Cranberry Wilderness

Cranberry Wilderness is a 47,742-acre federally protected Wilderness Area in West Virginia, managed by the Forest Service. The landscape is primitive backcountry where roads, motors, and mechanized travel are prohibited—this is non-motorized country on foot or horseback only. Hiking and backpacking are the primary draws, along with the solitude and Leave No Trace ethic that defines wilderness travel. Access points exist around the perimeter, but once inside, you're in true wilderness with no facilities or marked infrastructure. Spring through fall offers the most reliable conditions, though weather in the mountains can shift quickly. Plan for self-sufficiency: carry what you need, camp responsibly, and pack out everything you pack in.