Middle Mountain Fire Road
Ridge-runner through virgin timber stumps and wilderness
This 15-mile fire road follows the spine of Middle Mountain from Forest Road 14 near Bartow to the Highland County line, threading between the Laurel Fork North and South Wilderness Areas at elevations above 4,000 feet. Built by the Forest Service in the 1960s over old logging railroad grades, the route passes massive cut stumps from virgin red oaks that measured 8 feet across, plus stone foundations from logging camps that housed 500 men during the 1920s timber boom.
Technically easy but demanding on vehicle and driver due to the 15-mile distance through true backcountry with zero cell service and no bailout options. Stock 4WD with good tires handles the packed gravel surface fine, but carry extra fuel, water, and recovery gear. Best run June through October when snow doesn’t block the higher elevations. Dispersed camping allowed along the ridge with incredible sunrise views over the Shenandoah Valley to the east and the Allegheny Plateau stretching west.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Easy |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Overland Route |
| Surface | Gravel |
| Features | Camping, High Altitude, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 15 mi / 24.1 km |
| Duration | 1 day |
| Max elevation (ft) | 4200 ft |
| Best season | June-October |
| Minimum vehicle | Stock 4WD |
| Nearest town | Bartow, WV |
| Land manager | Monongahela National Forest |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | No |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
| Copy both for Google Maps directionsClick to copy the directions URL · or open it directly in a new tab | |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
No recent condition reports. Be the first to post one.
Log in to post a condition report.