About
The Monongahela National Forest covers more than 900,000 acres of mountain country in eastern West Virginia, with its main administrative base in Elkins. It is a place for visitors who want to be outdoors, with wide stretches of forest rather than a single site to tour.
What the forest offers
- Hiking on a network of trails through the mountains
- Camping within the forest's wild landscape
- Wildlife, with a range of species living across its varied terrain
- Wilderness areas, several of them set aside within the forest
Because the forest is open year round, the same trails can be walked in different seasons, each offering its own view of the mountains and woodland.
Planning a visit
The forest is spread over a large area, so it helps to decide in advance which part you want to explore. The Elkins office at 200 Sycamore Street is the place to ask about the area, and the forest can be reached by phone at +1-304-636-1800.
Elkins itself is the most convenient base for a trip, giving visitors a town to stay in and return to after a day on the trails. Those who come for a few days of walking, camping and quiet time among the hills will find the forest suited to that kind of visit.