View source for Monongahela National Forest

{{Short description|National forest in West Virginia, United States}}
{{Use American English|date=June 2025}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=February 2025}}
{{Infobox protected area
| name = Monongahela National Forest
| iucn_category = 
| photo = MonNatForest.jpg
| photo_caption = View from the slopes of [[Back Allegheny Mountain]] looking east. Visible are [[Allegheny Mountain (West Virginia, Virginia)|Allegheny Mountain]] (middle distance) and [[Shenandoah Mountain]] (far distance). The latter is in the [[George Washington National Forest]] of [[Virginia]].
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| map_caption = Location of Monongahela National Forest
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| location = West Virginia, United States
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| coordinates = {{coord|38|55|45|N|79|50|52|W|display=inline,title}}
| coords_ref = <!-- stats -->
| length = 
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| area_acre = 921150
| area_ref = <ref name=area>{{cite web |title=Land Areas of the National Forest System |publisher=U.S. Forest Service |date=January 2012 |url=http://www.fs.fed.us/land/staff/lar/LAR2011/LAR2011_Book_A5.pdf |access-date=June 30, 2012}}</ref>
| elevation = 
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| authorized = 
| created = 
| designated = 
| established = April 28, 1920
| named_for = [[Monongahela River]], in whose watershed much of the original forest was located
| visitation_num = 
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| owner = <!-- website, embedded -->
| website = https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/mnf/home
| embedded = 
}}

The '''Monongahela National Forest''' is a [[U.S. National Forest|national forest]] located in the [[Allegheny Mountains]] of eastern [[West Virginia]], US.  It protects over {{convert|921000|acre|km2 sqmi|0}} of federally managed land within a {{convert|1700000|acre|km2 sqmi|0}} proclamation boundary that includes much of the [[Potomac Highlands of West Virginia|Potomac Highlands Region]] and portions of 10 counties.<ref name="MNF About">{{cite web|url=http://fs.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsinternet/!ut/p/c4/04_SB8K8xLLM9MSSzPy8xBz9CP0os3gjAwhwtDDw9_AI8zPwhQoY6BdkOyoCAPkATlA!/?ss=110921&navtype=BROWSEBYSUBJECT&cid=FSE_003840&navid=170000000000000&pnavid=null&position=BROWSEBYSUBJECT&ttype=main&pname=Monongahela%20National%20Forest-%20About%20the%20Forest|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091210030358/http://fs.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsinternet/!ut/p/c4/04_SB8K8xLLM9MSSzPy8xBz9CP0os3gjAwhwtDDw9_AI8zPwhQoY6BdkOyoCAPkATlA!/?ss=110921&navtype=BROWSEBYSUBJECT&cid=FSE_003840&navid=170000000000000&pnavid=null&position=BROWSEBYSUBJECT&ttype=main&pname=Monongahela%20National%20Forest-%20About%20the%20Forest|url-status=dead|archive-date=December 10, 2009|title=About the Forest|publisher=Monongahela National Forest|access-date=April 13, 2010}}</ref>

The Monongahela National Forest includes some major landform features such as the [[Allegheny Front]] and the western portion of the [[Ridge-and-valley Appalachians]]. Within the forest boundaries lie some of the highest mountain peaks in the state, including the highest, [[Spruce Knob]] (4,863&nbsp;ft). Spruce Knob is also the highest point in the Allegheny Mountains. Approximately 75 tree species are found in the forest. Almost all of the trees are a [[Secondary forest|second growth forest]], grown back after the land was heavily cut over around the start of the 20th century. Species for which the forest is important include [[red spruce]] (''Picea rubens''), [[balsam fir]] (''Abies balsamea''), and [[Sorbus americana|mountain ash]] (''Sorbus americana'').

The Monongahela National Forest includes eight [[U.S. Wilderness Area]]s and several special-use areas, notably the [[Spruce Knob–Seneca Rocks National Recreation Area]].

==Geography==
The Monongahela National Forest encompasses most of the southern third of the [[Allegheny Mountains]] range (a section of the vast [[Appalachian Mountains]] range) and is entirely within the state of West Virginia. Elevations within the Monongahela National Forest range from about {{convert|900|ft|m}} at [[Petersburg, West Virginia|Petersburg]] to {{convert|4863|ft|m}} at Spruce Knob. A [[rain shadow effect]] caused by slopes of the [[Allegheny Front]] results in {{convert|60|in|mm}} of annual precipitation on the west side and about half that on the east side.

