Grouse often thunder out of the brush, and turkey vultures soar overhead. But be aware that snakes may be found in the same rocky locations as the berry bushes and bears are particularly found of berries. The only thing missing the trail maps is distance of hikes, so again, lesson learned- do your research. If you're looking for a spectacular backpacking trip without too much difficulty, this is the trail for you. The narrow trail leads under maple and oak trees that shimmer red and yellow when backlit by the high sun. You could leave a car or get a ride from the end there as well. -- it's moh-NON-ga-HEE-la, with the accent on the second and fourth syllables.). This is a great hike traversing the spine of North Fork Mountain. You could also shorten this hike by taking a short access trail (Redman Run Trail) out to Route 28/11. The Seneca Rocks Visitor Center is open April 1 through October 31, 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily, and November 1 through March 31, weekends from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. No permits are required. There are many campsites and springs along the way. #5 - North Fork Mountain Trail: Route 33 to Route 28. Seneca Rocks, Monongahela National Forest WV: Topo Hike Trails Map : All Hikes Map: Length: Difficulty: Streams: Views: Solitude: Camping: 3.7 mls: N/A: Hiking Time: Elev. Sites typically include picnic tables, lantern posts, and fire rings. Only trained and experienced climbers should attempt to scale the rocks. Seneca Shadows is the newest campground within the Monongahela National Forest and offers exceptional views of the famous Seneca Rocks. There are various segments of this trail that require work varying from less than 50 feet to several hundred yards. It is located in Pocahontas and Webster Counties, West Virginia. (By the way, if you're wondering how to pronounce Monongahela -- and who isn't? TRIP CANCELLED DUE TO COVID-19: Tread restoration, building rolling dips, removing berm to out slope tread on segments of the the Blue Bend Loop Trail located in the Big Draft Wilderness on the Monongahela National Forest. Helpful. I first walked the crest of Monongahela National Forest's North Fork Mountain Trail 20 years ago as part of a college lark. Twenty-five drive-in sites are RV and trailer friendly, with a maximum length of 35 feet. Within its boundaries are some of the most scenic spots in the country, camping locations that take advantage of the scenery, and a … Contact Information. During hunting seasons, hikers are urged to dress in high visibility clothing. If you want to stay in the Dolly Sods area, Red Creek Campground is the only established campsite, but backcountry camping is really common here. Starting with 7,200 acres of overused and abused land, today the Monongahela National Forest is a lush, beautiful, healthy hardwood forest. The only thing missing the trail maps is distance of hikes, so again, lesson learned- … Little-Known Fact: The famous Seneca Trail in the Monongahela National Forest followed the Potomac River, once linking the Algonquin, Tuscarora, and Seneca Native American tribes. In an effort to protect and restore Dolly Sods, the United States government purchased the area in 1916 and incorporated it into the Monongahela National Forest. #4 - North Fork Mountain Trail: Out-and-Back from WV-28. Explore camper reviews and photos of the campgrounds in Monongahela National Forest. Jan 23, 2018 near Davis, WV. Monongahela Seneca Creek Backcountry. Elkins, WV 26241 (304) 636-1800 . Watch for other vehicles and use extreme caution when driving. Piped water and flush toilets are available April through October. Boyer Station is nestled within the beautiful mountains of the Monongahela National Forest, in the town of Boyer, Pocahontas Click to Read More. More than 900,000 multi-use, public-access acres make this the ultimate natural escape. Classic eastern mountain scenery along West Virginia's skyline pathway. ... there are maps and the trails are marked. © 2020 Pocket Outdoor Media Inc. All Rights Reserved. There are numerous camping spots to pull off for free ★ ★ ★ ★ kimaginary4s 2 months, 3 weeks ago . Date of experience: November 2018. Be aware that poisonous timber rattlers and copperhead snakes are found in the area. Discover a slice of rare Eastern wild country in West Virginia, where Canadian taiga meets Southern forests. Ridgetop winds can be fierce. The actual North Fork Mountain Trail runs southeast all the way down to Route 33. You'll have to park your car right along 33, but there is parking there. Cheat-Potomac District Parsons 304-478-3251 Petersburg 304-257-4488 From Harrisonburg, Virginia, drive west on U.S. 33 to Franklin, West Virginia. An approximate 1.3 million visitors come to the Monongahela National Forest each year. After closing all of its campgrounds March 23 in response to the coronavirus pandemic, the Monongahela National Forest on Wednesday announced the closure of all developed day use areas and The Monongahela has five federally-designated Wilderness Areas: Otter Creek, Dolly Sods, Laurel Fork North, Laurel Fork South, and Cranberry; and one National Recreation Area, Spruce Knob - Seneca Rocks.. Seneca Rocks is one of the best-known landmarks