Monongahela National Forest Travel Guide

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Mountain biking in Monongahela National Forest, West Virginia
Mountain biking in Monongahela National Forest, West Virginia (Steve Rubin)
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Monongahela National Forest Travel Tips

  • At a whopping 919,000+ acres, Monongahela National Forest occupies the entire eastern third of West Virginia. Not surprisingly, it's packed with hundreds of miles of great mountain-biking trails, especially around the small towns of Davis and Slatyfork. Ride the 25-mile Plantation Trail system, which carves its way through a thick forest of rhododendrons, rocks, streams, and vines. Davis-based Blackwater Bikes rents bikes and has trail guides.
  • There are loads of hiking options in "The Mon." Frequently thought of as a weekend backpacking destination, the Mon actually offers quite a range of hiking options, from day hikes of all types and sizes to two-week backpacking excursions.
  • Among the creatures to be found in the mountains, valleys, forests, thickets, wetlands, and open areas of the vast Monongahela National Forest are some 230 species of birds—plus the one species, Homo sapiens, that delights most in observing them.
  • For an adventuresome experience, try backcountry camping, but avoid roads, trails, and streams; practice Leave No Trace principles; and use only existing fire rings or stoves. One suggestion: Camp within walking distance of Big Beechy Run's lovely waterfall in the Cranberry Wilderness.
  • One of the best ways to go in the picturesque Monongahela National Forest is by motor vehicle. Use the network of highways and back roads to create your own tours (great scenery is almost guaranteed) or adapt the following suggestions.

Monongahela National Forest Overview

Mo-non-ga-he-la—it's fun just to say. But it's more fun to go there. This national forest is located within a day's drive of much of the east coast, but it remains secluded and quiet, with ample opportunities for the visitor to escape crowds. Country roads are often gravel and encourage slow driving. Restaurants, motels, and other services are found in the many scattered, small communities throughout the forest. Read More

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  • Where are there "primitive campsites"? I would like to camp for free while in Monongahela. Can you please give me specific directions. Thank you.
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Hotels

from: $216

The Greenbrier

Best Resorts & Lodges
300 West Main Street
White Sulphur Springs, WV 24986 Map

Distance: 58.7 mi.
(from destination center)

Hotel Class: 3 class stars

Expert Rated & Recommended
5.0
5.0

Elk River Touring Center

HC 69 Box 7
Slatyfotk, WV 26291 Map

Distance: 16.5 mi.
(from destination center)

Hotel Class: Not Yet Rated
Expert Rated & Recommended
4.0
from: $99

Snowshoe Mountain Resort

10 Snowshoe Drive
Snowshoe, WV 26026 Map

Distance: 18.2 mi.
(from destination center)

Hotel Class: 2 class stars

Expert Rated & Recommended
4.0
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Attractions

Spruce Knob-Seneca Rocks National Recreation Area

expert favorite attraction
Seneca Rocks Discovery Center
Seneca Rocks, West Virginia 26884

Distance: 22.2 mi. (from destination center)

Description:

Encompassing 100,000 acres, the scenic Spruce Knob-Seneca Rocks National Recreation Area (NRA)... Read More

Expert Rated & Recommended
5_0
5_0

Highland Scenic Byway

expert favorite attraction
c/o Marlinton Ranger District, PO Box 210, Monongahela National Forest
Marlinton, West Virginia 24954-0210

Distance: 28.1 mi. (from destination center)

Description:

Travel through a wild and undeveloped portion of the Monongahela National Forest on the Highland... Read More

Expert Rated & Recommended
5_0
4_0

Otter Creek Wilderness Area

expert favorite attraction
c/o Cheat-Potomac Ranger District, HC 59, Box 240
Petersburg, West Virginia 26847

Distance: 28.8 mi. (from destination center)

Description:

Otter Creek Wilderness is located on the Cheat-Potomac Ranger District of the Monongahela... Read More

Expert Rated & Recommended
5_0
4_0
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Airports

Major Airports near Monongahela National Forest

Distance (mi.)
Washington Dulles International Airport 131.5 map
Pittsburgh International Airport 136.0 map
Washington Ronald Reagan National Airport 152.6 map

Other Smaller Airports near Monongahela National Forest

Distance (mi.)
Staunton Shenandoah Valley Airport 54.2 map
Clarksburg Benedum Airport 56.2 map
Lewisburg Greenbrier Valley Airport 59.7 map

Feature Articles

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Monongahela National Forest Vacation Rentals

check rates
from: $1642

3 Bedroom VACATION HOME in CHEHALIS, WA

Bedrooms: 3
Bathrooms: 1
Sleeps: 6
Amenities: Cable/Satellite TV, DVD Player, Fireplace, Hot Tub, Phone, Stereo, TV
check rates
from: $246

3 Bedroom VACATION HOME in CHEHALIS, WA

Bedrooms: 3
Bathrooms: 2
Sleeps: 6
Amenities: Cable/Satellite TV, Internet Access, Phone
check rates
from: $39

3 Bedroom VACATION HOME in CHEHALIS, WA

Bedrooms: 3
Bathrooms: 3
Sleeps: 10
Amenities: Cable/Satellite TV, DVD Player, Fireplace, Hot Tub, Laundry, No Pets, Non-Smoking, Phone, Stereo, Stove, TV
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