Richwood, WV: Cranberry Wilderness
Tour proposed new acres for this idyllic preserve on a 9-mile loop bordered by the Cranberry and Williams Rivers.
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Appalachian Trail: Snickers Gap to Keys GapPass the 1,000-mile-marker on the AT (for northbound hikers) on this 13.4-mile trip to Raven Rocks promising breathtaking views of Shenandoah Valley. Don't miss the bench swing at David Lesser Shelter. Morgantown: Otter Creek TrailChug 6.2 miles along an old railroad scar and a lively creek to a wetland glade bustling with wildlife and birds in Monongahela National Forest. Morgantown: Ridge Trail LoopThis mellow 4-mile hike tours the rolling hills and lush, wildlife-filled wetlands that make up scenic Canaan Valley State Park. |
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Cranberry WildernessHiking and camping in the cranberry wilderness. It rained off and on during the first two days but the views where still worth it. Rain the 3 days leading up to the trip left the trail muddy but passable. In several areas, the trail has been washed out causing some re-routes. Day three followed a forestry service road that is in excellent shape. Several traiheads are found on this road as well as some sheltered campsites. Plum orchard lakeShort day hike on the Plum Orchard WMA. Good trails and old logging roads. Good hike for a relaxing day and a picnic on the summit. Washington, DC: Big SchlossA 19.5-mile loop through George Washington National Forest, this two-day trip treks through brilliant foliage to a towering outcrop of Tuscarora sandstone. |
Hike It, Save It: Seneca Creek, West VirginiaA two-day, 17-mile zigzag along blueberry-lined mountain ridges will give you a dose of the 24,000-acre "Crown Jewel of the Monongahela," threatened by oil and gas drilling. Backpack West Virginia's Cranberry WildernessDiscover a slice of rare Eastern wild country in West Virginia, where Canadian taiga meets Southern forests. |
High Points: Spruce Knob, West VirginiaWatch out for rough weather and serpentine-like roads as you drive up to this highpoint. Best Backpacking In West VirginiaOur comprehensive guide to the best backpacking you can find in West Virginia. Eye To Eye With RaptorsEyeball to beak with impressively taloned hawks in West Virginia's Monongahela National Forest. |
AT Nature Photo GalleryWildflowers, bugs, and other nature photographs shot by our map correspondent on the AT © Jeff Chow AT Shelter Photo GalleryA few of the shelters and lean-tos found along the length of the Appalachian Trail © Jeff Chow AT Panoramic Photo GalleryA collection of five-star overlooks along the Appalachian Trail © Jeff Chow |
AT Interview: Correspondent Jeff ChowJeff Chow spent 10 months mapping every mile of the AT for BACKPACKER. Learn about his favorite spots and hard-earned tips here. |
Gear Lab: Boots Torture TestCan any hiking boot survive 15 minutes in a cement mixer filled with rocks, sticks, dirt, and bricks? Gear Lab aims to find out. |
Gear Lab: Tents Torture TestWho wants a mountain tent that buckles under pressure? Not us--so we blasted four top tents with a carwash pressure washer to see which one comes out on top. |
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