Towns

Towns

Almost one million acres, eight counties, and more than four hours travel from top to bottom, the Monongahela National Forest touches not only our pilot towns, but dozens more communities.

  • Cowen

    Cowen Big Ditch Lake Wildlife Management Area

    Founded in 1893, Cowen is a historic railroad town. Today, a gateway to the Monongahela National Forest and nearby Watoga State Park, Cowen offers a place to rest and recharge before or after a day in the woods among the friendliest people you will meet. Chat with us at the Hilltop, Camp Caesar, or Riffle Pottery.

  • Davis

    Davis, West Virginia from Above

    Providing a refreshingly eclectic-yet-utilitarian atmosphere, Davis is a peaceful place where time moves a little slower (unless you are here because we are a mountain-biking hub). We are a place where you can see the stars at night and find original homemade fare or an original brew at Stumptown Ales in town.

  • Durbin

    Durbin Rocket train without smoke

    Nestled between the East and West Forks of the Greenbrier River lies the historic railroad town of Durbin. Surrounded by the Marlin, Burner, and Frank mountains, there are unlimited possibilities for outdoor recreation- from easy day hikes to backcountry expeditions. Whether you drive the Scenic Seneca Skyway or take a historic train ride into town, grab a coffee or scoop of ice cream and enjoy a one-of-the-kind adventure in the “Basecamp of the Mon” !

  • Elkins

    Downtown Elkins with fall colors and the Randolph County Courthouse

    Embodying the spirit of the rugged eastern frontier, Elkins is also known as the business and cultural hub of Randolph County. On the edge of the Monongahela National Forest, we make it easy to play in the mountains while staying in luxury, and we also offer a reputation for music and a famous microbrewery.

  • Franklin

    With rocks towering nearly 900 feet above the North Fork River, Seneca Rocks is a popular destination for hikers, climbers, and more.

    Natural beauty and local hospitality are just two things you can expect in Franklin, overlooking the South Branch of the Potomac River and near Seneca Rocks. We are a quaint mountain town with period architecture, home cooking and baking to be found, as well as the innovative Experience Learning specialty school.

  • Marlinton

    Kayaks prepared for the 2nd stage of the Great Greenbrier River Race.

    The oldest permanent English settlement west of The Alleghenies, Marlinton is older than the county, and the county is older than the State. Our “mountain playground” motto reflects our proximity to the Snowshoe ski resort and also in-town opportunities like Discovery Junction and the Opera House.

  • Parsons

    View of Parsons, West Virginia from Above

    Known as “The River City,” Parsons is the county seat with a beautiful historic courthouse. We are a gateway to explore the Potomac Highlands, sitting at the northern end of the Monongahela National Forest and perfectly nestled between two scenic waterways of the Black Fork and Shavers Fork of the Cheat River.

  • Petersburg

    Petersburg is the eastern-most gateway to recreation adventure in the Mon Forest. Petersburg provides all the services needed to stock up and recuperate from your day of outdoor experience – enjoying our pristine mountain rivers, kayaking, canoeing or fishing the riverbanks, climbing our spectacular cliffs, hiking and biking our amazing trails, driving our gorgeous mountain roads and soaring in our fresh mountain air. Come challenge the voyager in you- Come play in our backyard!

  • Richwood

    Downtown Richwood during Annual Art Walk Festival

    Enjoying close access to beautiful hiking and biking trails, and breathtaking mountain views, Richwood also has 150 miles of rivers and streams abundantly stocked within a 25-mile radius. Our Main Street will delight your palate and curiosity. Explore downtown art galleries and join us for all manner of festivals- from the annual ArtWalk, to the historic Cherry River Festival and unique Feast of the Rampson! For the hearty, try our triathlon, going strong for over 30 years.

  • Seneca Rocks

    Seneca Rocks

    Tucked in the heart of Appalachia and full of traditions is the small town of Seneca Rocks. Surrounded by the Monongahela National Forest there are “mountains of opportunities” to go hiking, fishing, rock climbing, horseback riding, and biking. This area also includes the Spruce Knob Seneca Rocks National Recreation Area which contains the highest peak in West Virginia and some of the best rock climbing on the east coast. Seneca Rocks is one of the best-known landmarks in West Virginia and provides the perfect weekend getaway with camping at Seneca Shadows, hiking trails, and unique local dining and shopping opportunities. Seneca Rocks is rural in nature and epic in adventure!

  • Thomas

    Downtown Thomas

    Buried deep in the mountains and perched on the North Fork of the Blackwater River, Thomas has the feel of a frontier town at the turn of the 20th century express, complete with an Opera House. With five galleries and a music venue on the main street, we have a contemporary vibe expressed as New Historic Thomas.

  • White Sulphur Springs

    Main Street White Sulphur Springs

    Apart from our famous resort of the same name, White Sulphur Springs is a beautiful small city with its own story, the most recent chapter connected to our amazing recovery after the 2016 flood. Over 40 new houses were built in six months. Barnwood Builders, barbeque, and cupcakes, 50 East, are Main Street delights.