Cranberry Wilderness, Federal wilderness area in Pocahontas County, West Virginia
Cranberry Wilderness is a protected forest area in the Monongahela National Forest with mountains, valleys, and dense hardwood forests. The terrain includes steep slopes, stream corridors, and extensive woodland that covers the entire landscape.
The area received federal wilderness protection in 1983, and an expansion in 2009 added adjacent lands to the protected zone. These additions strengthened long-term conservation of the forest and its ecosystems.
The area serves as a natural laboratory for ecological research and provides opportunities for solitary outdoor experiences in the Appalachian mountains.
More than 70 miles of marked trails offer hiking options at various difficulty levels throughout the area. Since trails pass through different forest types and elevations, visitors should wear proper footwear and bring weather-appropriate clothing.
Black Mountain, the highest point in the area at about 4,556 feet, can experience frost during any month of the year. This unusual weather pattern is due to the exposed mountainous terrain.
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