Headwaters of six major river systems are located within the forest: [[Monongahela River|Monongahela]], [[Potomac River|Potomac]], [[Greenbrier River|Greenbrier]], [[Elk River (West Virginia)|Elk]], [[Tygart Valley River|Tygart]], and [[Gauley River|Gauley]]. Twelve rivers are currently under study for possible inclusion in the [[National Wild and Scenic Rivers System]].

==Administration==
The main administrative headquarters is located in [[Elkins, West Virginia]]. The Monongahela also includes four ranger districts. The forest includes 105 permanent employees, seasonal employees, and volunteers.

Monongahela National Forest is currently divided into four ranger districts.<ref name="MNF Forest Plan">{{cite web|url=http://www.fs.fed.us/r9/mnf/plan_revision/final_plan_feis/Final_Plan/Forest_Plan.pdf|format=PDF|title=Monongahela National Forest: Land and Resource Management Plan|date=September 2006|publisher=Monongahela National Forest|access-date=2009-01-19|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070221095502/http://www.fs.fed.us/r9/mnf/plan_revision/final_plan_feis/Final_Plan/Forest_Plan.pdf|url-status=live|archive-date=2007-02-21}}</ref> The Cheat-Potomac and Marlinton-White Sulphur Springs were formed by combining their namesake districts; in the merged districts, the offices for both original districts were retained.
* Cheat-Potomac Ranger District, Headquarters: [[Parsons, West Virginia]]
** Office (former HQ, Potomac Ranger District) at [[Petersburg, West Virginia]]
* Gauley Ranger District, Headquarters: [[Richwood, West Virginia]]
* Greenbrier Ranger District, Headquarters: [[Bartow, West Virginia]]
* Marlinton-White Sulphur Springs Ranger District, Headquarters: [[Marlinton, West Virginia]]
** Office (former HQ, White Sulphur Springs Ranger District) at [[White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia]]

==History==
The Monongahela National Forest was established following the [[Weeks Act]] passage in 1911. This act authorized the purchase of land for long-term watershed protection and natural resource management following the massive cutting of the eastern forests in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. In 1915, {{convert|7200|acre|km2}} were acquired to begin the forest, called the "Monongahela Purchase", and on April 28, 1920, it became the "Monongahela National Forest". By the end of 1924, the Monongahela National Forest had total ownership of some {{convert|150367|acre|km2|0}}.

Although [[white-tail deer]] never vanished from the Monongahela National Forest, from the 1890s to the 1920s their numbers dropped substantially. In January 1930, eight deer procured from [[Michigan]] were released into the forest near [[Parsons, West Virginia|Parsons]]. From 1937 to 1939, a total of 17 more deer were released in the [[Flatrock-Roaring Plains]] area of the Forest.<ref>DeGarmo, W. R. (1949), ''A White-tailed Deer Study''; Final Report, W-8-R, Phase B, Statewide Wildlife Survey, West Virginia Conservation Commission, [[Charleston, West Virginia]], 184pp.</ref><ref>Lesser, Walter A. and Jack I. Cromer [http://www.canaanvi.org/canaanvi_web/uploadedFiles/Events/Past_Events/lesser_paper.pdf Unpublished MS: ''Historical Review of Wildlife Management in Canaan Valley and Surrounding Area''] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110911163305/http://www.canaanvi.org/canaanvi_web/uploadedFiles/Events/Past_Events/lesser_paper.pdf |date=2011-09-11 }}, [[West Virginia Division of Natural Resources]], pg 2.</ref> These releases served as the nucleus for reestablishing the healthy breeding populations of eastern West Virginia. (By the mid-1940s, deer were so numerous in the area that crop farmers had to patrol their fields by night.<ref>DeGarmo, W.R., and J. Gill (1958),'' West Virginia White-tails'', Conservation Commission of West Virginia, Charleston, West Virginia, 87 pp.</ref>)

In 1943 and 1944, as part of the [[West Virginia Maneuver Area]], the [[U.S. Army]] used parts of the Monongahela National Forest as a practice [[artillery]] and [[mortar (weapon)|mortar]] range and maneuver area before troops were sent to Europe to fight in World War II. Artillery and mortar shells shot into the area for practice are still occasionally found there today. [[Seneca Rocks]] and other area cliffs were also used for assault climbing instruction. This was the Army's only low-altitude climbing school.

