Pocahontas County Forest Road 22 Little Mountain Loop
Coal country ghosts and mountain views
Forest Road 22 cuts deep into Little Mountain’s forgotten coal country, where rusted tipples and overgrown mine portals tell stories of West Virginia’s industrial past. The 18-mile loop starts near Marlinton and climbs through second-growth hardwoods to expose spectacular views across the Greenbrier Valley. Key waypoints include the abandoned Kee Mine complex at mile 7 and the technical descent through Hurricane Branch, where seasonal creek crossings can turn nasty after spring rains.
This moderate trail demands high-clearance 4WD for the rocky sections near Hurricane Branch and soft spots in the coal waste areas. Best tackled May through October when the forest roads are passable, though hunters crowd the area during fall rifle season. No permits required, but fuel up in Marlinton — there’s nothing out here but solitude and the ghosts of Appalachian industry. Multiple dispersed camping spots along ridgelines offer sunrise views that’ll make you forget why you ever lived in the city.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Overland Route |
| Surface | Dirt |
| Features | Camping, Historic, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 18 mi / 29 km |
| Duration | 6-8 hours |
| Max elevation (ft) | 3400 ft |
| Best season | May-October |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 4WD |
| Nearest town | Marlinton, WV |
| Land manager | Monongahela National Forest |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| 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.
Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Tacoma or 4Runner run FR-22 without modifications?
A stock high-clearance 4WD with all-terrain tires will handle it fine under normal conditions. Lifted rigs aren't required, but low-range is — don't attempt this in a crossover or two-wheel drive truck no matter how confident you feel.
When does FR-22 typically open in spring and does it close in winter?
The trail is generally accessible May through October. West Virginia mud season can keep forest roads soft and rutted well into May, and early snowfall above 3,000 feet can shut things down by late October — check with the Monongahela National Forest Marlinton Ranger District before you go.
Do I need a permit to run this trail or camp along it?
No permit required to drive FR-22. Dispersed camping is allowed on Monongahela National Forest land under standard national forest rules — no fee, but stay 150 feet from water sources and leave no trace.
What's the hardest section of the loop and what makes it technical?
The steeper descents on the Little Mountain ridgeline are where things get honest — loose dirt, off-camber shelf road sections, and water-bar ruts that can catch a wide track off guard. Nothing extreme at moderate difficulty, but one bad line on a wet descent will put you in a ditch.
Are the water crossings on FR-22 passable after heavy rain, and is there any water to filter along the route?
The crossings are typically shallow and rock-bottomed in dry conditions, but after heavy rain they can rise fast and get muddy enough to hide the bottom — if it's been raining hard, scout before you commit. The headwater streams along the route run clean and are filterable for camp use.
Trail track
No GPX track for this trail yet. If you've driven it and have a track, contribute below.
Log in to contribute a GPX track.