Recreation


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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. 

Recreation Map

Map showing recreational areas. Map Information

Recreation Conditions Report

Area Name Status Area Conditions
Bear Heaven Campground Open
Bickle Knob Observation Tower Open
Big Bend Campground Open
Big Rock Campground Open
Bishop Knob Campground Open
Blue Bend Recreation Area and Campground Open
Cranberry Campground Open
Cranberry Mountain Nature Center Open Open Thursdays through Mondays, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Cranberry River Sites Open
Day Run Campground Open
Dolly Sods Picnic Area Open
Gatewood Campground Open
Gaudineer Picnic Area Open
Highland Scenic Highway Open
Horseshoe Recreation and Campground Area Open
Island Campground Open
Jess Judy Group Campground Open
Lake Buffalo Open
Lake Sherwood Recreation Area and Campground Open
Laurel Fork Campground Open
Middle Mountain Cabins Open
North Bend Picnic Area Open
Old House Picnic Area Open
Olson Observation Tower Open
Pocahontas Campground Open
Red Creek Campground Open
Rimel Picnic Area Open
Seneca Rocks Discovery Center Open Open Thursdays through Mondays, 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Seneca Rocks Picnic Area Open
Seneca Shadows Campground Open
Spruce Knob Lake Campground Open
Spruce Knob and Spruce Knob Observation Tower Open
Spruce Knob-Seneca Rocks National Recreation Area None
Stuart Day Use Area and Campground Open
Summit Lake Campground Open
Tea Creek Campground Open
Trails along the Highland Scenic Highway Open
Williams River Sites Open Sites 19-30 -- located near or upstream (east) of Tea Creek Campground are open with full services and fees charged.
Sites 1-18 -- located downstream (west) of Tea Creek Campground are open with no services, no fees charged and non-motorized vehicle access only due to road construction. Pack it in, pack it out.
Woodbine Picnic Area Open

Recreation Areas

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