The [[Fisher (animal)|fisher]] (''Pekania pennanti''), believed to have been exterminated in the state by 1912, was reintroduced during the winter of 1969. At that time 23 fishers were translocated from New Hampshire to two sites within the boundaries of the Monongahela National Forest (at [[Canaan Mountain]] in Tucker County and [[Cranberry Glades]] in Pocahontas County).{{update after|2016|4|12}}

In 1980, and again in 2005, the Monongahela National Forest was the venue for the annual [[counterculture]] [[Rainbow Gathering]].<ref name="Rainbow">{{cite web|title=Rainbow Gathering|url=https://www.wvencyclopedia.org/articles/1974|website=West Virginia Encyclopedia|publisher=West Virginia Humanities Council|access-date=August 17, 2017}}</ref>

In 1993, the [[Craig Run East Fork Rockshelter]] and [[Laurel Run Rockshelter]] in the Gauley Ranger District were listed on the [[National Register of Historic Places]].<ref name="nris">{{NRISref|version=2010a}}</ref>

In 2011 West Virginia Senator [[Joe Manchin]] requested the [[National Park Service]] study the feasibility of transferring the northern portions of Monongahela National Forest to the NPS, including the [[Spruce Knob–Seneca Rocks National Recreation Area]], the [[Dolly Sods Wilderness]], and the [[Otter Creek Wilderness]]. Advocates had proposed the area be designated as High Allegheny National Park and Preserve. Interconnecting public lands would become Preserve Areas, where hunting would be allowed; and adjacent private working farms and forests would be eligible for voluntary Heritage Area conservation easements. In October 2011, the [[National Park Service]] announced a Reconnaissance Survey, to be conducted from January to September 2012, to "determine whether the historic, natural, and recreational resources in the project area are 'likely' or 'unlikely' to meet congressionally required criteria for the designation of potential units of the National Park System".<ref>[http://www.highalleghenynp.org/documents/npspressrelease.pdf “National Park Service Announces Reconnaissance Survey of the Allegheny Highlands”] [Press Release], 27 October 2011.</ref>

Historic Civil War sites within the proposed park and preserve include the [[Rich Mountain Battlefield]], [[Beverly Historic District]], [[Cheat Summit Fort]], [[Camp Bartow]], and [[Camp Allegheny]]. The historic Blackwater Industrial Complex in [[Tucker County]]—preserving artifacts of the coal, coke and timber empire of early West Virginia entrepreneur and Senator [[Henry Gassaway Davis]]—would also be included.

In early 2012 Senator Manchin dropped his request for the study. Commentators on Manchin's approach to the proposal had noted that "the senator seemed to be in favor of a possible NPS label in the area only if there were no changes in existing land use or management practices". In February 2012, the NPS Director observed that some of Manchin's requests were incompatible with longstanding NPS policy, saying in part that "the continuation of extractive activities such as timber harvesting and oil and gas development would make the establishment of a national park infeasible".<ref>Burnett, Jim (2012), [http://www.nationalparkstraveler.com/2012/03/are-prospects-new-national-park-or-preserve-west-virginia-dead9610 "Are Prospects for a New National Park or Preserve in West Virginia Dead?"], @NationalParksTraveler.com (27 March).</ref>

==Statistics and general information==
[[Image:BlackwaterCanyon.jpg|thumb|[[Blackwater Canyon]]]]
[[Image:DouglasFallsWV.JPG|thumb|Douglas Falls on the [[North Fork Blackwater River]]]]

===General===
* Land area: over {{convert|919000|acre|km2|0}}<ref name="MNF About" />
* Wilderness areas: {{convert|94991|acre|km2|0}}<ref name="MNF Big Draft Wilderness" /><ref name="MNF Cranberry Wilderness" /><ref name="MNF Dolly Sods Wilderness" /><ref name="MNF Laurel Fork Wilderness" /><ref name="MNF Otter Creek Wilderness" /><ref name="MNF Roaring Plains West Wilderness" /><ref name="MNF Spice Run Wilderness" />
* Roads: {{convert|570|mi}}
* Visitor centers: 2 (Cranberry Mountain Nature Center and Seneca Rocks Discovery Center)
* Designated Scenic Areas: 3
* Visitor observation towers: 2 ([[Bickle Knob]] Tower and Olson Tower)
* Picnic areas: 17
* Campgrounds: 23
* Snowmobile areas: 1 (Highland Scenic Highway)
* Wildlife management areas (managed with [[West Virginia Division of Natural Resources]]): 10
* Warm-water fishing steams: {{convert|129|mi}}
* Trout streams: {{convert|578|mi}}
* Impoundments (reservoirs): 5

===Trails===
* Trails: 825 miles (1,327&nbsp;km)
** Outside Wilderness Areas: 660 miles (1,062&nbsp;km), ''not counting the 3 newest wildernesses''
** In Wilderness Areas: 165 miles (265&nbsp;km), ''not counting the 3 newest wildernesses''

===Natural features===
* Wilderness areas: 8

===Sensitive species===
* Sensitive plants and wildlife: 50
* Threatened and endangered species: 9

==Ecology==
The forest is noted for its rugged landscape, views, blueberry thickets, highland bogs and "[[sods]]", and open areas with exposed rocks. In addition to the second-growth forest trees, the wide range of botanical species found includes [[Rhododendron maximum|rhododendron]], [[Kalmia latifolia|laurel]] on the moist west side of the Allegheny Front, and [[Eastern prickly pear|cactus]] and endemic shale barren species on the drier eastern slopes.

