Gaudineer Knob National Scenic Area

Rare old-growth red spruce forest with easy interpretive trails and panoramic overlook near Durbin.
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At a Glance

Gaudineer Knob Scenic Area preserves a 140-acre National Natural Landmark featuring rare old-growth red spruce forest on Shavers Mountain near Durbin. Two half-mile trails wind through cool, mossy forest with interpretive signs explaining pre-logging Appalachian ecosystems, while the 4,445-foot Gaudineer Knob overlook provides sweeping views across Randolph and Pocahontas Counties. Easy access from U.S. Route 250 and picnic facilities make this a family-friendly stop showcasing the Monongahela National Forest’s most significant conservation values.

Activities

Features

Difficulty

Season

All Year; Day-Use; Roads close in Winter; Restrooms close in Winter

Area Trails

Trail Name

Recreation Sites

Item #1

Safety

Please stay on marked trails to protect sensitive habitat.

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

Directions

From Elkins, follow US-219 south, continuing straight onto US-250 at Huttonsville for 32 miles. Turn left at the sign onto FR 27 just past Cheat Bridge, travelling up the mountain for 2 miles.

From Durbin, drive north on US-250, then turn right at the sign onto FR 27 just past the county line, travelling up the mountain for 2 miles.

Nearby Towns

Downtown

No town nearby.

15 Minutes

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.

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.

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Area Itineraries

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