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Recreation

Trails webpages and information will not be available until May 2025. Thank you for your patience while we work through getting the most updated, accurate information for you during this time.

The Monongahela National Forest is a recreation destination and major tourism attraction. The extensive backwoods road and trail system is available for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding. There are many miles of railroad grades that are a link in the recreation use of the forest. Recreation ranges from self-reliant treks in the wildernesses and backcountry areas to the challenges of mountain climbing to traditional developed site camping. Hunting, fishing, and wildlife viewing are also popular uses.

The national importance of the recreation resource of the Monongahela has been recognized through the designation of the Spruce Knob – Seneca Rocks National Recreation Area (NRA), the first NRA in the Forest Service, National Scenic Byway status for the Highland Scenic Highway, and eight Wilderness Areas. 

Showing: 11 - 20 of 55 results

Cranberry Mountain Nature Center
Site Open
Outdoor Science and Learning Picnicking Hiking
The Cranberry Mountain Nature Center is fun for visitors of all ages and backgrounds, and includes an exhibit hall, auditorium, events and programs. The center also features a native plant garden, a…

Cranberry River Sites
Site Open
Hiking Hunting, Fishing and Shooting
Fourteen primitive and separately numbered campsites dispersed along a 5-mile section of the lower Cranberry River. Toilets closed as of November 30.Campsites are number 6-19 along the Cranberry…

Cranberry Wilderness
Site Open
Hiking
The 47,815 acre Cranberry Wilderness in the Monongahela National Forest is part of the National Wilderness Preservation System. It is located in Pocahontas and Webster Counties, West Virginia. The…

Day Run Campground
Site Closed
Located just off the Highland Scenic Highway this small developed campground is a perfect getaway for fisherman and hikers. Many of the 12 camping sites boarder the upper scenic Williams River and …

Dolly Sods Picnic Area
Site Open
Picnicking
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
Hiking Outdoor Science and Learning Winter Sports Horse Riding and Camping Hunting, Fishing and Shooting
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.…

Falls of Hills Creek
Site Open
Hiking Outdoor Science and Learning
Tucked away in a narrow gorge just off the Highland Scenic Highway is a hidden treasure known as the Falls of Hills Creek Scenic Area. This popular 114 acre area contains three waterfalls - 25 feet,…

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.…

Gaudineer Picnic Area
Site Open
Picnicking Outdoor Science and Learning
Several somewhat secluded picnic sites  sit at the end of a half-mile loop trail though impressive old growth stands of Virgin Red Spruce.  The Gaudineer Scenic Overlook also sits along this…

Gaudineer Scenic Area
Outdoor Science and Learning Picnicking Hiking
This scenic area is managed to feature an undisturbed condition of the West Virginia highlands for study and enjoyment. Maintaining the natural appearance of the area is an essential management goal…
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