There are 230 known species of birds inhabiting the Monongahela National Forest: 159 are known to breed there, 89 are [[Neotropical]] migrants; 71 transit the forest during migration, but do not breed there, and 17 non-breeding species are Neotropical. The [[Brooks Bird Club]] (BBC) conducts an annual bird banding and survey project in the vicinity of [[Dolly Sods]] Scenic Area during migration (August – September). The forest provides habitat for 9 federally listed endangered or threatened species: 2 bird species, 2 bat species, 1 subspecies of flying squirrel, 1 salamander species, and 3 plant species. Fifty other species of rare/sensitive plants and animals also occur in the forest.

Larger animals and game species found in the forest include [[American black bear|black bear]], [[wild turkey]], [[white-tailed deer]], [[Eastern gray squirrel|gray]] and [[fox squirrel]]s, [[Eastern cottontail|rabbits]], [[snowshoe hare]], [[woodcock]], and [[Ruffed grouse|grouse]]. Limited waterfowl habitat exists in certain places. Furbearers include [[North American beaver|beaver]], [[red fox|red]] and [[gray fox]], [[bobcat]], [[fisher (animal)|fisher]], [[North American river otter|river otter]], [[raccoon]] and [[American mink|mink]]. Other hunted species include [[eastern coyote|coyote]]s, [[Striped skunk|skunks]], [[Virginia opossum|opossums]], [[groundhog|woodchuck]]s, [[American crow|crows]], and [[weasel]]s. There are 12 species of game (pan) fish and 60 species of nongame or [[forage fish]]. Some 90% of the trout waters of West Virginia are within the forest.

==Recreation==
The Monongahela National Forest is a recreation destination and tourist attraction, hosting approximately 3&nbsp;million visitors annually.{{citation needed|date=December 2017}} The backwoods road and trail system is used for [[hiking]], [[mountain biking]], [[horse riding]]. Many miles of railroad grades are a link in the recreation use of the forest. (The longest is the [[Glady, West Virginia|Glady]] to Durbin West Fork Railroad Trail which is {{convert|23|mi|km}} long.) Recreation ranges from self-reliant treks in the wildernesses and backcountry areas, to rock climbing challenges, to traditional developed-site camping.{{citation needed|date=December 2017}} [[Canoeing]], [[hunting]], [[animal trapping|trapping]], fishing, and [[wildlife]] viewing are also common uses.

===Campgrounds===
The following are developed campgrounds in the forest:<ref>[http://www.fs.fed.us/r9/mnf/rec/rog_campgrounds/campground_alpha.htm Monongahela National Forest Campground Information Index]</ref>
{{div col|colwidth=24em}}
* Bear Heaven Campground
* Big Bend Campground
* Big Rock Campground
* Bird Run Campground
* Bishop Knob Campground
* Blue Bend Recreation Area and Campground
* Cranberry Campground
* Cranberry River Sites
* Day Run Campground
* Gatewood Group Camp
* Horseshoe Campground
* Island Campground
* Jess Judy Group Campground
* [[Lake Sherwood (West Virginia)|Lake Sherwood]] Recreation Area and Campground
* Laurel Fork Campground
* Lower Glady Dispersed Campground
* [[Middle Mountain Cabins]]
* Pocahontas Campground
* Red Creek Campground
* Seneca Shadows Campground
* Spruce Knob Lake Campground
* Stuart Campground
* Stuart Group Campground
* Summit Lake Campground
* Tea Creek Campground
* [[Williams River (West Virginia)|Williams River]] sites
{{div col end}}

==Commercial resources==
The forest administration maintains wildlife and timber programs aimed at the responsible management of a mixed-age forest. About 81 percent of the total forest area is closed canopy forest over 60 years of age. The tree species most valuable for timber and wildlife food in the Monongahela National Forest are [[black cherry]] and [[oak]]s. The forest's commercial timber sale program averages 30 mbf (thousand board feet) of timber sold per year with a yearly average value of $7.5 million. Various cutting techniques are used, from cutting single trees to clearcutting blocks up to {{convert|25|acre|m2}} in size. Regeneration cuts (clear-cuts or other treatments designed to start a new timber stand) occur on approximately {{convert|1300|acre|km2}} yearly out of the more than {{convert|909000|acre|km2}} forest total.

