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- Region
- Mid-Atlantic
- Country
- United States
- Trip length
- 16 to 22 miles depending on connectors
- Backpacking
- Hiking
- Fishing
- Hunting
- Mountaineering
- Wildlife Viewing
- Canoeing
- Photography
Key takeaways
- Trip length: 16 to 22 miles depending on connectors
- Top activity: backpacking
Topic summary
Unblazed trail navigation, river crossings, and bear protocols in West Virginia.
Intended uses
backpacking
Verification notes
Last verified October 15, 2026.
Tools for a trip here
Picked for how, when and where you're going. Free, no signup.
- Sleep System Temp CalculatorCold nights: check your bag and pad add up to a safe sleep.
- Base Weight CalculatorEvery ounce is carried — total your kit and find your base weight.
- Pack Volume SizerSize the pack for your trip length and season.
- Water Purification MatrixTreat water from streams and lakes on trail.
- Layering CalculatorCold-season miles: layer for climbs and camp.
Plan with verified data
Cranberry Wilderness: Middle Fork and Cowpasture Loop Route Guide trip tools
How to get there
From I-79, take Exit 57 and follow U.S. 19 south to Route 55 east, then Route 150. From I-64, take Exit 169 and follow U.S. 219 north to Route 39 west, then Route 150. Route 150, the Highland Scenic Highway, is not snowplowed in winter and is closed to vehicular traffic during winter. Select a trailhead to match the planned route rather than assuming all access points connect directly to Middle Fork Trail.
- Big Beechy Trailhead
Located off the Highland Scenic Highway at 38.294685, -80.247361. Check the wilderness trail map for connections to the intended itinerary.
- North South – East Trailhead
Located off the Highland Scenic Highway at 38.276448, -80.237881. Winter highway access is restricted by the seasonal vehicular closure.
- Three Forks Trailhead
Located on Forest Road 86 at 38.338399, -80.375164. Match this access point to the planned route using a topographic map.
- North South – West Trailhead
Located by Cranberry Campground at 38.323000, -80.438763. Confirm trail connections before using it as a start or finish.
Sources: fs.usda.gov · Wikipedia · Wikivoyage. Confirm road and trailhead conditions with the managing agency before you leave.
Popular pursuits at Cranberry Wilderness: Middle Fork and Cowpasture Loop Route Guide
- Backpacking
Multi-day travel with everything on your back — see the packing blocks below.
- Hiking
Day miles on marked trail, with route notes and trail links below.
- Fishing
Resident gamefish, seasons, and the water that holds them.
- Hunting
Seasons, tags, and the units that hold animals.
- Mountaineering
Glacier and high-route objectives with real consequence.
- Wildlife Viewing
Best light, best season, and where animals move.
Animals around Cranberry Wilderness: Middle Fork and Cowpasture Loop Route Guide
Wildlife guideBlack bearUrsus americanus
Big gameWhitetail DeerOdocoileus virginianus
GamefishBrook TroutSalvelinus fontinalis
Wildlife guideNorth American beaverCastor canadensis
Big gameBlack BearUrsus americanus
GamefishSmallmouth BassMicropterus dolomieu
Wildlife guideSnowshoe hareLepus americanus
Big gameWild HogSus scrofa
Maps, GPS & compass for this trip
Carry a waterproof paper map and a compass you can steer by, and treat the GPS as the backup — not the other way round. Buying links go to Amazon; Wild10 earns a commission at no cost to you.
Waterproof topo maps
- Waterproof topographic map — Cranberry Wilderness: Middle Fork and Cowpasture Loop Route GuideAmazon search for waterproof, tear-resistant topo maps covering this area.
- National Geographic Trails IllustratedThe waterproof Trails Illustrated series — check for a sheet covering this area.
- Waterproof map case & compass lanyardKeep a paper map readable in rain, spray and a swamped boat.
Fishing at Cranberry Wilderness: Middle Fork and Cowpasture Loop Route Guide
Planning to fish Cranberry Wilderness: Middle Fork and Cowpasture Loop Route Guide, Mid-Atlantic? Fishing licences, open seasons and catch limits in Mid-Atlantic are set by the local wildlife authority and change every year — check the official source before you cast a line.
Do I need a fishing licence at Cranberry Wilderness: Middle Fork and Cowpasture Loop Route Guide?
- A Mid-Atlantic fishing licence is normally required for anyone over the local youth age.
- Read the current Mid-Atlantic fishing regulations for special waters, barbless-hook or catch-and-release rules.
- Clean, drain and dry boats and gear between waters to stop invasive species.
- Cranberry Wilderness: Middle Fork and Cowpasture Loop Route Guide may add its own fishing rules on top of Mid-Atlantic law — check the managing agency too.
