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Endlessly Wild & Wonderful


Explore the Monongahela National Forest, located in the Allegheny Mountains of east central West Virginia.

Find Your Adventure

Welcome to Monongahela National Forest

Established in 1920, the Monongahela National Forest spans nearly 1 million acres across 10 counties in eastern West Virginia. Locally known as "the Mon," this landscape provides clean water, diverse wildlife habitat, recreation opportunities, and sustainable forest products that strengthen local economies. 

With elevations ranging from 1,000 feet to Spruce Knob—the highest peak in West Virginia at 4,863 feet—the Forest encompasses some of the most ecologically diverse and scenic landscapes in the central Appalachians. As a working forest, the Monongahela provides timber, water, grazing, minerals and recreational opportunities. Explore your Forest!

Recreation Opportunities

A sign marking the Mower Basin Trails.
Trails on the Monongahela are truly unique. Experiences can be found ranging from Day Hikes of just a few miles to epic overnight backpacking…
A person mountain biking
Mountain bikes are currently permitted on most National Forest roads and trails on the Monongahela National Forest except in designated…
two individuals cross country skiing in a spruce forest
The high Allegheny Mountains form the backbone of the Monongahela National Forest. Winter recreation opportunities can be found near every community…
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