Monogahela National Forest

The Monongahela National Forest was established following passage of the 1911 Weeks Act. This act authorized the purchase of land for long-term watershed protection and natural resource management following massive cutting of the Eastern forests in the late 1800's and at the turn of the century.

In 1915, 7,200 acres were acquired to begin the forest, called the Monongahela Purchase, and then on April 28, 1920 it became the Monongahela National Forest. Today the forest is over 919,000 acres in federal ownership in 10 counties in West Virginia, making it the fourth largest National Forest in 20 northeastern states. It is within one day's drive of one-third of the population of the United States.

The forest is a recreation destination and major tourism attraction, hosting approximately 3 million visitors annually.

There are 23 campgrounds, 17 picnic areas, and 500 plus miles of hiking trails. The extensive backwoods road and trail system is used for hiking, mountain biking and horse riding. There are many miles of railroad grades that are a link in the recreation use of the Forest. The longest is the Glady to Durbin West Fork Railroad Trail which is 23 miles long.

Recreation ranges from self reliant treks in the wildernesses and backcountry areas to the challenges of mountain climbing to traditional developed site camping.

Five federally designated Wildernesses: Otter Creek, Dolly Sods, Laurel Fork North, Laurel Fork South, and Cranberry; and one National Recreation Area, Spruce Knob - Seneca Rocks.

There are 230 species of birds known to use the Monongahela NF; 159 species are known to breed in the NF; 89 species are Neotropical migrants; 71 species use the forest during migration, but do not breed here, 17 non-breeding species are Neotropical.

The forest provides habitat for 9 federally listed endangered or threatened species: 2 bird species, 2 bat species, 1 subspecies of flying squirrel, 1 salamander species, and 3 plant species. Fifty other species of rare/sensitive plants and animals occur in the forest.

Hunting, trapping, fishing, and wildlife viewing are popular uses. Game species include black bear, wild turkey, white-tailed deer, gray and fox squirrels, rabbits, snowshoe hare, woodcock, and grouse. Limited waterfowl habitat exists in places. Furbearers include beaver, red and gray fox, bobcat, fisher, otter, raccoon and mink. Other hunted species include coyotes, skunks, opossums, woodchucks, crows, and weasels.

The Monongahela has 129 miles of warm water fishing and 576 miles of trout streams; 90% of the trout waters of West Virginia are within the forest.

There are 12 species of game/pan fish and 60 species of nongame/forage fish.

Headwaters of six major river systems are located on the forest: Monongahela, Potomac, Greenbrier, Elk, Tygart, and Gauley.

The forest is noted for its rugged landscape with spectacular views, blueberry thickets, highland bogs, and open areas with exposed rocks.

Wide range of botanical species found includes rhododendron, laurel on the moist west side of the Allegheny Front, and cactus and endemic shale barren species on the drier eastern slopes.

Ranges in elevation from 900 feet at Petersburg to 4,861 feet at Spruce Knob, the highest point in West Virginia.

Sheep and cattle grazing occurs on about 7,000 acres.

Approximately 75 tree species are found on the forest.

Contact an America Outdoors outfitter for recretaional opportunities in Monogahela National Forest.