Roaring Plains Wilderness

Windswept 6,800-acre plateau with rocky outcrops and big-sky views south of Dolly Sods.
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At a Glance

Roaring Plains Wilderness rises south of Dolly Sods as a windswept 6,800-acre plateau offering heath barrens, rocky outcrops, and expansive views across the Potomac Highlands. The remote trail network including Roaring Plains Trail and Flat Rock Trail accesses high-elevation landscapes with frequent wind and dramatic weather patterns. Known for challenging conditions and raw Appalachian beauty, Roaring Plains attracts seasoned backcountry travelers seeking the wild edge of the Monongahela National Forest near Davis and Seneca Rocks.

Activities

Features

Difficulty

Season

All-Year; Roads close in Winter

Area Trails

Roaring Plains
System
4.4

MI

LENGTH →

1227

FT

ELV ↑

332

FT

ELV ↓

Roaring Plains
System
2.6

MI

LENGTH →

1480

FT

ELV ↑

330

FT

ELV ↓

Roaring Plains
System
6.4

MI

LENGTH →

460

FT

ELV ↑

570

FT

ELV ↓

Roaring Plains
System
5.3

MI

LENGTH →

2150

FT

ELV ↑

25

FT

ELV ↓

Recreation Sites

Item #1

Safety

The Roaring Plains Wilderness trails travel through remote backcountry with limited signage and multiple stream crossings. 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

From Thomas and Davis, drive south on WV-32 for approximately 15 miles to Bonner Mt. Road. Continue for 4 miles to Flatrock Run Trailhead, or continue for 3 miles on Laneville Road and Forest Road 19 for Lower Boars Nest and South Prong Trailhead. For an easier hike on the canyon rim, proceed 1 mile on FR 19 to Upper South Prong Trailhead.

Nearby Towns

Downtown

No town nearby.

15 Minutes

No town within 15 minutes.

30 Minutes

No town within 30 minutes.

60 Minutes

As a gateway to Blackwater Falls, Canaan Valley, and the Canaan Mountain trail systems, Davis blends small-town charm with world-class hiking, biking, skiing, and wildlife experiences.
Just minutes from Dolly Sods and Smoke Hole Canyon, Petersburg blends historic downtown charm with rail, river, and trail access at the eastern edge of the Monongahela National Forest.
Famed for its dramatic cliffs and overlook trail, Seneca Rocks is a gateway to Spruce Knob, Dolly Sods, and some of West Virginia’s best hiking and climbing.
Thomas, WV combines a thriving arts district with trail, waterfall, and canyon access as the northern gateway to the Monongahela National Forest.

Explore Nearby Destinations

Area Itineraries

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