in West Virginia. Located northwest of the Spruce Knob-Seneca Rocks National Recreation Area, Dolly Sods is comprised of a 10,215-acre wilderness and a 2,000-acre scenic area. The trail is so isolated and rugged that in places, it's in danger of being overrun by the mountain laurel, vast fern beds, flaming azaleas, and grasses that line the route. For those with cars to shuttle, the blue-blazed trail can be broken up into two roughly equal 12-mile sections, thanks to a dirt Forest Service road that meets the trail midway. It was a bit of a drive from where we live – three and a half hours – but we figured we could recover from all the hiking and driving on Monday. Most of the forest roads are narrow and winding, surfaced with gravel, and are often very rough. #6 - North Fork Mountain Trail: Redman Run Trail to Route 28, #7 - North Fork Mountain Trail and Redman Run Trail Point-to-Point. Island Camping Area. The Monongahela National Forest is a national forest located in the Allegheny Mountains of eastern West Virginia, USA.It protects over 921,000 acres (3,727 km 2; 1,439 sq mi) of federally owned land within a 1,700,000 acres (6,880 km 2; 2,656 sq mi) proclamation boundary that includes much of the Potomac Highlands Region and portions of 10 counties. Monongahela National Forest: Unspoiled, remote and incredible hikes - See 8 traveler reviews, 34 candid photos, and great deals for Elkins, WV, at Tripadvisor. Camping. Share. The road is recommended for four-wheel-drive vehicles only. Camping is allowed outside of designated areas, and there are cabin rentals in some areas. Monongahela National Forest, West Virginia: Hours, Address, Monongahela National Forest Reviews: 4.5/5. The trail winds along the lee side of the mountain rim cliffs. It's a place where such far-north species as aspen and white birch are treated to a little southern hospitality, and warmth-loving magnolias get a Yankee nod of approval for toughing it out so far north. There are wild goats that have been startling hikers for years. The mountain plays host to a dizzying assemblage of rare plants and animals. Start planning your West Virginia adventure. There are several trail options that pass this overlook, including a 24 mile point-to-point backpack of the North Fork Mountain Trail, but this adventure details the hike via the Landis Trail off of Smoke Hole Road. Don't get caught up in all the viewpoints and miss what's under your nose, though. Canaan Valley Resort and Blackwater Falls state parks lie to the north in West Virginia. Monongahela National Forest Camping: Campendium has 41 reviews of 38 Campgrounds in Monongahela National Forest. Respect areas of private land; the trail crosses private land in four areas. The fairly flat trail is ideal for those seeking the perfect overlook, because each tabletop rock outcropping provides an even more stunning vista than the last. Photos of Monongahela National Forest - 155. The Dolly Sods Wilderness is located on top of the Allegheny Plateau of West Virginia, and is part of the Monongahela National Forest. The views along this trail are incredible, as you traverse the spine of North Fork Mountain. I can happily report that this mountaintop trail in West Virginia is still as good as mountain country gets in the East. The North Fork Mountain Trail runs all the way from Route 33, northeast up to Route 28. A backpacking trip in this area will expose you to a very diverse and unique landscape with sphagnum bogs, grassy meadows lined by spruce trees, wind-carved boulders, and beautiful mountain vistas. Fees for developed campgrounds range between $5 and $30. A two-day, 17-mile zigzag along blueberry-lined mountain ridges will give you a dose of the 24,000-acre "Crown Jewel of the Monongahela," threatened by oil and gas drilling. The forest is beautiful! Now, one fine October day two decades later, I have returned, cringing at the possibility that the high-mountain pathway has been spoiled or that my memories had greatly exaggerated reality. Flat Rock Roaring Plains offers 20 miles of hiking trails where you can escape the crowds. The Cranberry Wilderness has been called the crown jewel of the Monongahela National Forest, which covers more than 47,000 acres filled with rhododendron thickets, rushing streams, wide-open meadows and breathtaking views. Forest and trail maps are available from the National Forest office and Seneca Rocks Visitor Center. Explore the most popular backpacking trails in Monongahela National Forest with hand-curated trail maps and driving directions as well as detailed reviews and photos from hikers, campers and nature lovers like you. Monongahela National Forest is a national forest in West Virginia. The larger trail systems in the forest that would be good for backpacking include: Lake Sherwood/Middle Mountain Area , Olson Tower/Blackwater Canyon , and Shavers Fork Area . Developed campgrounds, picnic areas, and visitor centers are located throughout the forest. Arbovale. Photo by: U.S Dept. of Agriculture. A stream passes by snow-laden trees in Monongahela National Forest. This route has the hiker starting at the North Fork Mountain Trail trailhead on Route 28. Read all 32 reviews. More than 1 million visitors a year tuck away