U.S. Forest Service - Monongahela National Forest

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 gr

asslands, 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!

Happy National Trails Day! Today, we celebrate the incredible trails of the Monongahela National Forest and honor the ye...
06/06/2026

Happy National Trails Day! Today, we celebrate the incredible trails of the Monongahela National Forest and honor the year-round dedication required to keep them safe, accessible, and beautiful. Maintaining hundreds of miles of diverse Appalachian trails is a massive team effort. Our dedicated staff, crew members, and passion-driven volunteers put in serious sweat equity. They clear fallen trees, repair erosion damage, clear brush, and restore delicate pathways so you can connect seamlessly with nature.

To mark this special day, educational and stewardship events have rolled out across all four of our Ranger Districts:
Thank you to everyone who joined our events to give back to the public lands we all share!

Whether you are backpacking a remote loop or taking a quick scenic stroll, please help us care for these spaces by practicing Leave No Trace principles. Pack out your trash, respect wildlife, and stay on designated paths.

How are you spending your day in the woods? Drop your favorite Monongahela trail memory in the comments below! 👇


Photo by Mon Forest Towns @ the Monday Lick Trail System in Marlinton, WV.

06/02/2026

Enjoy offline maps, safety alerts, and the most complete collection of Forest Service recreation sites and trails ever released—all in one easy-to-use app. Download the National Forests and Grasslands app, explore your favorite trails and check out events happening during National Trails Day on Saturday, June 6, 2026. https://www.fs.usda.gov/visit/maps/mobile-app

06/01/2026

It is National Forest Week!

05/29/2026

Join the Monongahela National Forest as we explore unique and special places across the Forest. Our final episode. 4 of 4 of the Ranger Recommendations series takes us to the Greenbrier Ranger District. Guided by District Ranger Shane Jones, we will journey through some of Shane’s favorite spots to explore on the district.

Looking for something to do this summer? Here are some events coming to the Cranberry Mountain Nature Center:Cranberry M...
05/27/2026

Looking for something to do this summer? Here are some events coming to the Cranberry Mountain Nature Center:

Cranberry Mountain Nature Center 2026 Events & Programs

Most Sundays starting May 24, 2026
1:00 PM - Snakes of West Virginia: Join Roy Moose for a presentation on native snakes of West Virginia.

Saturday, June 27, 2026
10:00 AM - Native Orchids: Join Rosanna Springston for a presentation on native orchids, followed by a guided walking tour.

Sunday, June 28, 2026
1:00 PM - 4:00 PM - Scenic Drive Day: Enjoy a classic car show and live music by the Black Mountain Bluegrass Boys.

Saturday July 11, 2026
10:00 AM - Historical Glades Tour: Join Rosanna Springston for a guided walking tour around the boardwalk and learn about the natural and cultural history of Cranberry Glades. Meet at Cranberry Mountain Nature Center.

Saturday, August 8, 2026
10:00 AM - Mushrooms: Join Rosanna Springston for a presentation on mushrooms, followed by a guided walking tour of the nature trail.

Saturday, August 29, 2026
10:00 AM - Spiders: Join Jodi French-Burr for a presentation on spiders, followed by a guided walking tour.

Sunday, September 27, 2026
11:00 AM - 4:00 PM - Cranberry Shindig: Enjoy a one-day celebration of Appalachian culture featuring artisans, demonstrations, clogging and traditional music.

All programs are free and will be held rain or shine. Participants joining the walking tour portion should be prepared to walk a moderate distance, bring water, and wear sturdy, comfortable footwear.

The Cranberry Mountain Nature Center is located at the junction of Rt. 39/55 and Rt. 150, 23 miles east of Richwood and 14 miles west of Marlinton.

Are you passionate about the great outdoors, recreation, natural resource education and outreach, or environmental stewa...
05/26/2026

Are you passionate about the great outdoors, recreation, natural resource education and outreach, or environmental stewardship? The Monongahela National Forest is seeking motivated applicants to fill three AmeriCorps conservation positions through the Appalachian Forest National Heritage Area.

Gain experience working with the U.S. Forest Service – Monongahela National Forest while supporting conservation, recreation, and/or nature education in the heart of wild and wonderful West Virginia. Positions currently being advertised for this season are 900-hour, ~6-month long seasonal positions serving with US Forest Service personnel on various projects in central WV. For more information and details for how to apply, please follow this link https://www.appalachianforestnha.org/positions

Seeking to fill these positions ASAP!

Open Positions

Cranberry Mountain Nature Center Technician – Richwood, WV
The Cranberry Mountain Nature Center (CMNC) is located on the Gauley Ranger District in the South Zone of the Monongahela National Forest near Hillsboro, WV at the intersection of SR 39/5and FR 150 (Highland Scenic Highway, serving visitors and local communities drawn to the area’s scenic beauty and outdoor recreation opportunities. The purpose of this position is to benefit both the AmeriCorps member and CMNC to serve the public, with the member supporting day-to-day visitor services while also helping to deliver interpretive and educational programming and strengthening connections with community partners. The duty station will be Richwood, WV.

