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Discover the Mon Forest Towns

Rooted in Community.
Growing with Nature.

The Mon Forest Towns Partnership connects gateway communities to the Monongahela National Forest - supporting vibrant local economies, incredible visitor experiences, and a sustainable environment for all.

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Our Mission
Wilderness Areas
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Acres of public land​
+ 990000
state parks & forests​
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12 mon forest Towns,
Limitless possibilities

Across West Virginia’s vast Monongahela National Forest, a dozen small towns hold big stories, spanning from remote settlements on the Appalachian frontier to railroad boomtowns and living proof of one of the most remarkable ecological recoveries in the world.

Today, they are your gateways to the best trails, waterfalls, and overlooks in the Mountain State, with everything you need for a family-friendly afternoon hike or a weeklong backcountry expedition.

Explore Towns

Find your mon

From weekend getaways to week-long wilderness expeditions, there’s a Mon Forest adventure for every pace and passion.

Plan A Trip

Travel Itineraries

Explore curated routes through the Mon Forest, from sweeping overlooks and scenic drives to heritage trails in historic mountain towns.

Explore Map

Interactive Map

Discover remote hiking trails, climbing crags, river access points, waterfalls, and more across West Virginia’s wildest landscapes.

See Locations

Recreation Areas

Experience the Mon Forest Towns’ state parks, scenic spots, quiet campgrounds, and wilderness areas in the heart of Almost Heaven.

Find Your Ride

Bikepacking Routes

Find family-friendly day rides, overnight expeditions, and multi-day gravel bikepacking adventures connecting our Mon Forest communities.

Latest News

Applications Open

The Mon Forest Towns Partnership is now accepting applications for a 2026 Visitor Services Coordinator AmeriCorps Position – Apply Now!

North Zone Trail Crew

Over 500 miles of trails in the Monongahela National Forest’s North Zone. No dedicated crew to maintain them. You can help us change that.
A man presents a slide titled Sustainable Tourism Indicators to a group of people seated at round tables in a dimly lit, wood-paneled conference room.
Updates

Carrying the Founding Goals Forward

As the Mon Forest Towns Partnership approaches the 10th anniversary of its first founding meetings, refined mission and vision statements set the stage for the ...
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Wooden observation tower on a hilltop, surrounded by autumn-colored trees with a dirt path and a small shelter nearby.
Recreation

Guardians of the Ridge: Mon Forest Fire Tower Adventure Guide

Once guardians of the Allegheny Mountains, the fire towers of the Monongahela National Forest region now offer some of the best hikes and panoramic views ...
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A row of colorful buildings on a quaint street in Thomas, West Virginia, featuring a coffeebar, music venue, and bakery. Overcast sky and trees suggest a calm autumn day.
Updates

Local Voices, Regional View: Mon Forest Towns Self Assessments

Stakeholders from the Mon Forest Towns region weighed in on outdoor recreation, infrastructure, and community needs. See what they said and how MFTP is responding.
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What Our Visitors Are Saying

Discover why our guests keep coming back for more!

"Some of my favorite memories with friends and family are from visits to Mon Forest towns. The area is surrounded with beautiful scenery and those who live there are always welcoming."
Skylar SpenceCumberland, MD
Skylar Spence
"The Elkins Augusta music workshops gave me a complete immersion in the heritage arts. I worked shoulder to shoulder with the masters to hone my talents and learn new craft."
Donna WeemsMorgantown, WV
Donna Weems

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