Towns
Mon Forest Towns are the communities that surround the Monongahela National Forest, where main streets sit close to trailheads and mountains, rivers, and forestlands shape daily life. Each town has its own unique character, stories, and pace, rooted in Appalachian culture and a profound connection to its surroundings.
Explore each town to discover what makes it unique—from outdoor access and local businesses to history, creativity, and the people who bring these places to life.
Mon Forest Towns
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
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.
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.
From its unexpectedly cool downtown coffee shops and breweries to its rail trails and wilderness areas, Elkins packs above its weight in outdoor adventures.
Situated between Spruce Knob and Seneca Rocks, Franklin provides easy access to iconic West Virginia hikes, paddling routes, and high-country trail systems.
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.
Parsons, WV blends small-town charm with direct access to the Monongahela National Forest, the Allegheny Highlands Trail, and the Blackwater Canyon Rail Trail.
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.
Richwood, WV blends arts, coffee culture, and outdoor adventure as a gateway to the Highland Scenic Highway, Cranberry Wilderness, and Gauley River experiences.
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.
Located at the Monongahela National Forest’s southern gateway, White Sulphur Springs offers hiking, biking, fishing, scenic byways, and easy access to the Greenbrier River Trail.