Master the Mon: 5 Tips to Make the Most of Your Visit
Embarking on a journey to explore over a million acres of public land in Almost Heaven, West Virginia, promises adventure, tranquility, and breathtaking natural beauty. However, we often experience pre-vacation anxiety, wondering if we have forgotten anything important before stepping out of the house. To ensure a top-notch experience exploring the Monongahela, we will highlight […]
Mon Towns Breweries Tour
The breweries featured on our tour celebrate their relationship with the Mon National Forest, from its lumber legacy to its modern environmental revival. More than serving beers and filling growlers, these Mon Forest Towns breweries embrace what makes the Monongahela so special- whether that be gorgeous mountain views, artful wooden atmospheres, love of the outdoors, […]
Mon Towns Trail Guide
Trying to track down the perfect trail across nearly one million acres of the Monongahela National Forest can be a tad overwhelming, so in this Mon Towns trail guide, we’ll be reviewing the types of trails you may encounter in the Mon, what you can expect, and a few of our favorites! Remember to stay […]
Amazing Stargazing in the Mon
Get Wise to Dark Skies You don’t need to wish upon a star to find amazing stargazing in the Mon when visiting any of our forest towns, as out-of-this-world options are waiting around every bend! The stars shine bright in Almost Heaven, West Virginia, and perhaps nowhere brighter than in the heart of our wild and […]
Exploring the West Fork Rail Trail
The Northern Trailhead of the West Fork Trail can be found outside the city of Elkins in the small community of Glady, WV. From there, you’ll hike 22 miles south until you reach Durbin. This trail offers many activities, from hiking and mountain biking to dispersed camping and horseback riding. The southern portion of the […]
Birding at the Gaudineer Scenic Area
The Gaudineer Scenic Area is a glimpse of what West Virginia’s mountain highlands used to look like. The preservation of the forest was the result of a surveying error and was designated as a scenic area in 1964 by the U.S. Forest Service. It has also been dedicated a National Natural Landmark. The area is […]
Mountain Biking the Span Oak Trail
Located only 6.5 miles away from Durbin, West Virginia, is an intermediate single track known as the Span Oak Trail. The trail is almost 4 miles long and flows downward at an average grade of 7 percent and at a maximum gradient at 23 percent. This trail only climbs 262 feet with the climbing taking […]
Hiking the East Fork Trail
If you are looking for an underrated and remote hike that can present a little bit of a challenge while giving you some great scenery along the way, then a hike along the East Fork Trail in the northern end of Pocahontas County, WV, should be on the agenda. Extending approximately eight miles, this trail […]
Biking on Shavers Fork Trail
Experienced riders seeking a challenge with formidable climbs and epic descents, look no further than the Shavers Fork Trail located just outside of Durbin, West Virginia. This trail is maintained by the US Forest Service. It features an almost even split between climbing and descent for a taste of both worlds. The trail links directly […]