into the Mon’s 23 campgrounds, 800-plus miles of trails and numerous lakes and rivers. A bird banding station is operated by West Virginia University and members of the Brooks Bird Club from mid-August to early October in the nearby. Eyeball to beak with impressively taloned hawks in West Virginia's Monongahela National Forest. If you'd like to lengthen your hike. Read more. Stay on trail where possible to avoid trampling sensitive plants along the edges of the trail and near cliffs. There is no available water along the trail. Forest and trail maps are available from the National Forest office and Seneca Rocks Visitor Center. The recommended seasons are spring and fall. The views along this trail are incredible, as you traverse the spine of North Fork Mountain. Winters can reach lows of 20 degrees F. While walking from the trail to the cliffs, you might discover white-tailed bucks lying low in the thick mats of blueberry bushes. Headquarters 200 Sycamore Street Elkins, WV 26241 (304) 636-1800. #1 - North Fork Mountain Trail: Out-and-Back from Route 33. Monongahela National Forest. You could leave a car at either end, and then hike the whole way point-to-point to the other end. The route on this page has the hiker starting at the southern terminus, Route 33, and then hiking the entirety of the route. The trail is actually longer than what is shown on this page. Any trail in the Monongahela National Forest can essentially be used as a backpacking location. Full view. you can continue southward on the trail. Time for the first leg of our West Virginia backpacking extravaganza. https://www.alltrails.com/.../monongahela-national-forest/backpacking In all its autumn grandeur, I thought it was the most beautiful place on Earth, so wild, remote, untrammeled, diverse, and pulsating with foliage that it overloaded the senses. North Fork Mountain, along with the Smoke Hole Canyon on the eastern spine of the mountain, was recently highlighted by the Nature Conservancy as one of the most remarkable natural areas in the eastern United States. "Monongahela National Forest Hiking Guide," a detailed guidebook that contains trail locations and topographic maps, is available for $12.95 from the visitor center and Petersburg Ranger District. Over Columbus Day weekend my husband and I went on a two-day trip backpacking at Spruce Knob in Monongahela National Forest, West Virginia. 200 Sycamore Street. For this route, it would be best to either leave a car or get a ride from the other end of the trail. Usually ripening from late June to early July, these morsels are delicious when eaten still warm from the sun. Like most national forests, these woods have been logged at various times, but the summit of North Fork Mountain was spared the axe. Monongahela National Forest Potomac Ranger District Route 3, Box 240 Petersburg, WV 26847 (304) 257-4488, Seneca Rocks Visitor Center Box 13 Seneca Rocks, WV 26884 (304) 567-2827. Directions to the trailhead, free maps, and more. Hikers can start this route from either direction, and there are even access trails for those looking to shorten their trip. Our favorite hike was Dolly Sods , it is a breathtaking experience that stays with you for months to come. Offices. The Monongahela National Forest: nearly 1 million acres of breathtaking scenery and mountain recreation. Each site is equipped with a … You could either get a ride or leave a car at this trailhead. This campground is one of five in the -Seneca Rocks National Recreation Area. The southern terminus of the trail is 9 miles west of Franklin at ridge crest on U.S. 33. If you're looking for a spectacular multi-day backpacking trip, this is the trail for you. Quintessential West Virginia Mountain Towns. Where to Stay: Camping is definitely the best option for the Monongahela National Forest. They scent the air with the sweet, slightly dry smell of fallen needles. Summers are hot and dry with highs in the 90s. Camping near Monongahela National Forest is easy with Hipcamp, where private landowners offer one-of-a-kind camping experiences. Overall a really fun hike. Weather in the area, especially on Spruce Knob, can be severe. This Forest ranges in elevation from 900 feet at Petersburg to 4,861 feet at Spruce Knob, the highest point in West Virginia. You could also hike back to the starting point on the North Fork Mountain Trail if you'd like to make this an out-and-back. The route on this page has the hiker starting at the southern terminus, Route 33, and then hiking roughly 9 miles, before turning around and returning to 33. Elevation ranges between 3,000 and 3,795 feet, with some small saddles and moderately difficult knobs. On the Map. The route on this page has hiker taking a left onto Redman Run Trail, and ending their hike there. Here the trail passes through an ancient forest consisting of several oak species that are stunted and twisted by the wind. This Wilderness area contains a unique ecosystem with over 30 miles of hiking trails. The 50-mile-long Massanutten range in Virginia may be D.C.'s top-secret hiking getaway. North Fork Mountain Trail: Out-and-Back from Route 33, North Fork Mountain Trail: Out-and-Back from WV-28, North Fork Mountain Trail: Route 33 to Route 28, North Fork Mountain