“Hit the trail in a place called Monroe…
Monroe County is abundantly blessed with open spaces for outdoor recreation. Click on the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources links for complete information on hunting and fishing seasons and regulations.
Hiking, Biking & Birding
The popular and famous Appalachian Trail, and the more local Allegheny Trail, leads back packers and day trippers along the mountain ridge tops. Hikers will also find established trails in Moncove Lake State Park, the George Washington and Jefferson National Forest, and the Bluestone Wildlife Management Area.
Allegheny Trail
PO Box 4042, Charleston, WV 25364
304.772.3003 x15 866.677.3003 x15
[email protected]
Visit Site
Southern terminus originates from the Appalachian Trail near Pine Swamp Ridge above the Sugar Camp Farm. Trail follows the ridge of Peters Mountain northeastward to Laurel Branch, near Sweet Springs. When completed, the footpath will extend northward through West Virginia and into Pennsylvania.
Appalachian Trail
Harpers Ferry Center, Harpers Ferry, WV
304.535.6331 304.535.6278
This famous Maine-to-Georgia footpath follows the crest of Peters Mountain from the southern Monroe county line with Virginia to a point above the Sugar Camp Farm, a part of the George Washington and Jefferson National Forest. The trail is best accessed from Monroe County by hiking up the Groundhog Trail from the Sugar Camp Farm. Monroe County is one of only two counties in West Virginia which can claim a portion of the Appalachian Trail.
Hanging Rock Observatory
PO Box 341, Union, WV 24983
304.772.3003 x15 866.677.3003 x15
[email protected]
Visit Site
Situated atop Peters Mountain, the site was once manned as a fire observation post of the national forest. Now used by hawk watchers to observe migrations in the autumn, the vantage point rests at an elevation of 3,812 feet, nearly 2,000 feet above the valley floor below. The lookout offers an outstanding panorama of Monroe County, and on clear days views can extend well into Mercer, Summers, and Greenbrier Counties in West Virginia, and Allegheny, Craig, Roanoke, and Giles Counties in Virginia. The observatory is reached via a 40-minute walk along the Allegheny Trail from the mountaintop parking lot along Monroe County Road 15.
Potts Valley Rail Trail
This is a 4.5 mile route for hikers and bicyclists. From the “upper” trailhead at the southwest end, the trail is mostly along the railroad grade of the historic Norfolk and Western Railroad. At the point where the historic Crosier Trestle crossed a large cut, the trail swoops down to Crosier Branch and then angles around the mountainside to the “lower” trailhead. A bit of wilderness. A dab of history!
Cycling Scenic Monroe
Monroe is a great place to explore on two wheels. With the exception of U.S. Route 219, traffic density is fairly light throughout much of the county. Although Monroe is not as mountainous as other parts of West Virginia, it is far from flat, which makes it the perfect place for cycling enthusiasts to explore. Find routes, cue sheets, and descriptions at cyclingscenicwv.com. To find information, look under “Find Route,” then click, “By County,” and finally, “Monroe.”
Organ Cave
Rt. 2, Box 417, Masters Road, Ronceverte, WV 24970
304.645.7600
[email protected]
See Organ Cave! A National Natural Landmark/National Historic Landmark. Second longest commercial cave on the East coast. Site of first sloth found in America — the “megdonyx Jeffersonii.” General Lee’s underground headquarters and ammo factory. Largest collection of Civil War hoppers in USA. Two miles walking trips in the cave daily plus extended exploring expeditions. Lots of extra summertime activities on grounds
Fountain Springs Golf Course
93 Fountain Springs Drive, Peterstown, WV 24963
304.753.4653
[email protected]
Discover the splendor of southern West Virginia’s finest scenery where Russell Breeden’s 6500 yard championship public golf course stretches across rolling hills with every level of golfer in mind. Eighteen hole course, putting greens, driving range, pro-shop, and snack bar. Open year-round. All major credit cards accepted. Tee times required.