Five-Star Trails: West Virginia's Monongahela National Forest

Book excerpt: Welcome to Hiking Heaven It's no wonder the Monongahela National Forest is such a popular destination. It's the heart and soul of West Virginia and a natural getaway for hikers and weekend backpackers. With the Dolly Sods and Otter Creek Wildernesses to the north and the Cranberry Backcountry to the south--plus special places like the Falls of Hills Creek and Seneca Rocks--the "Mon" offers over 800 miles of stunning hiking opportunities to rocky overlooks, backcountry waterfalls, and even botanically rare and rich parcels. Discover mountain panoramas, untamed streams, and remote wilderness all within a short drive of Washington, D.C., and Richmond. In this updated edition, hiking expert Johnny Molloy shares everything you need to know about 40 five-star hiking trails for all levels and interests, including route details, directions, nearby attractions, GPS-based trail maps, elevation profiles, and more in this easy-to-carry and easy-to-use guidebook. Every trail is rated for scenery, difficulty, trail condition, solitude, and accessibility for children, so you know exactly what to expect before beginning your next adventure.