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Laurel Fork Wilderness Area |
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Laurel Fork Wilderness Area |
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About the Wilderness
Congress designated Laurel Fork North and South Wilderness Areas in 1983 to preserve portions of a relatively unmodified
Appalachian Forest and allow for its return to a natural state. The Laurel Fork North and South Wilderness Areas
combined contain approximately 12,200 acres along the headwaters of Laurel Fork. The Laurel Fork of the Cheat River
is characterized by its narrow valley floor with regularly dissected slopes and long narrow ridges. Numerous side
streams occur along its length.
In the fern-filled valley of the Laurel Fork located in the north section of the Wilderness.
Elevations vary from 2,900 feet to over 3,700 feet. The continuous forest cover consisting mainly of Beech, Maple,
Black Cherry, Birch, and Yellow Poplar predominates. This cover is occasionally broken by grassy areas along the
Laurel Fork.
Laurel Fork provides native brook trout and brown trout fishing. Short fly rods and spinning gear are recommended.
Before the Forest Service purchased the Laurel Fork drainage in the 1920s, it was owned by the Laurel River Lumber
Company who had removed the virgin timber by 1921. The original forest was predominately hardwood with some spruce
and hemlock mixed in. Horses brought the timber down to the river until a railroad was constructed. Several fires,
presumably caused by locomotives, swept over the area. Those early fires had a big effect on changing the forest
cover to its present type.
A Civilian Conservation Corps camp was located at the site of the Laurel Fork campground during the 1930's. In
addition to building the Middle Mountain Road and several others in the area, the CCC was instrumental in controlling
forest fires with the Laurel Fork area.
Weather and Snow
The local climate varies considerably throughout the year. Summer temperatures are usually in the 70's, but can
drop to 40 degrees or less at night. Normal mid- winter daytime temperatures are around 30 degrees, but this can
drop to as low as - 20. Deep snows can make travel difficult, but only if you're not on snowshoes or cross-country
skis.
About the area......
This area is another great place to visit. The one word that comes to mind when I think of the Laurel Fork Wilderness
is FERNS - acres and acres of them, especially in the headwaters to the south. Many of the stream valleys feeding
into the main branch of the river are interspersed with sun-dappled open parks ringed by evergreens and yellow
birch. None of the trails are really steep, and the general impression is idyllic.
One drawback to the area is that the main trail is basically a "one-way" affair. Some circuits are possible,
but only if one is willing to incorporate some rather uninteresting gravel road walking.
The Wilderness is bisected into a north and south half by the Laurel Fork Campground. The campground is heavily
used by locals and was improved (expanded) in the late '80's/early '90's. You can generally find everything from
backpacking tents to Winnebagos situated there during the summer months. Logically, you can also expected to find
more people on the trail as you near the campground. Fortunately, away from the campground on the north and south,
the area is wonderfully secluded.
The south half of the wilderness is the prettiest in my opinion. The Laurel Fork stream valley is relatively narrow
here, and there are an abundance of ferns. The north half farther down the stream is much more open, and boggy
in spots. There are no swimming holes that I've been able to locate on the river, I suspect due to the very gentle
down-hill grade of the valley. Good campsites abound along the Laurel Fork stream.
Trails worth hiking?
All the trails in the south half are worth exploring, which takes in Stone Camp Run, Beulah, Chaffey, Camp Five
Run, and the Laurel River South trails. The Laurel River North trail is also very nice. The region at the intersection
of the Camp Five and Laurel River South trails is particularly beautiful.
Hunting
Allowed. Backpackers/hikers traveling during this season might consider wearing blaze orange or brightly colored
clothes.
Mountain Biking
Strictly prohibited in ALL USFS Wilderness Areas.
Cross-country Skiing
An excellent area for beginner skiers. The grades are very gentle and easy to traverse. The area is bordered by
private property owners who sometimes illegally use snowmobiles on the trails.
Campfires
Legal, but not recommended. Please protect the Wilderness for future generations and use your backpacking stove
and either an oil or candle lantern for light when you're visiting the area. Fires can be dangerous if not properly
tended and extinguished, and they leave an ugly fire ring for the next visitor.