The Cranberry Wilderness in West Virginia is undoubtedly an exceptional place that shouldn’t be missed by any nature lover. Spread over a whopping 47,815 acres, this wilderness area is like a little slice of Canada right in the heart of West Virginia.
The Cranberry Wilderness is named after the Cranberry River that meanders through the pristine forests, forming cascading waterfalls, deep pools, and twisting channels.
One of the most alluring aspects of the Cranberry Wilderness is the Canadian-like terrain. Hiking through the area makes you feel like you are walking among the Canadian mountains and forests.
The wilderness area is home to numerous species of flora and fauna, including several that are rarely found elsewhere in West Virginia. The forest here is dense, and you'll come across many types of trees, including hemlocks, red spruces, and white pines.
If you're a birdwatcher, you'll be in heaven here, as the area is home to many unique bird species, including the warblers, northern goshawks, and common ravens. In the evening, you can hear the howls of coyotes and the calls of the eastern screech-owls. If you're lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of a black bear or a white-tailed deer.
The Cranberry Wilderness is known for its many hiking trails that vary in lengths and levels of difficulty. You can hike the trails for a single day or plan a longer backpacking trip to explore the area more thoroughly.
Some of the popular hiking trails in the Cranberry Wilderness are the North-South Trail (pictured throughout this article), the Cranberry River Trail, and the Fork Mountain Trail.
Overall, the Cranberry Wilderness is a must-visit place if you’re in West Virginia. It’s a place where you can feel at one with nature, away from the hustle and bustle of the city. It’s a little slice of Canada that you don’t have to cross the border to experience. So, whether you’re looking for a challenging hike or a peaceful place for a picnic by the river, the Cranberry Wilderness in West Virginia is waiting for you, and we highly recommend it. And don’t miss the chance to visit another scene straight out of Canada (the gorgeous Cranberry Glades) while you’re here!
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