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

Acres of public land

+ 990000

state parks & forests

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 heritage trails in historic mountain towns.

Interactive Map

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

Recreation Areas

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

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.

Row of tall, colorful canoe kiosks on a fence, each featuring illustrations of people; a painted boat lies on the ground in front, with a white house and trees in the background.

Towns

Paint and Paddle Canoe Kiosks Arrive in Elkins

Painted canoe kiosks by artist Kelson Thorne, WVU future art educators, and local students now stand in Elkins, the first stop in a new art ...

Children with shopping bags walk along a brick storefront street, passing a red phone booth and potted plants outside shops on a sunny day.

Updates

Partnership Receives Governor’s Awards for Tourism Impact

In September 2026, the Mon Forest Towns Partnership received two Almost Heaven Achievement awards for its regional tourism impact.

Northland Loop Trail boardwalk winding through dense shrubs toward an open bog, beside an interpretive sign.

Recreation

Family-Friendly Boardwalk Trails in the Mon

Explore over a dozen easy wetland and overlook boardwalk trails in West Virginia's Monongahela National Forest region.

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

"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

Discover More Mon

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