West Virginia is a mountain state and home to some of the highest peaks in the United States. With fewer than two million people, this small state is known for its rugged mountains and pristine wilderness areas.

The highest point in West Virginia is Spruce Knob in Pendleton County, which reaches an elevation of 4,863 feet. It is part of Monongahela National Forest, a popular hiking destination for peak baggers and nature lovers alike.

In addition to the high peaks, Monongahela also protects a number of beautiful landscapes and unique habitats. It is home to the Allegheny Front, a geological feature that forms the western edge of the Appalachian Mountains in West Virginia and Virginia.

Among the many long, undulating mountain ridges in the central Appalachian range are Mill Creek Mountain and Backbone Mountain. Both of these peaks are located in the Monongahela National Forest and beckon hikers to explore their summits and take in the panoramic views from the surrounding terrain.

Another popular climbing spot in the Monongahela National Forest is Seneca Rocks. This incredible rock formation protrudes from the ground like an armored plate, and it’s a great place to try your hand at rock climbing if you’re an adrenaline junkie.

New Creek Mountain, in Hampshire County, is another popular hiking area that stretches along the Ridge-and-Valley Appalachian range and features Saddle Mountain, an impressive saddle-shaped sandstone rock formation best viewed from Skyline. The ridge offers a variety of trails for hikers and also features New Creek Mountain Cliffs, a perpendicular series of steep cliffs that overlook Patterson Creek.