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.
Recreation Sites
Big Bend Campground
Site Open
Big Bend is located in the Smoke Hole Canyon next to the South Branch of the Potomac River at the end of County Route 2. Located 10 miles south west of Petersburg, West Virginia. The river is…
Dolly Sods Picnic Area
Site Open
This small picnic area is nestled among the trees near the top of the Allegheny Plateau. Dolly Sods picnic area is located less than a mile from the Dolly Sods Scenic Area which offers a unique view…
Dolly Sods Wilderness
Site Open
The 17,371 acre Dolly Sods Wilderness in the Monongahela National Forest is part of the National Wilderness Preservation System. It is located in Grant, Randolph, and Tucker Counties, West Virginia.…
Gatewood Campground
Site Open
Gatewood Campground is a small group campground located on a ridge at a former fire tower site. Gatewood is approximately two miles east of Spruce Knob Lake Campground at the end of Forest Road 131.…
Jess Judy Group Campground
Site Open
Primitive group campground located adjacent to the South Branch of the Potomac River. Fishing and canoeing opportunities are plentiful. Also close by is North Fork Mountain trail available for hiking…
Red Creek Campground
Site Open
Red Creek Campground is a primitive, small campground that sits on top of the Allegheny Plateau and within the Dolly Sods Scenic Area. The climate and plant life here resembles Northern Canada. A…
Roaring Plains West
The 6,792 acre Roaring Plains West Wilderness area is located approximately 3 miles southwest of the Dolly Sods Wilderness. Canaan Valley State Park is about 5 miles north of the area. Primary access…
Seneca Rocks
Seneca Rocks is one of the best-known landmarks in West Virginia. These rocks have long been noted as a scenic attraction and are popular with rock climbers.The rocks are a magnificent formation…
Smoke Hole Canyon
About 185 million years ago, a seven-mile thick sheet of sedimentary rocks began to buckle and fold. Wind and water wore away the softer layers, wearing down the mountains, and creating a region of…
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…