Laurel Fork North Wilderness is a U.S. Wilderness Area located in the Greenbrier Ranger District of Monongahela National Forest in West Virginia.[2] The Wilderness protects high-elevation lands along Laurel Fork (Cheat River) and is bordered by Middle Mountain to the west. It is a companion to Laurel Fork South Wilderness, the two being split by Randolph County Route 40. Laurel Fork North contains 9.5 miles (15.3 km) of hiking trails.[2]
| Laurel Fork North Wilderness | |
|---|---|
 Sign for Laurel Fork Wilderness on Middle Mountain Road. | |
  Location of Laurel Fork North Wilderness in West Virginia | |
| Location | Randolph, West Virginia, United States |
| Coordinates | 38°45′27″N 79°40′23″W / 38.75750°N 79.67306°W |
| Area | 6,055 acres (24.50 km2)[2] |
| Established | 1983[2] |
| Operator | Monongahela National Forest |
| Website | Laurel Fork Wildernesses |
History
editThe land that now comprises Laurel Fork North Wilderness was once private forestland owned by the Laurel River Lumber Company. The area was first logged by floating the logs down the Laurel Fork, and later by railroad. By 1921, the virgin forestland was fully logged. The U.S. Forest Service acquired the area soon thereafter, adding it to Monongahela National Forest.[2]
Laurel Fork South and Laurel Fork North Wildernesses were designated in 1983 by the Monongahela National Forest, West Virginia, Land Designations law.[2]
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ "Laurel Fork Wilderness". Protected Planet. IUCN. Retrieved 30 April 2018.
- ^ a b c d e f "Laurel Fork Wilderness brochure" (PDF). Monongahela National Forest. Archived from the original (PDF) on May 28, 2010. Retrieved April 13, 2010.