We don't have a verified licensing link on file for Mid-Atlantic yet — contact the park or land manager listed on this page for current hunting and fishing rules.
Hunting near Cranberry Wilderness: Middle Fork and Cowpasture Loop Route Guide
Thinking about hunting Cranberry Wilderness: Middle Fork and Cowpasture Loop Route Guide, Mid-Atlantic? Hunting seasons, tags and draws in Mid-Atlantic are set by the wildlife authority each year. Confirm the rules for your species and unit before you go.
Is hunting allowed at Cranberry Wilderness: Middle Fork and Cowpasture Loop Route Guide?
- Hunting is prohibited or heavily restricted in many national parks, wilderness and protected areas — confirm with the Cranberry Wilderness: Middle Fork and Cowpasture Loop Route Guide land manager before planning a hunt, and look to surrounding public land.
What do I need to hunt in Mid-Atlantic?
- A Mid-Atlantic hunting licence — most jurisdictions also require hunter education certification.
- Species tags or draw results for big game such as deer, elk, moose or bear where they occur.
- Knowledge of firearm and bow transport rules, which differ by land type and border crossing.
We don't have a verified licensing link on file for Mid-Atlantic yet — contact the park or land manager listed on this page for current hunting and fishing rules.
Cranberry Wilderness terrain and setting
Cranberry Wilderness covers 47,815 acres in West Virginia’s Pocahontas and Webster counties, within Monongahela National Forest. Broad mountains and deep valleys span elevations from 2,400 to more than 4,600 feet on the Allegheny Plateau. Appalachian hardwoods cover much of the landscape, with red spruce at higher elevations. The wilderness encompasses the Middle Fork of the Williams River and the North Fork of the Cranberry River, and more than 70 miles of maintained hiking trails provide access. The 9-mile Middle Fork Trail is a starting point for route planning, but its listed length should not be treated as a complete loop distance. Confirm connecting trails and the intended trailhead before committing to a loop itinerary. Black bears, white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, bobcats, and other wildlife inhabit the area; keep food secure and give animals space.
Navigation, wet trails, and stream crossings
Expect a wilderness trail network rather than a consistently marked walking route. Trails are not blazed, signs occur only at junctions, and rock cairns are not reliable navigation aids. Footpaths may shift away from their mapped locations. Bring a topographic map before arriving, since maps are not stocked at trailheads, and carry a compass with the skills to use it. Some trails are steep, rocky, or boggy, and obstacles that can reasonably be stepped over, ducked under, or walked around may remain in place. There are no bridges over streams. High water can make fords hazardous, so assess crossings rather than assuming a planned itinerary remains workable. Allow time for navigation and wet footing, and be prepared to turn back. Frost can occur year-round; carry warm layers and protection from wet weather even outside winter.
Camping, water, and wilderness responsibilities
Plan for self-reliant travel: potable water is not available, and streams are naturally acidic and are not stocked. Carry drinking water or suitable treatment for backcountry water sources. Groups larger than 10 people are prohibited, pets must remain under control, and bicycles and other mechanical transportation are prohibited within the wilderness. Horses are permitted, but trails are maintained for human use and riding is discouraged because of soft soils, rocks, and narrow footing. Registration at a trailhead or Nature Center is encouraged but not mandatory. Campfires are discouraged; bring a cook stove instead. Choose campsites at least 200 feet from roads, streams, and trails as a low-impact guideline. Pack out all trash, and bury human waste 7–8 inches deep at least 200 feet from roads, streams, and trails.
Route options
- Middle Fork Trail9 miles
A named hiking trail within Cranberry Wilderness. The listed distance is the trail length, not a verified loop itinerary or round-trip distance. Confirm access, connections, and current conditions with the Gauley Ranger District before building a longer route around it.
- North Fork Trail7.5 miles
An alternative named trail within the wilderness network. Plan access and turnaround or connecting trails separately; the listed length does not establish a complete loop. Prepare for unblazed trails, wet footing, and unbridged stream crossings within the wilderness.
Sample itineraries
- Middle Fork Trail day hike · 1 day
Plan an out-and-back on a manageable portion of the Middle Fork Trail, listed at 9 miles overall. Confirm access with the Gauley Ranger District and carry a topographic map. Set the turnaround around navigation, stream conditions, and daylight rather than trying to cover the full trail.
- Middle Fork overnight · 2 days
Build an overnight out-and-back around the Middle Fork Trail after confirming access and current conditions. Leave time for unbridged crossings and unmarked tread. Choose a low-impact campsite; camping at least 200 feet from roads, streams, and trails is recommended. Do not assume a connecting Cowpasture loop.
