Cranberry Wilderness Access Road

This remote access road penetrates 12 miles into the heart of the 47,815-acre Cranberry Wilderness, the largest designated wilderness in West Virginia. The route follows old railroad grades from the Gauley Lumber Company era, passing through pristine headwater streams where native brook trout still thrive in waters untouched since the 1920s logging ended. Multiple stream crossings require careful scouting, and the road ends at a trailhead providing foot access to the wilderness interior where black bears and occasional elk roam freely.

Easy to moderate difficulty depending on recent weather, requiring high-clearance vehicles for the stream fords and rocky sections. Spring runoff can make crossings impassable, while fall colors attract crowds to this hidden gem. No permits needed but camping regulations apply within the wilderness boundary. Stock up on supplies in Richwood as services are non-existent once you leave pavement. The payoff is access to some of the most remote camping in the Appalachians, where you can still experience the solitude that drew early mountain men to these ancient hills.