Backpacking - Laurel Fork North and South Wilderness
Description
Laurel Fork North is 6055 acres in size, and has 9.5 miles of trails within the wilderness boundary. Laurel Fork South is 5,997 acres and has 9 miles of trails within its boundary. This area is not heavily used, so solitude is likely. The 10 mile Laurel Fork River Trail is the primary hiking trail with other trails giving access from the ridge down to the river. No loops exist unless you use the road. Trail Map (pdf) Brochure (pdf)
Directions from Morgantown
Take I-79 south to Weston (exit 99). Take rt. 33 east to Elkins. Continue on 33 east for about 15 miles to the top of Middle Mountain. Take FR 14 south (Middle Mtn. Rd). This road is the western boundary of both Wilderness areas and several trailheads are located along it. At 14 miles from rt. 33 is the Larel Fork Campground which bisects the two wilderness areas.
Travel Time: 21/2 hr
Activities: Backpacking, Hiking, Swimming Holes, Fishing, Camping
Address: Greenbriar Ranger District. Box 67, Bartow, WV 24920. On Rt 92/250 just east of Bartow
Phone/Email: 304-456-3335 (Voice & TDD), 304-636-1800 - Mon. National Forest
Web resources: www.fs.fed.us/r9/mnf/sp/laurel_forks_wildernesses.htm
ORC Resources: Brochure, Books - "Monongahelia National Forest Hiking Guide", "Out There West Virginia A Guide to Backcountry Travel and Adventure", "West Virginia Hiking Trails"
