Monongahela National Forest
Nearly a million acres of public ground. Native brook trout streams, black bear country, and some of the best backcountry hunting east of the Mississippi.
If you're heading into the Mon, stop by first. We're your last reliable stop for licenses, ammo, and local knowledge.
What to Hunt
White-tailed Deer
The higher elevations mean the rut can hit a little different up here — old-timers will tell you it peaks later than down in the valleys. Plenty of mature bucks in the remote sections where hunting pressure is light.
Best areas: Remote ridges and benches away from roads. The thick mountain laurel and rhododendron provides excellent bedding cover.
Black Bear
West Virginia has some of the highest bear densities on the East Coast, and the Mon is prime bear country. Archery and crossbow season runs late September through December. Gun seasons run concurrent with deer firearms season.
Best areas: Higher elevations with beechnut and oak mast. Grant and Pendleton counties have particularly good bear numbers.
Note: Bear Damage Stamp required. Check WV DNR for current zone regulations — bear hunting is prohibited in Cranberry Wilderness.
Wild Turkey
Mature hardwood forests throughout the Mon make for excellent turkey hunting. Spring gobblers work the ridges at dawn. The remote terrain means less pressure and birds that haven't heard every call in the book.
Best areas: Ridge tops in mature timber for roosting. Old logging roads and wildlife openings for strutting.
Ruffed Grouse
The regenerating timber areas and mixed-age forests provide good grouse habitat. Season typically runs October through February. Bring a good pair of boots — you'll cover some ground.
Best areas: Young timber stands, creek edges, and areas recovering from timber harvest. Higher elevations also hold snowshoe hare.
Squirrel & Small Game
All that oak and hickory produces excellent mast years. Gray and fox squirrels are abundant throughout the forest. Good opportunity to introduce new hunters to the woods.
Best areas: Mature hardwood stands, especially oak flats. Early morning when they're cutting.
Hunting regulations set by WV DNR. No baiting or feeding wildlife on public land. Portable tree stands and ground blinds only. Check current seasons and regulations →
Fishing Waters
The Mon has over 600 miles of cold water streams with native brook trout, plus another 350 miles of stocked seasonal waters. Some folks say the brook trout fishing in the headwaters is as good as it gets anywhere east of the Rockies.
Williams River
Considered one of the five best trout streams in West Virginia. Cold water, low turbidity, and 22 miles of stocked water. Rainbow, golden rainbow, brown, and brook trout. Check the stocking hotline for current poundage.
Best spots: Between Tea Creek Campground and Three Forks. The "dead water" section between Scenic Highway Bridge and SR-17 bridge holds large browns.
Cranberry River
About 24 miles of stream running through some of the most scenic country in the state. Wild brook trout in the remote backcountry sections with limited vehicle access. Stocked sections hold rainbow, golden rainbow, and brown trout.
Best spots: Lower section for stocked fish. Backcountry section for wild brookies if you're willing to hike.
Shavers Fork
One of the longest and most productive trout streams in West Virginia. The upper section is remote — requires a hike or a ride on the Cass Scenic Railroad. Brook, brown, and rainbow trout throughout.
Best spots: Upper Shavers Fork for exceptional brook trout in wilderness settings. Bemis area for easier access.
Elk River
The Elk River may be the premier trout stream in West Virginia. Year-round catch-and-release section from Elk Springs Campground to Rose Run Bridge offers classic trout habitat — deep pools, rocky bottoms, and well-placed riffles.
Species: Brook, brown, rainbow, tiger, and golden rainbow trout. Back Fork also heavily stocked.
License requirements: WV fishing license + Conservation Stamp + National Forest Trout Stamp (three separate stamps). Check daily stocking updates → or call the stocking hotline: 304-558-3399
Wilderness Areas
The Mon includes several federally designated wilderness areas — no roads, no motorized equipment, just you and the woods. Special regulations apply.
Dolly Sods Wilderness
17,371 acres of unique alpine tundra-like landscape in Grant, Randolph, and Tucker counties. Wind-stunted spruce, open heath barrens, and rocky outcrops. Hunting allowed per state regulations.
Wear blaze orange during hunting season even if you're just hiking. Weather changes fast at elevation.
Cranberry Wilderness
47,815 acres of remote backcountry. No roads, no motorized access. Wild brook trout fishing in the headwaters. Some of the most remote country in the eastern US.
Note: Bear hunting is prohibited in Cranberry Wilderness.
Spruce Knob
At 4,863 feet, Spruce Knob is the highest point in West Virginia. The surrounding area offers high-elevation hunting and fishing with spectacular views. Stone observation tower at the summit.
Spruce Knob Lake nearby offers camping and fishing access.
Planning Your Trip
The Mon is real backcountry — not a city park. A little planning goes a long way.
Before You Go
- • Cell service is limited to non-existent in most of the forest. Don't rely on your phone for navigation or emergencies.
- • Download maps beforehand. Paper topo maps are even better. GPS apps won't work without signal.
- • Weather changes fast at elevation. It can be 20 degrees colder on the ridges than in the valleys. Pack layers.
- • Tell someone your plans. Where you're going, when you'll be back. Check in when you're out.
- • Check fire regulations before building campfires. Restrictions can change based on conditions.
Contact Info
- Forest Supervisor's Office
200 Sycamore Street, Elkins, WV
304-636-1800 - Gauley Ranger District
932 Northfork Cherry Road, Richwood, WV
304-846-2695 - Cranberry Mountain Nature Center
Hillsboro, WV 24946
304-653-4826
Seasonal: mid-April through mid-October
Getting There
From Our Shop (Richwood Entrance)
- Head north on US-19 toward Summersville
- Continue to Richwood via WV-39/WV-55
- Pick up the Highland Scenic Highway in Richwood
- About 1 hour to the forest boundary
The Highland Scenic Highway runs 43 miles from Richwood to US-219 near Marlinton, with access to Williams River, Cranberry River, and numerous trailheads.
From I-79 (Elkins Entrance)
- Take I-79 to US-33 East
- Follow US-33 to Elkins
- From Elkins, multiple forest access points via US-219, WV-28, or WV-55
- Stop by our shop on Exit 57 — we're on your way
Winter note: Route 150 (the Parkway section of Highland Scenic Highway) is not maintained November through April. Travel can be treacherous or impossible during winter storms. Plan accordingly.
Camping
USFS Campgrounds
22 developed campgrounds throughout the forest, from primitive sites to facilities with restrooms. Most are seasonal (April-October).
- Tea Creek Campground
- Cranberry Campground
- Spruce Knob Lake
- Seneca Shadows
Dispersed Camping
Free camping allowed throughout most of the forest. No reservations, no facilities — just you and the woods.
- 14-day stay limit
- 200 feet from water and roads
- Pack in, pack out
- Treat or filter water
Need full hookups? Private RV parks are available in Elkins and surrounding areas. Most USFS campgrounds are primitive or semi-primitive.
What to Bring
We've got most of this in stock. Stop by before you head into the Mon.
For Hunting
- WV license + stamps
- Blaze orange (400 sq in)
- Rifle/shotgun + ammo
- Knife and game bags
- Bear Damage Stamp (for bear)
For Trout Fishing
- WV license + trout stamp
- National Forest Stamp
- Fly rod or spinning gear
- Waders (water's cold)
- Flies or lures
For Backcountry
- Topo map + compass
- Water filter
- First aid kit
- Extra layers (cold at elevation)
- Bear bag or canister
Heading Into the Mon?
Stop by first. We're your last reliable stop for licenses, ammo, and local knowledge before you hit the backcountry. We'll point you in the right direction.
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