Mineral resources located in the Monongahela National Forest include coal, gas, [[limestone]], and [[gravel]]. Sheep and cattle grazing occurs on about {{convert|7000|acre|km2}}.

Receipts for timber, grazing, land uses, minerals, and recreation use averaged $4,840,466 annually between FY92 and FY96, and 25% of that (an average of $1,210,116 per year) was returned to counties that include Monongahela National Forest lands. This money is intended for use by local schools and roads. The remaining 75% each year is returned to the U.S. Treasury.

==Areas of interest==
[[Image:RoaringPlains.jpg|thumb|[[Roaring Plains Wilderness]]]]
[[Image:SpruceKnobLake.wmg.jpg|thumb|Canada geese in Spruce Knob Lake]]
[[Image:Seneca Rocks West Virginia USA.jpg|thumb|[[Seneca Rocks]]]]
[[Image:BackAlleghenyMountain.jpg|thumb|[[Back Allegheny Mountain]]]]
[[Image:YokumKnobView.JPG|thumb|View from atop Yokum Knob]]

===[[Spruce Knob–Seneca Rocks National Recreation Area]]===
* [[Spruce Knob]]
* [[Seneca Rocks]]
* [[River Knobs (West Virginia)|River Knobs]]
* [[Spruce Knobs lake]]
* [[Sites Homestead]]
* [[Smoke Hole Canyon]]

