The Potomac Ranger Station is located in Petersburg, WV. Some of the district’s highlights include; Seneca Rocks and Spruce Knob which are both iconic places in West Virginia. Dolly Sods Wilderness offers a unique opportunity to visit a landscape more reminiscent of Canada.

If you just want to soak up the beautiful sites of this rugged region, venture into Smoke Hole Canyon. If you need somewhere to stay to enjoy the area, check out some of the available campgrounds.
Dolly Sods Wilderness
Seneca Rocks
Smoke Hole Canyon
Spruce Knob - Seneca Creek Backcountry
The Spruce Knob Area offers hikers a vast backcountry to explore. Nearly 60 miles of trails wind through stands of red spruce, open meadows and along fast-flowing mountain streams. Beautiful northern hardwood forests of maple, beech, birch, cherry and other trees cover most of the area creating a brilliant display of fall color. This area provides cool shade in the summer with many opportunities to see spring and summer wildflowers, birds and other wildlife.

Elevation ranges from 3,000 feet to over 4,800 feet above sea level. Freezing temperatures can occur any time of the year. Snow can be expected anytime from October through April.
Allegheny Mountain Trail - Forest Trail 532
Bee Trail - Forest Trail 555
Big Run Trail - Forest Trail 527
Horton Trail - Forest Trail 530
Huckleberry Trail - Forest Trail 533
Seneca Creek Trail - Forest Trail 515
White Sulphur Ranger District
The White Sulphur Ranger District is located in White Sulphur Springs, WV. This district offers excellent fishing and hiking opportunities as well as solitude and scenic views among two different wilderness areas.

Highlighted Places
Contact Information

For more information, please stop by or contact the White Sulphur Ranger Station.

Phone: (304) 536-2144

Address: 1079 East Main St White Sulphur Springs, WV 24986.
Big Draft Wilderness
Spice Run Wilderness