Trail: Redman Run Trail to Route 28, North Fork Mountain Trail and Redman Run Trail Point-to-Point. Campgrounds in the Seneca Rocks area include Big Bend, Seneca Shadows, and the privately-owned Yokums Private Vacationland. Feb 28, 2020 near Franklin, WV. There are many campsites and springs along the way. United States ; West Virginia (WV) ... Best national Forrest we visited in two weeks hiking. Bartow. The extensive backwoods road and trail system is available for hiking , mountain biking and horseback riding . The … But wander 100 yards or less from the rim and the world becomes one of roaring wind and gnarled pines that are missing branches on their windward sides. Add Your Photos. Our comprehensive guide to the best backpacking you can find in West Virginia. Also, beware that many of the roads leading to trailheads are unsaved, ... We drove through part of the Monongahela National Forest when leaving Elkins, WV. The North Fork Mountain Trail actually runs all the way from Route 33, northeast up to Route 28. You may consider leaving a car or getting a ride from the southern terminus at Route 33. Linger at sunset and you can watch as the horizon fades to soft pink. You'll have to park your car right along 33, but there is parking there. Findit! View a Trail Map of Dolly Sods. Chimney Rock (also referred to as Chimney Top) is a hidden gem in the Monongahela National Forest that offers some of the best views in the state of West Virginia. For state park information, call (800) CALL-WVA. May 18, 2015 near Davis, WV. Explore 82.5 miles over 26 trails in Monongahela National Forest, Davis, West Virginia. Boyer Motel and Railroad Rest. The Monongahela provides a wide range of recreational opportunities, from back country camping and hiking to mountain biking, fishing, and wildlife viewing. It is legal to do dispersed camping anywhere that is not otherwise restricted. Be prepared for rain throughout the year and snow in every season but summer. The Monongahela National Forest is located in eastern West Virginia, 100 miles northeast of Charleston and 8 miles west of Franklin. Hikers can start this route from either direction, and there are even access trails for those looking to shorten their trip, or make it a point-to-point. Birds and deer are your only companions on this stretch of the Allegheny Trail. The woodland wonderland covers the north central highlands of West Virginia. Dec 3, 2018 near Marlinton, WV. Monongahela National Forest Hiking Guideby Allen de Hart and Bruce Sundquist This hiking guide features more than 200 maintained hiking trails with a cumulative distance of over 835 miles; trails are appropriate for hiking, backpacking and ski touring adventures. By 1915, Dolly Sods’ forest land was decimated, and the area was essentially ecologically destroyed. While hiking trails in the area offer great ways to explore the forest, rock climbing is the area's main attraction. Blueberries and huckleberries can be found in the high alpine openings in the Spruce Knob area. The area also has plenty of spots that are perfect for backcountry camping, and you might even see a black bear or 2. Hiking Project is built by hikers like you. May 18, 2015 near Davis, WV. Will go back. The crisp air and clear skies make for perfect star gazing conditions around a campfire. For more information on the area, contact the Petersburg Chamber of Commerce at (304) 257-2722. "Monongahela National Forest Hiking Guide," a detailed guidebook that contains trail locations and topographic maps, is available for $12.95 from the visitor center and Petersburg Ranger District. Monongahela National Forest, West Virginia Situated in the Northern portion of West Virginia’s Monongahela National Forest is a piece of hiker heaven called the Dolly Sods. The Monongahela National Forest comprises roughly a million acreas of National Forest System lands in West Virginia and lies within 400 miles of an estimated 96,000,000 people. The Monongahela National Forest just might be the definitive high-mountain forest experience that includes roughly a million acres and reaches an elevation of 4,863 feet. The gate of the Stuart Recreation Area welcomes visitors to leisure on the Monongahela National Forest. The Monongahela National Forest is a recreation destination and major tourism attraction. https://www.alltrails.com/parks/us/west-virginia/monongahela-national-forest Visit Site E-mail Us. Monongahela National Forest 200 Sycamore Street Elkins, West Virginia 26241 (304) 636-1800 Telephone/TTY Cranberry Wilderness Description: The 35, 864 acre Cranberry Wilderness in the Monongahela National Forest is part of the National Wilderness Preservation System. Monongahela National Forest, Elkins: See 8 reviews, articles, and 34 photos of Monongahela National Forest, ranked No.8 on Tripadvisor among 29 attractions in Elkins. Backpacking at Spruce Knob. Except for the lack of water, the entire length of the 24-mile North Fork Mountain Trail is ideal for a two- or three-day backpacking trip. And $ 30 on U.S. 33 to Route 28 Rocks Visitor Center and Seneca Visitor. Especially on Spruce Knob area actually runs all the way is a National Forest reviews: 4.5/5 Route either... 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