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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

  • Licensed Off-Highway Vehicle Use Restrictions

    Prohibits use of licensed off-highway vehicles on all Forest roads.


     

    Alert Start Date: November 30th, 2020
    Forest Order: #09-21-20-06

  • Motor Vehicle Use Restrictions

    Lists restrictions on possession and use of motor vehicles on Forest roads, trails and land


     

    Alert Start Date: August 8th, 2020
    Forest Order: #09-21-20-09

  • 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.

    Alert Start Date: November 29th, 2018
    Forest Order: #09-21-18-28

  • Dispersed Camping Prohibted near Anthony Creek

    Restricts camping to designated sites along Anthony Road near Blue Bend area in Greenbrier County.
    Alert Start Date: September 13th, 2016
    Forest Order: #09-21-16-01

  • 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.


     

    Alert Start Date: June 27th, 2013
    Forest Order: #09-21-13-13

  • Cranberry Glades Botanical Area

    Issues restrictions in Cranberry Glades Botanical Area located in Pocahontas County, WV.

    Alert Start Date: May 12th, 2012
    Forest Order: #09-21-12-06

  • 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.

    Alert Start Date: April 27th, 2012
    Forest Order: #09-21-12-04

  • Wilderness Restrictions

    Issues restrictions in Wilderness Areas throughout the Forest.
     

    Alert Start Date: April 23rd, 2012
    Forest Order: #09-21-12-03

  • Cranberry and Williams River Camping Areas

    Restricts camping to designated sites and the number of vehicles at campsites in  Cranberry and Williams River areas.
     

    Alert Start Date: March 23rd, 2012
    Forest Order: #09-21-12-05

  • 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.

    Alert Start Date: March 23rd, 2012
    Forest Order: #09-21-12-01

  • Lake Sherwood and Blue Bend Area

    Outlines restrictions on alcoholic beverages in Lake Sherwood and Blue Bend Recreation Areas

    Alert Start Date: March 8th, 2012
    Forest Order: #09-21-12-02

  • 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.
    Alert Start Date: December 17th, 2008
    Forest Order: #21-83

  • 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.

    Alert Start Date: December 17th, 2008
    Forest Order: #21-96

  • Bowden Cave Closure

    Closes the Bowden Cave near ceiling collapse. 


     

    Alert Start Date: December 17th, 2008
    Forest Order: #21-95

  • 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.


     

    Alert Start Date: December 17th, 2008
    Forest Order: #21-93

  • Dolly Sods Wilderness and Scenic Areas

    Prohibits the use of saddle, pack or draft animals on Blue Bend Trail.


     

    Alert Start Date: December 17th, 2008
    Forest Order: #21-94

  • Blue Bend Recreation Area

    Prohibits the use of saddle, pack or draft animals on Blue Bend Trail.


     

    Alert Start Date: December 17th, 2008
    Forest Order: #21-88

  • 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.

    Alert Start Date: December 17th, 2008
    Forest Order: #21-87

  • Fernow Experimental Forest Use Restrictions

    Prohibits camping, collection of any plant materials and use of fires, campfires or stoves in the Fernow Experimental Forest.
     

    Alert Start Date: December 17th, 2008
    Forest Order: #21-85
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