===Wilderness Areas===
* [[Big Draft Wilderness]], ''{{convert|5144|acre|km2|0}}''<ref name="MNF Big Draft Wilderness">{{cite web|url=http://fs.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsinternet/!ut/p/c5/04_SB8K8xLLM9MSSzPy8xBz9CP0os3gjAwhwtDDw9_AI8zPyhQoYAOUjMeXDfODy-HWHg-zDrx8kb4ADOBro-3nk56bqF-RGGGSZOCoCAPi8eX8!/dl3/d3/L2dJQSEvUUt3QS9ZQnZ3LzZfME80MEkxVkFCOTBFMktTNUJIMjAwMDAwMDA!/?navtype=BROWSEBYSUBJECT&recid=12370&actid=&navid=110000000000000&pnavid=&ss=110921&position=&ttype=recarea&pname=Monongahela%20National%20Forest%20-%20Big%20Draft%20Wilderness|title=Big Draft Wilderness|publisher=Monongahela National Forest|access-date=April 13, 2010}}{{dead link|date=June 2025|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref>
* [[Cranberry Wilderness]], ''{{convert|47815|acre|km2|0}}''<ref name="MNF Cranberry Wilderness">{{cite web|url=http://fs.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsinternet/!ut/p/c5/04_SB8K8xLLM9MSSzPy8xBz9CP0os3gjAwhwtDDw9_AI8zPyhQoYAOUjMeXDfODy-HWHg-zDrx8kb4ADOBro-3nk56bqF-RGGGSZOCoCAPi8eX8!/dl3/d3/L2dJQSEvUUt3QS9ZQnZ3LzZfME80MEkxVkFCOTBFMktTNUJIMjAwMDAwMDA!/?navtype=BROWSEBYSUBJECT&recid=12368&actid=&navid=110000000000000&pnavid=&ss=110921&position=&ttype=recarea&pname=Monongahela%20National%20Forest%20-%20Cranberry%20Wilderness|title=Cranberry Wilderness|publisher=Monongahela National Forest|access-date=April 13, 2010}}{{dead link|date=June 2025|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref>
* [[Dolly Sods Wilderness]], ''{{convert|17371|acre|km2|0}}''<ref name="MNF Dolly Sods Wilderness">{{cite web|url=http://fs.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsinternet/!ut/p/c5/04_SB8K8xLLM9MSSzPy8xBz9CP0os3gjAwhwtDDw9_AI8zPyhQoYAOUjMeXDfODy-HWHg-zDrx8kb4ADOBro-3nk56bqF-RGGGSZOCoCAPi8eX8!/dl3/d3/L2dJQSEvUUt3QS9ZQnZ3LzZfME80MEkxVkFCOTBFMktTNUJIMjAwMDAwMDA!/?navtype=BROWSEBYSUBJECT&recid=12366&actid=&navid=110000000000000&pnavid=&ss=110921&position=&ttype=recarea&pname=Monongahela%20National%20Forest%20-%20Dolly%20Sods%20Wilderness|title=Dolly Sods Wilderness|publisher=Monongahela National Forest|access-date=April 13, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100528135622/http://fs.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsinternet/!ut/p/c5/04_SB8K8xLLM9MSSzPy8xBz9CP0os3gjAwhwtDDw9_AI8zPyhQoYAOUjMeXDfODy-HWHg-zDrx8kb4ADOBro-3nk56bqF-RGGGSZOCoCAPi8eX8!/dl3/d3/L2dJQSEvUUt3QS9ZQnZ3LzZfME80MEkxVkFCOTBFMktTNUJIMjAwMDAwMDA!/?navtype=BROWSEBYSUBJECT&recid=12366&actid=&navid=110000000000000&pnavid=&ss=110921&position=&ttype=recarea&pname=Monongahela%20National%20Forest%20-%20Dolly%20Sods%20Wilderness|archive-date=May 28, 2010|url-status=dead}}</ref>
* [[Laurel Fork North Wilderness]], ''{{convert|6055|acre|km2|0}}''<ref name="MNF Laurel Fork Wilderness">{{cite web|url=http://fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5090669.pdf|title=Laurel Fork Wilderness brochure|publisher=Monongahela National Forest|access-date=April 13, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100528153708/http://fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5090669.pdf|archive-date=May 28, 2010|url-status=dead}}</ref>
* [[Laurel Fork South Wilderness]], ''{{convert|5784|acre|km2|0}}''<ref name="MNF Laurel Fork Wilderness" />
* [[Otter Creek Wilderness]], ''{{convert|20698|acre|km2|0}}''<ref name="MNF Otter Creek Wilderness">{{cite web|url=http://fs.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsinternet/!ut/p/c5/04_SB8K8xLLM9MSSzPy8xBz9CP0os3gjAwhwtDDw9_AI8zPyhQoYAOUjMeXDfODy-HWHg-zDrx8kb4ADOBro-3nk56bqF-RGGGSZOCoCAPi8eX8!/dl3/d3/L2dJQSEvUUt3QS9ZQnZ3LzZfME80MEkxVkFCOTBFMktTNUJIMjAwMDAwMDA!/?navtype=BROWSEBYSUBJECT&recid=12369&actid=&navid=110000000000000&pnavid=&ss=110921&position=&ttype=recarea&pname=Monongahela%20National%20Forest%20-%20Otter%20Creek%20Wilderness|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120503171945/http://www.fs.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsinternet/!ut/p/c5/04_SB8K8xLLM9MSSzPy8xBz9CP0os3gjAwhwtDDw9_AI8zPyhQoYAOUjMeXDfODy-HWHg-zDrx8kb4ADOBro-3nk56bqF-RGGGSZOCoCAPi8eX8!/dl3/d3/L2dJQSEvUUt3QS9ZQnZ3LzZfME80MEkxVkFCOTBFMktTNUJIMjAwMDAwMDA!/?navtype=BROWSEBYSUBJECT&recid=12369&actid=&navid=110000000000000&pnavid=&ss=110921&position=&ttype=recarea&pname=Monongahela+National+Forest+-+Otter+Creek+Wilderness|url-status=dead|archive-date=May 3, 2012|title=Otter Creek Wilderness|publisher=Monongahela National Forest|access-date=April 13, 2010}}</ref>
* [[Roaring Plains West Wilderness]], ''{{convert|6792|acre|km2|0}}''<ref name="MNF Roaring Plains West Wilderness">{{cite web|url=http://fs.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsinternet/!ut/p/c5/04_SB8K8xLLM9MSSzPy8xBz9CP0os3gjAwhwtDDw9_AI8zPyhQoYAOUjMeXDfODy-HWHg-zDrx8kb4ADOBro-3nk56bqF-RGGGSZOCoCAPi8eX8!/dl3/d3/L2dJQSEvUUt3QS9ZQnZ3LzZfME80MEkxVkFCOTBFMktTNUJIMjAwMDAwMDA!/?navtype=BROWSEBYSUBJECT&recid=12371&actid=&navid=110000000000000&pnavid=&ss=110921&position=&ttype=recarea&pname=Monongahela%20National%20Forest%20-%20Roaring%20Plains%20West|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120813213731/http://www.fs.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsinternet/!ut/p/c5/04_SB8K8xLLM9MSSzPy8xBz9CP0os3gjAwhwtDDw9_AI8zPyhQoYAOUjMeXDfODy-HWHg-zDrx8kb4ADOBro-3nk56bqF-RGGGSZOCoCAPi8eX8!/dl3/d3/L2dJQSEvUUt3QS9ZQnZ3LzZfME80MEkxVkFCOTBFMktTNUJIMjAwMDAwMDA!/?navtype=BROWSEBYSUBJECT&recid=12371&actid=&navid=110000000000000&pnavid=&ss=110921&position=&ttype=recarea&pname=Monongahela%2520National%2520Forest%2520-%2520Roaring%2520Plains%2520West|url-status=dead|archive-date=August 13, 2012|title=Roaring Plains West Wilderness|publisher=Monongahela National Forest|access-date=April 13, 2010}}</ref>
** [[Mount Porte Crayon]]
* [[Spice Run Wilderness]], ''{{convert|6030|acre|km2|0}}''<ref name="MNF Spice Run Wilderness">{{cite web|url=http://fs.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsinternet/!ut/p/c5/04_SB8K8xLLM9MSSzPy8xBz9CP0os3gjAwhwtDDw9_AI8zPyhQoYAOUjMeXDfODy-HWHg-zDrx8kb4ADOBro-3nk56bqF-RGGGSZOCoCAPi8eX8!/dl3/d3/L2dJQSEvUUt3QS9ZQnZ3LzZfME80MEkxVkFCOTBFMktTNUJIMjAwMDAwMDA!/?navtype=BROWSEBYSUBJECT&recid=12372&actid=&navid=110000000000000&pnavid=&ss=110921&position=&ttype=recarea&pname=Monongahela%20National%20Forest%20-%20Spice%20Run%20Wilderness|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120813213752/http://www.fs.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsinternet/!ut/p/c5/04_SB8K8xLLM9MSSzPy8xBz9CP0os3gjAwhwtDDw9_AI8zPyhQoYAOUjMeXDfODy-HWHg-zDrx8kb4ADOBro-3nk56bqF-RGGGSZOCoCAPi8eX8!/dl3/d3/L2dJQSEvUUt3QS9ZQnZ3LzZfME80MEkxVkFCOTBFMktTNUJIMjAwMDAwMDA!/?navtype=BROWSEBYSUBJECT&recid=12372&actid=&navid=110000000000000&pnavid=&ss=110921&position=&ttype=recarea&pname=Monongahela%2520National%2520Forest%2520-%2520Spice%2520Run%2520Wilderness|url-status=dead|archive-date=August 13, 2012|title=Spice Run Wilderness|publisher=Monongahela National Forest|access-date=April 13, 2010}}</ref>

