Monongahela is located within a day's drive of much of the east coast, but is a great opportunity to escape crowds. The Allegheny Front of the Appalachian Mountains contributes to the mountainous forest which ranges in elevation from nine hundred feet at Petersburg to 4862 feet atop Spruce Knob, the highest point in West Virginia Theshapes the character of the forest. The Front is made up of several types of trees including cherry, maple, oak, cedar and even cactus.

The Monongahela also has five major river systems and hundreds of miles of smaller streams. The rivers and streams are made for fishing and whitewater enthusiasts. The summer is also perfect for canoeing and other water trips through scenic valleys. Some of the best rivers include Shaver's Fork of the Cheat, the south branch of the Potomac, Cranberry River, the Greenbrier River below Durbin, and Dry Fork. Other recreation opportunities available include bird watching, camping, caving, hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, and rock climbing.

The Civil War Auto Tour includes stops at Fort Summit and Camp Allegheny combined with lots of great scenery.

• Plan a fishing or whitewhater rafting trip to one of Monomgahela's five major river systems with hundreds of miles of streams.