Seasonal conditions
Spring
Spring
Plan for wet, muddy trails and assess every unbridged crossing. High water can make fords unsafe. Frost is possible year-round, so carry insulation and check conditions before departure.
Summer
Summer
Summer does not eliminate frost risk, particularly in higher terrain. Carry warm layers and rain protection. Muddy trails and unbridged streams still require flexible plans.
Fall
Fall
Prepare for frost and wet footing. Appalachian hardwoods cover much of the wilderness, with red spruce at higher elevations. Allow extra time for navigating unmarked trails and negotiating obstacles.
Winter
Winter
The Highland Scenic Highway, Route 150, is not snowplowed and is closed to vehicular traffic in winter. Do not plan vehicle access to its trailheads. Confirm alternative access with the ranger district and prepare for cold conditions.
| Season | Window | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | Spring | Plan for wet, muddy trails and assess every unbridged crossing. High water can make fords unsafe. Frost is possible year-round, so carry insulation and check conditions before departure. |
| Summer | Summer | Summer does not eliminate frost risk, particularly in higher terrain. Carry warm layers and rain protection. Muddy trails and unbridged streams still require flexible plans. |
| Fall | Fall | Prepare for frost and wet footing. Appalachian hardwoods cover much of the wilderness, with red spruce at higher elevations. Allow extra time for navigating unmarked trails and negotiating obstacles. |
| Winter | Winter | The Highland Scenic Highway, Route 150, is not snowplowed and is closed to vehicular traffic in winter. Do not plan vehicle access to its trailheads. Confirm alternative access with the ranger district and prepare for cold conditions. |
Permits, fees & closures
Trailhead or Nature Center registration is encouraged but not mandatory. Groups larger than 10 are prohibited. Confirm any additional permit requirements with the Gauley Ranger District before departure.
Official source: Monongahela National Forest | Cranberry Wilderness · Verified October 15, 2026
Hazards & regulations
- River and stream crossings have no bridges. High-water fords require caution; turn back rather than attempt an unsafe crossing.
- Trails are not marked or blazed. Junction signs are limited, cairns may be unreliable, and tread can differ from mapped alignments.
- Steep, rocky, boggy, and muddy sections can slow travel. Expect wet feet and natural obstacles left across trails.
- Frost can occur year-round across terrain ranging from 2,400 to over 4,600 feet.
- Potable water is unavailable at the site. Carry drinking water and equipment to treat collected water.
- Black bears inhabit the wilderness. Keep food and scented items secured and give wildlife space.
What to pack for Cranberry Wilderness: Middle Fork and Cowpasture Loop Route Guide
- Topographic map obtained before arrival; maps are not stocked at trailheads
- Compass and the skills to use it
- Footwear suited to rocky, muddy trails
- Spare socks
- Rain protection
- Insulating layers suitable for frost
- Drinking water and water-treatment equipment
- Lightweight cook stove and fuel
- Lightweight lantern
- Food storage appropriate for black bear country
- Trash bags for packing out all waste
- Trowel for burying human waste 7–8 inches deep, at least 200 feet from roads, streams, and trails
Wildlife you may see
- Black bears
- White-tailed deer
- Wild turkeys
- Grouse
- Rabbits
- Mink
- Bobcats
- Foxes
Cranberry Wilderness: Middle Fork and Cowpasture Loop Route Guide FAQ
- Is the Middle Fork and Cowpasture loop confirmed?
- The Middle Fork Trail is listed at 9 miles, but a connecting Cowpasture loop is not established here. Confirm the route, junctions, access, and total distance with the Gauley Ranger District before treating it as a loop.
- Where is Cranberry Wilderness?
- It covers 47,815 acres in Pocahontas and Webster Counties, West Virginia, within Monongahela National Forest. Broad mountains and deep valleys encompass the Middle Fork of the Williams River and the North Fork of the Cranberry River.
- Which trailheads serve the wilderness?
- Big Beechy, North South–East, and Forks of Cranberry are off the Highland Scenic Highway. North South–West is by Cranberry Campground. Three Forks and County Line are on Forest Road 86. Confirm which access suits the planned route; these are not interchangeable loop starting points.
- Are campfires allowed?
- Campfires are discouraged; use a cook stove instead. If building a fire, use an already impacted site, keep it small, burn only dead and down wood, and scatter ashes 100 feet from the campsite.
- Can dogs, bicycles, or horses enter?
- Pets must remain under control. Bicycles and other mechanical transportation are prohibited. Horses and other stock are permitted, but their use is discouraged: trails are maintained for people and may be steep, rocky, boggy, or narrow.
- Who can confirm access and route conditions?
- Contact the Gauley District Richwood Office at (304) 846-2695. Ask about current stream conditions, trail access, and the proposed Middle Fork connection before committing to a loop.