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Nearby Parks:
Holly River State Park
Monongahela National Forest
Cass Scenic Railroad State Park
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| State Park Overview: |
 | Kumbrabow State Forest is located along the western edge of the allegheny Highlands atop Rich Mountain. The 9,474 acres of forest range from 3,000 to 3,930 feet above sea level, making Kumbrabow the state's highest forest. Acquired in 1934, the forest derives its unusual name from the three prominent families, KUMp-BRAdy-BOWers, who were instrumental in the purchase of the land.
The forest is operated by the multiple-use concept which provides recreation and watershed protection, while practicing the principles of forestry and wildlife management.
Through good management practices, Kumbrabow is a showcase for stands of black cherry and red spruce. Diverse habitat has made black bear, turkey, deer, grouse, and bobcat sightings common to visitors throughout the year. Mountain laurel and rhododendron are abundant and surround the majority of several pristine streams, creating beautiful scenic views throughout the forest.
Kumbrabow State Forest facilities include fully equipped pioneer cabins, campsites, bathhouse with laundry, and picnic areas. |
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| Camping: |
| Another option for overnight visitors is the Mill Creek Campground. The beautiful campsites lay in pristine settings near patches of Rhododendron and a native brook trout stream. Features at the 13 site campground include
* picnic tables * fireplace * drinking water * pit toilet facilities * coin operated shower and laundry located at forest headquarters * Firewood and ice are available at headquarters during office hours
The campground is open Mid April through deer rifle season.
All sites are rented on a first come, first served basis, and only one tent or trailer is allowed per site. Families may have one or two small tents in addition to the main unit.
R.V.'s longer than 20' may encounter difficulty in finding suitable sites. A self-registration and fee collection station is located in the campground. |
| Trails: |
| A variety of scenic trails are available for forest visitors. Certain trails lead to beautiful overlooks of the mountain terrain.
Trail Descriptions
Meatbox Run Trail - 1 1/2 miles. Beginning in the picnic area, Meatbox Run Trail is a steady incline following a hollow leading up to the Rich Mountain Fire Trail. Hikers may return by way of Raven Rocks or Potato Hole Trail.
Potato Hole Trail - 2 miles. Starting behind Forest headquarters, Potato Hole Trail gradually climbs to the top of Rich Mountain, following Potato Hole Fork. The trail ends at the remains of a forest fire lookout tower on a branch road of the Rich Mountain Fire Trail.
Raven Rocks Trail - 1 mile.Beginning just north of the picnic area, Raven Rocks Trail starts as a sharp incline leading up to a rock overlook that is surrounding by lush rhododendron. The trail then gradually climbs to the top of Rich Mountain to the end of the Rich Mountain Fire Trail.
Rich Mountain Fire Trail - 3 1/2 miles. Beginning from Turkey Bone Road, the trail follows the top of Rich Mountain to the northern border of the forest. This fire trail will take you along the highest point in the forest (Buck knob: Elevation 3855 feet) and will take you into the most remote sections of the forest. Potato Hole, Meatbox Run and Raven Rocks trails connect to this trail.
Whitman Trail - 2 miles. Whitman Trail connects Turkey Bone Road to Kumbrabow State Forest Road. The suggested route is to begin from Turkey Bone Road; the trail then gradually descends off of Rich Mountain.
Clay Run Trail - 3/4 mile. Beginning at Forest Headquarters, Clay Run Trail crosses Mill Creek then follows an old logging railroad grade north alongside Mill Creek. Approximately 1/2 mile downstream, this trail turns east and ascends to the top of Mill Ridge. Once reaching the top of Mill Ridge, the Clay Run Trail ends at the Mill Ridge Fire Trail.
Mill Ridge Fire Trail - 1 mile. Mill Ridge Fire Trail follows the top of Mill Ridge between Clay Run and Mowry Run. A picnic table overlooks Tygart Valley to Cheat Mountain.
Mowry Trail - 1/2 mile. The Mowry trail begins just south of Forest Headquarters, crosses Mill Creek and ascends to the top of Mill Ridge. Mowry connects to the Mill Ridge Fire Trail. |
| Picnicking: |
| Furnished with tables, fireplaces, drinking water and toilet facilities, numerous rustic picnic sites are provided for forest guests. Playground equipment is located at the Meatbox picnic area. |
| Fishing and Hunting: |
| Mill Creek is a native brook trout stream whose swift cold waters provide many hours of good fishing with proper licensing.
Deer, bear, turkey, bobcat and ruffed grouse are the most prevalent game in the forest. A state license is required for hunting which is permitted in the forest in season. |
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| Area Accommodations |
| B&Bs / Inns | | Hutton House Inn - Hutton House was built in 1898, commissioned by E.E. Hutton, a local land developer for the private use of his family.Hutton House is cozy, comfortable, and beautiful. |
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| Related Links: |
| Friends of Kumbrabow State Forest - Friends of Kumbrabow State Forest. by Bob Marshall. On Saturday, January 13, a group of ten concerned forest lovers convened the inaugural board of directors meeting for the Friends of Kumbrabow... | | Map of Kumbrabow State Forest - |
| Area Attractions: |
| Nearby Recreation and Attractions:
-Cass Scenic Railroad
-Helvetia Swiss Village
-Holly River State Park
-Snowshoe Mountain Resort
-Local Horse stables
-Monongahela National Forest
-Elk River Trout Fishing -WV Wildlife Center |
| Directions: |
| Kumbrabow State Forest is located off US 219, 24 miles south of Elkins and seven miles south of Huttonsville. US 219 Turn onto Rt 219-16 (Kumbrabow Forest Road) at Elkwater and follow to forest. Coming north on 219, this turn-off is eight miles from Valley Head.
Another access to the forest is from WV 15, turning onto a rockbase road at Monterville. |
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