Welcome to the Monongahela National Forest in Elkins, WV.

Cranberry Mountain Nature Center

Located at the junction of Route 150 and Route 39/55, the Nature Center offers information about the National Forest and other nearby attractions. An exhibit hall and audio visual programs provide interpretation of forest ecosystems and local history. Special programs and guided tours can be arranged. It is our mission to connect the citizens to the land, and strive to do so through our programs, events and exhibits.

The Cranberry Mountain Nature Center has many interesting features that appeal to visitors of all ages and backgrounds. The exhibit hall features many interactive displays which are both educational and entertaining to young and old alike.

The auditorium offers short films on request on topics, such as Smokey Bear Story, Jewels of the Monongahela, Cranberry Glades, wildflowers, and many others.

The nature center is host to several very popular events during the open season. Kids Night activities include live snake shows, other educational programs, and entertainment such as magic shows, wildlife presentations, games and visits by Smokey Bear. The Cranberry Mountain Shindig is an annual celebration of Appalachian culture, usually held the last Sunday in September. Watch this website for details about this popular event. In cooperation with the Richwood Chamber of Commerce, the Scenic Mountain Triathlon is held entirely within the Gauley Ranger District, with the finish line on the front lawn of the nature center.

The Cranberry Mountain Nature Center is committed to delivering free live programs on poisonous and nonpoisonous snakes of West Virginia to visitors to the nature center and to youth and adults alike in rural and urban communities. Roy Moose’s provides this service with his very popular interpretive program, “Snake Bytes” and also with a live permanent display of these snakes inside the nature center. The first program of the season will be on Sunday, May 11. Roy is unavailable on May 18, but his program can be viewed weekly on Sundays at 1:00 p.m. from May 25 through October 26, 2008. Following the Sunday snake shows, Roy will conduct a guided tour of the Cranberry Glades at 2:00 p.m. at the beginning of the boardwalk.

Another popular feature of the center is its wide selection of books and CD’s whose subjects include area history, folklore, recipes, hiking and biking, plants, animals, and much more. A large selection of puppets, clothing, postcards and children’s books are also available

Roy Moose presenting program on the poisonous and non-poisonous snakes of West Virginia.

While visiting the nature center, take a few minutes to walk the interpretive trail around the grounds. The signs will point out tree species, give facts on many uses of the trees. There is a beautiful overlook where you enjoy a picnic lunch and view the sites from Stamping Creek, just down the mountain, to the mountains of Virginia in the distance.

Hours:
The Cranberry Mountain Nature Center will be open for the 2009 Season from Thursday, April 16 through Saturday, October 24, 2009. Hours of operation will be from 9:00 a.m. through 4:30 p.m. on Thursdays through Mondays; closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. For information on the Cranberry Mountain Nature Center, its events, programs or other information, contact the Nature Center at (304) 653-4826 during operating hours or the Gauley Ranger District office (304) 846-2695, Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

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