Monongahela, Jefferson, and George Washington National Forests – Virginia and West Virginia
The spine of the Appalachian Mountains stretches along the Virginia and West Virginia borders and contains thousands of square miles of pristine, sparsely populated woodlands. Despite its natural beauty and ruggedness, this mountain range is only a few hours from some of the largest cities in the eastern United States, including Baltimore, Pittsburgh, and Washington, D.C， sports fitness .
If you come in the right season, you can avoid the crowds in the big cities as there are so many places to explore. The three largest protected areas in the area are Monongahela, George Washington, and Jefferson National Forests, but Shenandoah National Park is not far away, and there are many state parks and forests nearby. If you enjoy hiking and camping, this convenient and affordable expanse of forest is unbeatable.
You might also like: These stunning national forests and parks aren't the only targets in Central Appalachia. All of West Virginia is an outdoor gem. For event ideas to fit any budget, check out our list of fun things to do in West Virginia.
Admission: There are no admissions to the National Forest, but the nearby Shenandoah National Park does ($25 for a 7-day vehicle pass, $10 for a 7-day non-motorized pass). Best time to visit: Avoid the hot summer months (June to September) and the colder seasons (December to mid-March). If you plan to see fall colors, mid-October is the best time to visit, but local hotels sometimes drive up prices during high season. It's cheaper and just as mild in April or May. How to get there: These forests cover a large area of Virginia, about 100 miles north to south and 75 miles east to west. The northern edge is a two to three hour drive from Baltimore, Washington, D.C. and Pittsburgh, depending on weather and traffic. If you live in the mid-Atlantic or Ohio Valley area, it's best to drive. However, airports in Pittsburgh, D.C., and Baltimore all have affordable nonstop flights (starting at around $200 for Washington-Dulles and $250 for Baltimore-Washington and Pittsburgh) to destinations across the country. Where to Stay: Hotels and motels can actually be expensive in this remote area. On the west side, the Hampton Inn in Elkins, West Virginia, runs $100 or more a night during the off-season. On the east side, the Sleep Inn in Staunton, Virginia, starts at about $80 per night. Camping is cost-effective, with dozens of campsites and thousands of individual campsites spread throughout the forest. Costs range from $5 to $30 per night, depending on location, facility, and time of year. What to do: In the warmer months, this is a great place for hiking and backpacking. The Tea Creek area has a centrally located trail network. You can also opt for a more challenging full-day climb to Spruce Knob, West Virginia's highest peak. If you're looking for a less strenuous adventure, spend the day driving along U.S. Highways 33, 219, and 220 in the heart of the forest. To the south and west, the New River Gorge is the longest and deepest canyon in eastern North America. You don't even have to stop to get a sense of its size thanks to the many bridges that span it. Special Events and Attractions: In Staunton, Virginia, don't miss the Oktoberfest in early October and the Staunton Music Festival in August. Near Elkins in late September, the massive Mountain Forest Festival features country concerts, lumberjack competitions, art exhibitions and more.
