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.

Wilderness Areas
0
Acres of public land​
+ 990000
state parks & forests​
0

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.

Find your mon

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

Travel Itineraries

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

Plan Your Trip
Interactive Map

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

Explore the Map
Recreation Areas

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

Discover Destinations
Bikepacking Routes

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

Find Your Ride

Latest News

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 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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Sunlit forest floor with scattered yellow wildflowers surrounding a moss-covered stone foundation of fire tower, creating a serene and tranquil atmosphere.
History

Walking the Old Watch: Former Fire Tower Hikes in the Monongahela

Most hikers never find these sites. But for those who do, forgotten fire tower foundations in the Mon Forest offer some of its most remarkable ...
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A historic black steam locomotive puffs smoke as it travels into the green trees of the Monongahela National Forest on a scenic railroad trip to Durbin
Recreation

West Virginia Scenic Railroads: 3 Epic Train Excursions in the Mon

Discover West Virginia's best scenic train rides. Explore the Cass Scenic Railroad, Potomac Eagle, and New Tygart Flyer through stunning Appalachian landscapes.
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What Our Visitors Are Saying

Discover why our guests keep coming back for more!

Discover More Mon

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