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Cross
Country
Skiing
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There is no greater winter
pleasure than making tracks into the white beauty of the high Allegheny
Mountains on snowshoes or cross country skis. Miles and miles of trails
and unplowed forest roads change character when coated with snow and
become a stage for a special winter outing. There is a place for you
if you seek natural beauty and the peace of winter quiet, the challenge
of self-sufficient winter travel, an outing with friends or the natural
high that comes with exercise.
The high Allegheny Mountains
form the backbone of the Monongahela National Forest. Winter recreation
opportunities can be found near every community and are easily accessible
to the major highways that cross the mountains. The communities located
within and adjacent to the Monongahela National Forest have comfortable
lodging, and choices for breakfast before your adventure and pie and
hot drink afterward. Canaan
Valley State Park and Blackwater
Falls State Park located within
the Forest's boundary also offers skiing and lodging. For more information
on skiing
opportunities in West Virginia
call the tourism hotline at 1-800-CALL-WVA.
Following is a list of possibilities
for snowy trips in the Forest. Phone before your trip to inquire about
road conditions and access. Remember always "Be Prepared" for extreme
weather conditions and let somebody know where you are going and when
you will return.
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Canyon Rim area, east of
Parsons and north of the Blackwater Canyon. This includes Forest
Roads (FRs) 717 and 18 (Canyon Rim Road), and the Canyon Rim Trail
#117. For additional information contact USDA Forest Service at
(304) 478-3251 (Voice & TDD).
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Canaan Mountain area, across
the canyon from Canyon Rim area. This area is easily accessed from
Canaan
Valley and Blackwater
Falls State Parks, both
of which offer rentals and skiing information. The area includes
FRs 13 (Canaan Loop Road). Davis Trail #107,
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Lindy Run Trail #109, and
many others. For additional information contact USDA Forest Service
at (304) 478-3251 (Voice & TDD).
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Stuart
Memorial Drive (FR 91) directly
east of Elkins near Stuart Recreation Area. For additional information
contact USDA Forest Service at (304) 478-3251 (Voice & TDD).
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McGowan Mountain Road.
(FR 324) in the Fernow
Experimental Forest south
of Parsons is not plowed so can be good for skiing. For additional
information contact USDA Forest Service at (304) 478-3251 (Voice
& TDD).
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Dolly
Sods and Spruce
Knob areas are large areas
of high elevation skiing possibilities. Because access to these
areas is often difficult or impossible in winter, a call to the
Potomac Ranger District, (304) 257-4488, is essential before planning
a trip here. The weather in the highest elevations often changes
quickly, making a winter touring trip one only for those who are
well prepared.
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Middle Mountain area offers
good skiing on FRs 14, 17, 35, 44 and others when the snow is right.
For additional information contact (304) 456-3335 (Voice & TDD).
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Shavers Fork Area includes
FR 92 (on Cheat Mountain north of US Highway 250) and FR 47 (off
of FR 92). For additional information contact (304) 456-3335 (Voice
& TDD).
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Old Spruce Area on Cheat
Mountain south of US Highway 250. For additional information contact
(304) 456-3335 (Voice & TDD).
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The Highland
Scenic Highway from Rt.
55 north of Marlinton to the Cranberry
Mountain Nature Center is
unplowed in winter, making it a great skiing experience if the snow
cooperates. Designed to provide scenic vistas it is sure to delight
skiers. For additional information contact USDA Forest Service at
(304) 799-4334 (Voice & TDD) or (304) 846-2695 (Voice &
TDD).
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Cranberry Backcountry Area
near Richwood offers trails and Forest Service Roads ranging from
easiest gentle rolling trails to the most difficult longer, steeper
slopes.
Cross Country skiing in West
Virginia is a bit unpredictable due to varying amounts of snow, and
because snow conditions can change quickly during any given day. Safe
skiing means being prepared by having the necessary maps, ski gear,
clothing, water, and food, and leaving your trip plans with a trusted
friend. You should also know the symptoms and treatment of hypothermia!
If you¹re prepared, skiing in the high open fields or gliding along
a silent road can be one of the most enjoyable forms of recreation in
the Monongahela National Forest.
Making the connection to your
winter adventure is straight forward. You will need a Monongahela National
Forest Visitor map, USGS topographic maps for the area you plan to ski,
reservations at a local Bed and Breakfast or motel, access to the Weather
Channel and some degree of flexibility in scheduling since snows can
be unpredictable. Both the Forest Visitor map and USGS Topographical
Quad maps are available for sale from the Monongahela National Forest,
200 Sycamore Street, Elkins, WV 26241, Call (304) 636-1800, extension
0, about the cost of the maps or other information.
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