Laurel Fork North Wilderness

Although sometimes listed as two areas, Laurel Fork Wilderness straddles the Laurel Fork of the Cheat River, and only the corridor of County Route 40 separates the northern and southern portions. The narrow river valley runs north-south below regularly dissected slopes and long, slim ridges, fed by numerous side streams. Immediately to the east stands Rich Mountain; to the west looms Middle Mountain, with elevations over 3,700 feet. An almost continuous forest cover dominated by beech, maple, black cherry, birch, and yellow poplar is broken only by grassy meadows along the Laurel Fork itself. White-tailed deer live here with wild turkeys, bobcats, and beavers. You might occasionally spot a few black bears, although you are more likely to see some of the myriad resident bird species. You may catch native brook and brown trout in the river, but heavy brush can make casting difficult. Winters typically bring heavy snows; temperatures are pleasant in summer. The Laurel River North and Laurel River South Trails, both five miles long, follow the river from a central trailhead at Laurel Fork Campground. One side trail in the northern portion and three in the south leave the Wilderness and head west to Forest Service Road 14. No trails exist on the east side of the area. There are approximately 14 miles of trails across the Laurel Fork North and Laurel Fork South systems. Designated in 1983 and managed by the U.S. Forest Service.