West Virginia

West Virginia, nestled in the Appalachian region of the United States, captivates with its diverse landscapes, from rolling hills to rugged mountains. This webpage centers on free camping opportunities within the Mongonghella and George Washington National Forests, inviting adventurers to embrace the state’s natural wonders. With a focus on hiking, biking, kayaking, and more, West Virginia offers a spectrum of outdoor activities. The majestic forests and pristine waterways of the national forests provide an idyllic backdrop for camping and exploration. From traversing scenic trails to embarking on cycling escapades, the state caters to various interests. West Virginia’s tranquil lakes and rivers beckon kayakers and water enthusiasts, ensuring unforgettable experiences. Amidst the Appalachian splendor, West Virginia stands as an outdoor haven where nature’s beauty and recreational pursuits harmonize to offer an enriching and memorable adventure.

https://www.wikiwand.com/en/West_Virginia

Blasting Coridoor H Through the Mountains

As seen from the Olson Firetower, they are blasting Corridor H through the mountains from Kearns to Parsons.

The new superhighway, when fully built out from I-66 in Stratsburg, VA will take hours off the drive to I-78 in Weston WV, unlocking both the wilderness areas and natural areas of the northern part of state to thousands from Washington DC and Pittsburgh Penna, but it's not without controversy.
For one, it's expensive to blast through mountains and build many bridges hundreds of feet above the valleys below, and only comes at the troughs of federal largess. And it's not even built up to full interstate standards, with many at-grade intersections due to enormous cost of the highway, one of most expensive per mile currently under active construction nationwide.

Second, several sections are very controversial, such as whether to build the road north or south of Thomas. The southerly route is much shorter, but it would cross the North Fork of Blackwater Canyon, significant wetlands and the Coketon Historic-area, once an African American village -- and risks spilling millions of gallons of acid mine discharge into the river. But the northerly route is miles longer, steeper and much more expensive to build. Likewise, VA DOT has opposed the extension through Virginia, despite being on WV Maps. State DOTs ultimately have final say if interstate highways are constructed, if they don't request funding, people will continue to have to get off onto a narrow, steep, twisty road at the state line.

Plus, the existing portions of the expressway are bringing record numbers each year of tourists to northern WV, on narrow, twisty local roads with limited parking, and parks and wilderness areas not prepared to deal with that kind of traffic especially during peak summer and autumn seasons.

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

Home for the Week – Wide Screen

I enjoyed having the same campsite all week long when I was camping up on the Monongahela National Forest during the last week of October in 2023.