Williams River Backcountry

Scenic river corridor with premier trout fishing, dispersed camping near Cowen, and connections to Cranberry Wilderness.
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At a Glance

Williams River Backcountry and Scenic Backway follows one of the Monongahela National Forest’s most scenic waterways, offering miles of riverside roads, dispersed campsites, and trailheads into the Cranberry Wilderness. Anglers visit this remote corridor for some of West Virginia’s best native brook trout fishing, while hikers and mountain bikers access neighboring Tea Creek Backcountry trails. In autumn, the Williams River becomes a kaleidoscope of color, connecting effortlessly to the Highland Scenic Highway for spectacular fall foliage drives between Marlinton and Cowen.

Activities

Features

Difficulty

Season

All Year

Forest Road 76 & 86 Closure

Cranberry Backcountry and Wilderness
06/19/2026 –
10/30/2026
The Forest Service will begin flood repair work on Forest Roads 76 and 86, Crews will stabilize embankments along FR 76 in the Cranberry area, including Upper Cranberry, and repair and resurface FR 86 in the Williams River area. Expect phased closures, detours, and construction traffic; schedules may shift with weather and field conditions.

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

None available. 

Nearby Towns

Downtown

No town nearby.

15 Minutes

Two hikers walk along a shaded forest trail as golden sunlight filters through green trees, creating a peaceful, serene woodland scene.
An angler’s oasis at the edge of the Monongahela National Forest, Cowen provides access to West Virginia’s best trout streams, wilderness camping, & family-friendly adventures

30 Minutes

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.

60 Minutes

A family of four walks from a dark stone tunnel through a leafy autumn forest, smiling on a damp, leaf-covered trail.
Richwood, WV blends arts, coffee culture, and outdoor adventure as a gateway to the Highland Scenic Highway, Cranberry Wilderness, and Gauley River experiences.

Explore Nearby Destinations

Area Itineraries

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