Burner Mountain and East Fork Backcountry

Remote high-elevation backcountry between Durbin and Laurel Fork Wilderness offering rugged trails and off-the-grid solitude.
Facebook
Link

At a Glance

Burner Mountain and East Fork Backcountry encompass remote high-elevation terrain between Durbin and the Laurel Fork Wilderness, offering rugged trails, quiet ridgelines, and off-the-grid exploration. These remote Monongahela National Forest areas feature steep approaches, limited signage, and pristine headwater streams perfect for experienced backpackers, anglers, and horseback riders seeking true solitude. Access via Forest Service roads from Durbin provides gateways to connecting trails into the Laurel Fork and Shavers Fork wilderness regions.

Activities

Features

Difficulty

Season

All Year

Area Trails

Trail Name

Recreation Sites

Item #1

Safety

Cell service may not be available during your hike. Please plan accordingly and always follow Leave No Trace principles.

During hunting season, stay on established trails, wear bright colors like blaze orange, and make your presence known to ensure safety for all forest users.

Directions

For Span Oak Trailhead, from Durbin, travel north on Forest Road 44, located to the right of the West Fork Trailhead. Continue for 7 miles to the Little River Rd bridge.

For the Burner Mountain trailhead, from Durbin, drive east on US-250 for 5 miles, then turn left onto WV-28. Continue for 2 miles to Middle Mountain Rd, turning left at the National Youth Science Camp. Continue for 3 miles to the trailhead.

For East Fork Trailhead, from Durbin, drive east on US-250 for 5 miles, then turn left onto WV-28. Continue for 2.5 miles to FR 36 and Island Campground.

Nearby Towns

Downtown

Located in the center of the Durbin delivers peaceful mountain-town vibes with direct access to rail trails, rivers, and backcountry camping in the Monongahela National Forest.

15 Minutes

No town within 15 minutes.

30 Minutes

No town within 30 minutes.

60 Minutes

From its unexpectedly cool downtown coffee shops and breweries to its rail trails and wilderness areas, Elkins packs above its weight in outdoor adventures.
Home to the 78-mile Greenbrier River Trail, Marlinton blends a historic downtown with rail-trail riding, mountain biking, and scenic drives in the Monongahela National Forest region.

Explore Nearby Destinations

Area Itineraries

Newsletter Signup

Subscribe to our newsletter for partnership updates and trail tips.

Name