U.S. Forest Service - Monongahela National Forest

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U.S. Forest Service - Monongahela National Forest Monongahela National Forest is a unit of the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service.

The National Forest Foundation, chartered by Congress, engages Americans in community-based and national programs that promote the health and public enjoyment of the 193-million-acre National Forest System, administers private gifts of funds and land for the benefit of the National Forests. http://www.nationalforests.org/

The Forest Service manages a system of 154 national forests, 20 national grasslands, and 222 research and experimental forests, as well as other special areas, covering more than 192 million acres of public land. The Forest Service has evolved into a 30,000 employee agency that manages the national forests for a number of multiple uses, including recreation, timber, wilderness, minerals, water, grazing, fish, and wildlife. Monongahela National Forest provides visitors with more than 920,000 acres of scenic vistas, country roads, flowing streams and abundant plant and animal life. The Forest was established in 1920 and encompasses one of the most ecologically diverse areas in the United States. Elevations range from just under 1,000 feet to 4,863 feet above sea level. Monongahela National Forest is a working forest providing timber, water, grazing, minerals and recreational opportunities. Be sure to follow Leave No Trace Principles as you explore your Forest!

UPDATE ON FOREST ROAD 76 / CRANBERRY RIVER ROADRoad construction projects along two short stretches of the Cranberry Riv...
10/22/2026

UPDATE ON FOREST ROAD 76 / CRANBERRY RIVER ROAD

Road construction projects along two short stretches of the Cranberry River Rd are ongoing. These construction projects are repairing embankment failures caused by severe rain events in recent years.

While we had intended to open the entirety of FR76 by the end of October, heavy rains in recent days have caused delays in road repairs.

For Site 1, near Barrenshe, we anticipate this section of road to remain closed through November 6.
See: https://www.fs.usda.gov/sites/nfs/files/r09/monongahela/image/alerts/Closure%20Order%20%2309-21-02-26-05%20FR76%20Exhibit%20A.jpg

For Site 2, we anticipate this section of road to remain closed through December 18.
See: https://www.fs.usda.gov/sites/nfs/files/r09/monongahela/image/alerts/Closure%20Order%20%2309-21-02-26-05%20FR76%20Exhibit%20B.jpg

The Monongahela National Forest is closely coordinating with WV DNR to allow trout stocking trucks access along the Cranberry River.

Image: Backpackers walking along Cranberry River Road. Forest Service photo.

UPDATE ON FOREST ROAD 86 / WILLIAMS RIVER ROADThe Monongahela National Forest is currently repaving the entire 18.6 mile...
10/22/2026

UPDATE ON FOREST ROAD 86 / WILLIAMS RIVER ROAD

The Monongahela National Forest is currently repaving the entire 18.6 mile stretch of the Williams River Road. A much needed project following extreme rainfall events that caused road degradation and failure in multiple spots.

The section currently closed is from the beginning of the road (Dyer end) to White Oak Rd. The remaining sections are presently open.

Multiple crews are working 7 days a week and are tackling multiple sections of the road at a time, while maintaining as much access as possible. We anticipate construction activities for this season to conclude by November 6, at which point the entire road will reopen. Final completion of the project will occur next spring with final paving of the wearing surface.

The Monongahela National Forest is closely coordinating with WV DNR to allow trout stocking trucks access along the Williams River.

Image: Fly fishing on the Williams River. Forest Service photo.

The Monongahela National Forest, Greenbrier Ranger District is inviting comments for a project to use commercial (896 ac...
10/09/2026

The Monongahela National Forest, Greenbrier Ranger District is inviting comments for a project to use commercial (896 acres) and non-commercial (296 acres) silvicultural treatments along with prescribed fire (965 acres) to promote oak-hickory regeneration, forest age class diversity, and enhanced habitat structure. This project aims to promote wildlife habitat diversity, forest health, and ecosystem resilience. The project area is located roughly 3 miles East of Valley Bend, Randolph County, WV, along County Route 37 and Forest Road 487.

Field surveys show that the project area, like much of the Monongahela National Forest, has less young forest habitat and fewer oak-dominated forests than desired under the Forest Plan. Oaks and other fire-adapted trees are becoming less common, while species such as maple are increasing.

