The Cranberry Wilderness in West Virginia Might Be One of the Most Peaceful Places in the U.S.-and It Has Stunning Fall Foliage

"I crawled out of my tent and pulled my hat down over my ears before checking the car's thermometer, which read 38 degrees Fahrenheit. It was May 25, and while much of the state had already heated up, West Virginia's Cranberry Wilderness was still chilly-perfect for the trout that glide through the area's rivers. It owes its cool weather to its high elevation; the area ranges from 2,400 to over 4,600 feet above sea level."

"Each spring, my father and I follow the winding roads through rural West Virginia to the Cranberry Wilderness. Encompassing 47,815 acres, it is one of the largest pieces of wilderness devoid of roads east of the Mississippi, and locals know it for its specialty spring cuisine: trout, ramps, and morels. We spend a few days up there each spring, camped along the area's major trout streams, the Cranberry and Williams rivers, casting lines and visiting nearby hiking trails."

"Along the Cranberry River, explorers can also follow a gated gravel road that's closed to vehicle traffic. This route is ideal for biking trips and features Appalachian Trail-style lean-to camping shelters available on a first-come, first-served basis. The adjacent Tea Creek Wildlife Management Area offers an additional 45 miles of hiking trails with Appalachian Trail-style shelters that are great for backpacking trips."

The Cranberry Wilderness sits at 2,400 to over 4,600 feet elevation, keeping temperatures cool and supporting healthy trout populations in its rivers. The area covers 47,815 acres and remains largely roadless, offering solitude and rugged terrain. Spring brings specialty foods such as trout, ramps, and morels and draws seasonal campers and anglers. Major trout streams include the Cranberry and Williams rivers, with campsites and nearby hiking trails. The landscape contains about 135 miles of moss-lined trails, waterfalls, and remote features like Big Beechy Falls. A gated gravel road supports biking and lean-to shelter camping; Tea Creek WMA adds roughly 45 miles of trails.

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