Monongahela National Forest

Spanning the Appalachian Mountains of West Virginia, Monongahela National Forest sprawls across 900,000 acres of diverse landscapes. Its lush forests, rolling hills, and rugged mountains create a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. With abundant trails, including those in the designated Cranberry Wilderness, hiking, camping, fishing, and wildlife watching are popular pursuits. The forest offers primitive and roadside camping, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in nature. While embracing its wilderness charm, it’s important to note that limited cell service adds to the authentic back-to-nature experience. From the Allegheny Plateau to mountainous terrains, Monongahela National Forest beckons adventurers to explore its untouched beauty and embrace the outdoor splendor of the Appalachian region.

https://www.fs.usda.gov/mnf
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monongahela_National_Forest

Olson Firetower – 100 Foot Tower

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Back in the 1963, the Forest Service ran into a problem with their 60-foot Backbone Mountain Firetower, constructed in 1922 by State of West Virginia.The trees had grown too tall around the tower, and it was decided to scrap the 40-year old tower and replace it with a 100 foot Aermotor tower, with the ability to climb to the roof of the tower via a ladder for even better views (!!) Aermotor offered towers up to 175 feet.

The Forest Service bought a 100 foot tower, name Olson Firetower, to put on the mountain, which is still an impressive height as the tallest fire-tower in New York State is only 70 foot (Wakely Mountain). It's a good climb for sure at 30 feet higher then Wakely and is 133 steps to the cabin.

The circa-1963 Olson Tower is named after Ernst B. Olson in recognition of 28 years of fire control and conservation program service to Monongahela National Forest.

Taken on Thursday October 26, 2023 at Olson Firetower.

Flat Land – No the Allegheny Front

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You might think the this area looks remarkably flat, but looks can be deceiving from the Olson Firetower which is on Backbone Mountain at 3,650 feet.

The range in the distance is the Allegheny Front (the Eastern Continental Divide), indeed it tops out at above 4,200 feet elevation with Petersburgh on the east side beyond it only about 1,000-1,500 feet elevation. The west side of Allegheny Front isn't as big of a drop, but the Canaan Valley is still only 3,200-3,500 feet elevation.

In the middle you can see the smoke stacks of the Mount Storm Coal Power Plant, the largest in the northeastern West Virginia which is a major electricity source for the Greater Washington DC area.

 

Taken on Thursday October 26, 2023 at Monongahela National Forest.

North from the Olson Firetower

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North from the Olson Firetower, with US 219 snaking around the side of Backbone Mountain. Limestone Mountain in the mid-range, and in background is Laurel Mountain.

Taken on Thursday October 26, 2023 at Olson Firetower.