About This Park

Located on top of Rich Mountain along the western edge of the Allegheny Highlands, Kumbrabow State Forest in Randolph County is West Virginia’s highest forest. With 9,474 acres of forest at an elevation of more than 3,000 feet above sea level, Kumbrabow is used for recreation, watershed protection, commercial forestry and wildlife management.

Accommodations

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Cabins

Camping

Activities

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  • Biking
  • Camping
  • Fishing
  • Geocaching
  • Hiking
  • Horseback Riding
  • DeerViewing
    Hunting
  • Museums & Historical Sites
  • Outdoor Adventures
Attraction is located outside of the park.
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Contact

History

The area now known as Kumbrabow State Forest was once covered with magnificent stands of red spruce and hemlock. During a logging boom in the 1880s, four major sawmills cut timber from the forests. Then, in the 1920s, wildfires ravaged the land. The area’s high elevation, abundant rainfall and forest management promoted rapid forest regrowth. Kumbrabow State Forest was established in 1934. The distinctive name “Kumbrabow” comes from the surnames of the park’s earliest supporters: Governor Herman G. (Kum)p, Spates (Bra)dy and Hubert (Bow)ers.

Trails

Clay Run Trail

Beginning at Forest Headquarters, Clay Run Trail crosses Mill Creek then follows an old logging railroad grade north alongside Mill Creek. Approximately .5 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.

Distance: 0.75 miles

Difficulty: Easy

Meatbox Run Trail

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.

Distance: 1.5 miles

Difficulty: Difficult

Mill Ridge Fire Trail

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.

Distance: 1 mile

Difficulty: Easy

Mowry Trail

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.

Distance: 0.5 miles

Difficulty: Easy

Potato Hole Trail

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.

Distance: 2 miles

Difficulty: Difficult

Raven Rocks Trail

Beginning just north of the picnic area, Raven Rocks Trail starts as a sharp incline leading up to a rock overlook surrounded by lush rhododendron. The trail then gradually climbs to the top of Rich Mountain to the end of the Rich Mountain Fire Trail.

Distance: 1 mile

Difficulty: Moderate

Rich Mountain Fire Trail

Beginning from Turkey Bone Road, the trail follows the top of Rich Mountain to the northern border of the forest. This fire trail takes you along the highest point in the forest (Buck knob: Elevation 3855 feet) and will lead you into the most remote sections of the forest. Potato Hole, Meatbox Run and Raven Rocks trails connect to this trail.

Distance: 3.5 miles

Difficulty: Moderate

Whitman Trail

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 Rich Mountain.

Distance: 2 miles

Difficulty: Difficult

Additional Information

Picnicking

Change pace and enjoy a picnic at one of the forest’s picnic sites, equipped with tables, fireplaces, drinking water and toilet facilities.  Playground equipment is located at the picnic area for the little ones to enjoy!

Nearby Attractions

Cass Scenic Railroad

All aboard for a trip back through time! Cass Scenic Railroad State Park offers excursions that transport visitors to relive an era when steam-driven locomotives were an essential part of everyday life.

Helvetia Swiss Village

Helvetia is a small Swiss village in a high mountain valley of West Virginia. The original Swiss and German settlers arrived in 1869. Their descendants remain and carry on the traditions of dance, music and food.

Holly River State Park

Located in Webster County, the 8,101-acre Holly River is the second largest park in the West Virginia park system.

Snowshoe Mountain Resort

Guests can find comfortable lodgings and recreational opportunities with this mountain resort, no matter the season.

Monongahela National Forest

The Monongahela National Forest is located in the north central highlands of West Virginia. Elevations range from just under 1,000 feet to a breathtaking 4,863 feet above sea level. The variations in terrain and precipitation have made the Monongahela one of the country’s most ecologically diverse national forests.

Visitors to this beautiful place will enjoy breathtaking vistas, peaceful country roads, gently flowing streams and glimpses of the many species of plants and animals that inhabit the Forest.  You will  also see a ‘working’ forest, which produces timber, water, grazing, minerals and recreational opportunities for the region and nation.

WV Wildlife Center

The West Virginia State Wildlife Center is a modern zoological facility displaying native and introduced state wildlife. Operated by the Wildlife Resources Section of the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources, the Wildlife Center is dedicated to presenting visitors a realistic and factual understanding of our state’s wildlife. The West Virginia State Wildlife Center is located in Upshur County in north-central West Virginia, 12 miles south of Buckhannon.

Elk Springs Resort

Unwind at this luxurious fishing getaway, where trout are plentiful. Get help from professional guides or load up at the fly shop— the largest in West Virginia. Stylish lodging and cabins make your mountain stay complete.

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