These changes reduce the variety of habitats available to wildlife, including ruffed grouse, golden-winged warbler, American woodcock, and pollinator communities.

To address these conditions, the Forest Service is considering treatments on approximately 1,468 acres within a 3,144-acre project area to improve wildlife habitat, encourage oak regeneration, and support healthier, more diverse forests.
Please submit comments no later than November 13, 2026. Written comments should be submitted to the Responsible Official: Shane Jones, District Ranger, Greenbrier Ranger District, PO Box 67, Bartow, WV 24920 (mail); Comments can be hand-delivered to the Bartow office; 7409 Staunton Parkersburg Turnpike from: 8:00am-4:30pm Monday- Friday, excluding holidays. Electronic comments can be emailed to: [email protected]. Please state “Crawford Focus Area" in the subject line when providing electronic comments, or on the envelope. Please visit the project webpage at:
https://usfs-public.app.box.com/s/23zdcz3iqf4mxe69ea3rg9qrcn7nud1f
or contact Kris Hennig, NEPA planner, at [email protected] or call (304) 635-4475 for additional information.

10/09/2026

Monongahela National Forest staff plan to conduct fall prescribed burns on 726 acres in Pocahontas and Tucker counties from mid-October through mid-November, weather permitting. The purposes of these treatments are to re-establish fire’s natural role in the forest ecosystem, improve forest health and wildlife habitat, and reduce the threat of catastrophic wildfires.

Project areas planned for prescribed burns this fall include:

- Upper Greenbrier North: 464 acres (Pocahontas County)
- Nursery Bottom: 52 acres (Tucker County)
- Upper John B. Hollow: 210 acres (Tucker County)

Each burn area will be closed to the public on the day of the burn, and may be closed for several days after, to ensure public safety.

Prescribed burns are conducted under specific weather conditions and are designed to accomplish pre-determined forest management goals. Monongahela National Forest follows strict guidelines for conducting prescribed burns, and takes into consideration environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, smoke dispersion and wind. If any environmental conditions are not within limits, the burn will be postponed.

Additional information will be shared in advance of each prescribed burn.

10/09/2026

Find your next adventure at the Monongahela National Forest in West Virginia. The North Fork Mountain Trail leads to stunning views like this one from Chimney Top, where sunrise lights up the cliffs and fall colors stretch for miles. Lace up your boots and come explore! https://www.fs.usda.gov/visit/fall-colors

(Forest Service photo.)

Looking for a new place to picnic on the Marlinton/White Sulphur Ranger District? The Monongahela National Forest recent...
10/06/2026

Looking for a new place to picnic on the Marlinton/White Sulphur Ranger District?

The Monongahela National Forest recently completed a new picnic shelter at Anthony Boat Launch in Greenbrier County. Even better, all of the lumber used to build the shelter cam from hazard trees removed from Pocahontas Campground - giving that wood a new purpose right here on the forest.

Stop by for a picnic, take in the fall colors, and enjoy the beauty of Anthony Creek and the Greenbrier River. We hope you'll enjoy this new gathering place for years to come!

CLOSURE NOTICE:The U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service is restricting public access to sections of Forest Roa...
10/02/2026

CLOSURE NOTICE:

The U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service is restricting public access to sections of Forest Road 18 within the Monongahela National Forest to protect public health and safety during construction activities.

The closure order will go into effect on Monday, October 5, 2026 at 6:00 AM and remain in effect until Monday, October 26, 2026 at 6:00 PM or until rescinded.

For more information, please visit: https://www.fs.usda.gov/r09/monongahela/alerts/forest-road-18-closure-public-health-and-safety

09/15/2026

We have received multiple calls today regarding the closures on Forest Road 19.

In efforts to clear things up, Forest Road 19, from the intersection of Forest Road 75 continuing 5.3 miles in an easterly direction to the intersection of County Road 28 is closed now - September 25.

Forest Road 19, from the intersection of Forest Road 75 heading west toward Laneville is OPEN. Major trailheads, including South Prong trailhead, Boars Nest, Red Creek, and Flat Rock Run are OPEN and accessible. For more information, please visit: https://www.fs.usda.gov/r09/monongahela/alerts/national-forest-system-road-19-road-closure-public-health-and-safety.

Address

200 Sycamore Street
Elkins, WV
26241

Telephone

+13046361800

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