National Forests

Begin your forest wandering with a trip to the Monongahela National Forest. This national forest is home to many of West Virginia’s most iconic spots, so be sure to carve out enough time to explore each one. Start with Dolly Sods Wilderness Area, which spans across three counties. Dolly Sods is the highest plateau east of the Mississippi River with altitudes reaching higher than 4,100 feet. Take Forest Road 75 to reach Bear Rocks Preserve – a 477 acres portion of Dolly Sods and one of the most photographed areas in the state. Spend some time hiking at the preserve and exploring the unique ecosystem.

For your next stop, it’s time to experience some Almost Heaven adventure, and that’s exactly what you’ll find in the Spruce Knob-Seneca Rocks National Recreation Area. Rising hundreds of feet above forested mountains and towering over the South Branch of the Potomac River, Seneca Rocks features complicated summits only accessible by technical climbing routes. A paradise for nature lovers, Spruce Knob is a gorgeous destination to simply relax and explore the great outdoors. It’s also home to some of the darkest skies east of the Mississippi, making it a sought-after stargazing hotspot.

End your explorations with an insiders trip to the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests. Here, your heading south and experiencing the scenic vistas of Monroe Country.  Hike up to the Hanging Rock Raptor Observatory for unobstructed picturesque views and a secret place to watch for raptors. While in the area, explore the forests’ incredible fishing holes, hiking trails, campsites and wildlife watching.