West for Public Lands Virginians
Roadless Areas In The Monongahela National Forest
The “Roadless Rule” was established by the US Forest Service in 2001 after an extensive inventory and mapping of undeveloped public lands. Today the Roadless Rule conserves 44.8 million acres in 37 states.
There are 182,000 roadless acres among the three national forests within West Virginia. The Monongahela National Forest has the largest share at 162,000 acres, followed by the George Washington NF (15,700 ac) and the Jefferson NF (4,800 ac).
Aside from our federally designated wilderness areas, Inventoried Roadless Areas provide some of the most sought-after backcountry recreational opportunities in the Monongahela National Forest. In many instances they already overlap with the "semi primitive backcountry recreation" management prescription in our Forest Plan.
North Mountain: Popular area known for rocky ridges offering scenic views of the North Fork of the South Branch of the Potomac River. The 2017 "best hike in WV" from Backpacker Magazine. Previously an IMBA Epic ride. The driest habitat in WV. North Fork Mountain Trail and Chimney Rocks are well known.
Seneca Creek: An IMBA Epic ride can take you from the summit of West Virginia's highest mountain down along a world-class trout stream. Extreme kayakers have been known to paddle Seneca Creek. Very popular areas include Judy Springs, Seneca Creek Trail, and Huckleberry Trail.
Roaring Plains: A critical link between the Roaring Plains West and Dolly Sods wilderness. The southern extreme of boreal forest-type habitat. High elevation plateau on the edge of the Allegheny Front - the most vertical relief in the state. Include Boars Nest Trail and Roaring Plains Trail.
Tea Creek: In the beautiful Williams River valley. Loved by the local mountain biking community and another IMBA epic. Contains three trail shelters and ruins of historic logging camps. Main trails include Tea Creek Trail and Gauley Mountain Trail
Hills Creek: Contains a very popular short trail to the Falls of Hills Creek, a series of three waterfalls with the last one being one of the tallest waterfalls in West Virginia (63').
Cheat Mountain: A scenic excursion train named the Cheat Mountain Salamander goes along the border (maybe just outside?) of the Cheat Mountain IRA, stopping at the High Falls of the Cheat, which are only accessible via rail or trail.
Canaan Loop, Little Allegheny Mountain, Middle Mountain, and Little Mountain: all contain segments of the Allegheny Trail, a 330 mile north-to-south trail through West Virginia and the Monongahela National Forest from the Appalachian Trail to the Mason-Dixon line. Canaan Loop has two trail shelters for backpackers.
East Fork Greenbrier: adjacent to the Island Campground managed by USFS, a popular spot for fishermen.
Marlin Mountain: contains a portion of the Greenbrier River Trail, a 78-mile rail-to-trail and a WV State Park. A favorite among bicyclists and equestrians.
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