Seneca Rocks Discovery Center Technician- Seneca Rocks or Petersburg, WV
The Cheat-Potomac Ranger District is located within the North Zone of the Monongahela National Forest and serves a high volume of visitors recreating at Spruce Knob-Seneca Rocks National Recreation Area, Dolly Sods, Roaring Plains and Otter Creek Wilderness areas, Canaan Mountain Backcountry and many trail and camping opportunities. The purpose of this position is to benefit both the AmeriCorps member and the Cheat-Potomac Ranger district to serve and educate the public at Seneca Rock Discovery Center (SRDC), maintain and improve trails and wilderness, and strengthening working relationships with community partners. The duty station will be Seneca Rocks or Petersburg, WV.

Monongahela National Forest Watershed and Fisheries Technician – Marlinton, WV
Do you love the science behind stream ecology, fisheries, and watershed health? Are you enthusiastic about the beauty and importance of brook trout, macroinvertebrates, and watershed restoration? Come serve a summer with the Monongahela National Forest Watershed team! We focus on habitat restoration and stream monitoring, with opportunities to be involved with state, federal, and local non-profit partners with similar goals. Additional education and outreach activities will be available and include working with school groups, Forest Service events, Envirothon, and other public presentations. Members support their organizations and communities by supporting and managing volunteers who accomplish environmental stewardship and/or community development activities.

https://www.appalachianforestnha.org/positions

Forest Service offices will be closed today in observance of the federal holiday, but national forests and grasslands re...
05/25/2026

Forest Service offices will be closed today in observance of the federal holiday, but national forests and grasslands remain open for your enjoyment. Stay safe, pack out what you pack in and enjoy your big backyard!

05/23/2026

Every forest has a history, and so do you.

As we celebrate , tell us about the tree or forest that left a mark on your life. Maybe it inspired you, sheltered you, fed you, or sparked a lifelong love of the outdoors.

Share your photo and story, then tag someone to share theirs.

Together, we celebrate healthy forests and the people who care for them.

(Forest Service photo by Tanya E Flores)

05/22/2026

West Virginia Resource Advisory Committee is soliciting proposals for Title II projects

Elkins, W.Va., May 22, 2026— ELKINS, West Virginia. — The West Virginia Resource Advisory Committee (WVRAC) is soliciting proposals for Title II projects to be implemented across the National Forest. Project proposals will be accepted from May 22nd, 2026 through June 22nd, 2026.
Funding will be provided through the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act, which provides payments to counties as compensation for the loss of tax income associated with federal land within their boundaries.
By law, Title II projects must provide direct or indirect benefits to natural resources on National Forest lands. Projects must be located in Greenbrier, Pocahontas, Randolph, Tucker, or Webster Counties and can be on federal or private land. The proposed projects should aim to enhance forest ecosystems, improve water quality or improve existing infrastructure within the Monongahela National Forest.
Previous projects have accomplished watershed restoration, stream stabilization, invasive plant treatments, native plant reestablishment, wildlife and fish habitat improvements, and trail or road maintenance. Selected projects are typically funded in the $10k – $50k range.
Individuals and organizations are encouraged to submit project proposals as early as possible. It is the responsibility of the proponent to coordinate with Forest Service staff and partner agencies to ensure that the proposal is complete and meets the intent of the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self Determination Act. The proposals must also be pre-approved by the district ranger or forest supervisor where the project resides before being submitted. Project applications and instructions on how to submit a proposal are available online at the West Virginia RAC website.
The WVRAC, which represents a wide variety of citizen interests, will review all proposals, and recommend projects for funding. Proponents will be notified of the RAC meeting schedule and are encouraged to attend the meetings, which are open to the public, to answer questions about their projects.
Additional information about the Secure Rural Schools Act can be found at https://www.fs.usda.gov/working-with-us/secure-rural-schools. Questions can be directed to WVRAC Coordinator, Kristopher Hennig, at [email protected] or (304) 635-4475.

About the Forest Service: The Forest Service has, for more than 100 years, brought people and communities together to answer the call of conservation. Grounded in world-class science and technology — and rooted in communities — the Forest Service connects people to nature and to each other. The Forest Service cares for shared natural resources in ways that promote lasting economic, ecological, and social vitality. The agency manages 193 million acres of public land, provides assistance to state and private landowners, and maintains the largest wildland fire and forestry research organizations in the world. The Forest Service also has either a direct or indirect role in stewardship of about 900 million forested acres within the U.S., of which over 130 million acres are urban forests where most Americans live.

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender.

Address

200 Sycamore Street
Elkins, WV
26241

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