===National Natural Landmarks===
{{main|List of National Natural Landmarks in West Virginia}}
* [[Big Run Bog]]
* [[Blister Run Swamp]]
* [[Canaan Valley]]
* [[Cranberry Glades Botanical Area]]
* [[Fisher Spring Run Bog]]
* [[Gaudineer Scenic Area]]
* [[Germany Valley|Germany Valley Karst Area]]
* [[Shavers Mountain Spruce-Hemlock Stand]]
* [[Sinnett-Thorn Mountain Cave System]]

===Sites listed on the [[National Register of Historic Places]]===
{{incomplete list|date=December 2015}}
:''Only sites actually on USFS land are listed here.''
* [[Rohrbaugh Cabin]]
* [[Craig Run East Fork Rockshelter]]
* [[Laurel Run Rockshelter]]
* [[Sites Homestead]]

===Stands of old-growth forest===
Some {{convert|318|acre|km2}} of true [[old-growth forest]] have been documented within the Monongahela National Forest.<ref>[[U.S. Forest Service|Forest Service]], [[U.S. Department of Agriculture]] (September 2006), [http://www.wvhighlands.org/mnf_fp/Land_and_Resource_Management_Plan.pdf ''Monongahela National Forest Land and Resource Management Plan''] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080513230352/http://www.wvhighlands.org/mnf_fp/Land_and_Resource_Management_Plan.pdf |date=2008-05-13 }}; Appendix B, pg 4.</ref> The largest of these areas are:
* Fanny Bennett Hemlock Grove, ''a {{convert|70|acre|m2|adj=on}} [[Tsuga canadensis|eastern hemlock]] stand''
* [[Gaudineer Scenic Area]], ''50 acres of virgin [[red spruce]] forest''
* [[North Fork Mountain]] Red Pine Botanical Area, ''10 acres of [[red pine]] old growth forest''
* North [[Spruce Mountain (West Virginia)|Spruce Mountain]] Old Growth Site, ''about {{convert|17|acre|m2}}''
* Shavers Mountain Spruce-Hemlock Stand, ''a {{convert|68|acre|m2|adj=on}} [[red spruce]]-[[Tsuga canadensis|hemlock]] stand, partly in the [[Otter Creek Wilderness]]''
* Virgin White Pine Botanical Area, ''a {{convert|13|acre|m2|adj=on}} [[Eastern white pine|white pine]] stand''

===Other features===
* [[Fernow Experimental Forest]]
* [[Lake Sherwood (West Virginia)|Lake Sherwood]]
* [[Summit Lake (West Virginia)|Summit Lake]]
* [[Falls of Hills Creek]]
* [[Highland Scenic Highway]]
* [[Williams River (West Virginia)|Williams River]]
* [[Stuart Memorial Drive]]
* [[Flatrock Plains]]
* [[Sinks of Gandy Creek]]

==Gallery==
<gallery>
Image:Monongahela National Forest - Entrance Gate.jpg|Entrance gate along Old [[U.S. Route 33|US 33]] east of [[Elkins, West Virginia|Elkins]]
Image:NorthForkMountain.wmg.jpg|North Fork Mountain
Image:Monongahela National Forest - Middle Mountain Cabins.jpg|Middle Mountain Cabins
Image:Highland scenic highway.jpg|[[Highland Scenic Highway]]
Image:Lake Sherwood (West Virginia).jpg|[[Lake Sherwood (West Virginia)|Lake Sherwood]]
Image:Olson Observation Tower.jpg|[[Olson Observation Tower]]
Image:SinksofGandyCreek1.jpg|The [[Sinks of Gandy Creek]]
Image:Fernow Experimental Forest - Entrance Sign.jpg|[[Fernow Experimental Forest]]
Image:SmokeHoleGorge.JPG|[[Smoke Hole Canyon]] from atop Cave Mountain
File:A small portion of the Fanny Bennett Hemlock Grove on one side of Spruce Knob, West Virginia's highest mountain, in Pendleton County LCCN2015634475.tif|Fanny Bennett Hemlock Grove
</gallery>

==See also==
* [[List of national forests of the United States]]

==References==
===Citations===
{{reflist|2}}

===Other sources===
* McKim, C.R. (1970), ''Monongahela National Forest History'', Unpublished manuscript available at the Monongahela National Forest Office, [[Elkins, West Virginia]].
* de Hart, Allen and Bruce Sundquist (2006), ''Monongahela National Forest Hiking Guide'', 8th edition, West Virginia Highlands Conservancy, [[Charleston, West Virginia]].
* Berman, Gillian Mace, Melissa Conley-Spencer, Barbara J. Howe and Charlene Lattea (1992), ''The Monongahela National Forest: 1915-1990'', Morgantown, West Virginia: WVU Public History Program; For the United States Forest Service: Monongahela National Forest. (March 1992)
* DeMeo, Tom and Julie Concannon (1996), "On the Mon: Image and Substance in West Virginia's National Forest", ''Inner Voice'', Vol. 8, Issue 1, January/February.
* Weitzman, Sidney (1977), ''Lessons from the Monongahela Experience'', USDA, Forest Service, December.
* ''This article contains information that originally came from US Government publications and websites and is in the public domain.''

==External links==
{{commons category|Monongahela National Forest}}
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20120210075940/http://www.fs.usda.gov/main/mnf/home Monongahela National Forest Webpage on the USDA Forest Service Website]
* [https://www.recreation.gov/camping/gateways/1090 Recreation.Gov Page]

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[[Image:River Knobs in West Virginia - Nelson Rocks - 1.jpg|thumb|center|950px|{{center|[[River Knobs (West Virginia)|River Knobs]], [[Pendleton County, West Virginia]]}}]]
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{{Monongahela National Forest}}
{{Protected Areas of West Virginia}}
{{National Forests of the United States}}

{{authority control}}

[[Category:Monongahela National Forest| ]]
[[Category:National forests of West Virginia]]
[[Category:National forests of the Appalachians]]
[[Category:Allegheny Mountains]]
[[Category:Protected areas of Grant County, West Virginia]]
[[Category:Protected areas of Greenbrier County, West Virginia]]
[[Category:Protected areas of Nicholas County, West Virginia]]
[[Category:Protected areas of Pendleton County, West Virginia]]
[[Category:Protected areas of Pocahontas County, West Virginia]]
[[Category:Protected areas of Preston County, West Virginia]]
[[Category:Protected areas of Randolph County, West Virginia]]
[[Category:Protected areas of Tucker County, West Virginia]]
[[Category:Protected areas of Webster County, West Virginia]]
[[Category:Campgrounds in West Virginia]]
[[Category:Protected areas established in 1920]]
[[Category:1920 establishments in West Virginia]]
[[Category:West Virginia placenames of Native American origin]]