West Virginia's Largest Bog Is A Botanical Area Mimicking The Terrain Of Northern Canada With Unique Plants

The Cranberry Glades Botanical Area might just be the most intriguing part of the Monongahela National Forest. Located at the eastern edge of West Virginia, surrounded by absolute wilderness and just a few tiny towns, this botanical area is home to the largest bogs in the state. Typically found much farther north, like in Canada, bogs are something of a rarity at this latitude. In fact, Cranberry Glades is a bit similar to a living museum of rare flora up in New Hampshire, which is home to a multitude of unique species.

Spongy layers of peat coat the ground at Cranberry Glades, a bizarre mixture of carnivorous plants dot the landscape, and a wealth of animals meander through the environment. It's a truly special place in West Virginia, and it's become a popular destination for both tourists and scientists — the former for sightseeing, the latter for extensive research projects.

If you're interested in visiting Cranberry Glades, it's crucial to follow Leave No Trace principles. This area is highly sensitive, and some of the growth here can trace its roots back over 10,000 years, making any damage to the region incredibly detrimental to its health. Thankfully, there's a lovely boardwalk which allows visitors to wander through the boggy terrain and enjoy its many unique species.

The Monongahela National Forest is divided into five districts: Cheat Ranger District, Gauley Ranger District, Greenbrier Ranger District, Marlinton Ranger District, and Potomac Ranger District. The Cranberry Glades make up a portion of the Gauley Ranger District near Richwood. Sprawling for 750 acres, Cranberry Glades is a dramatic departure from the usual scenery of West Virginia, and it's a must-visit destination if you're in the area.

Interested in checking out the views? Head over to the half-mile-long boardwalk that winds through the bog. Make sure not to leave the boardwalk, as setting foot on the peat and vegetation can cause serious damage to the landscape. The Cranberry Mountain Nature Center also conducts guided tours during the summer season. They're also available for special tours if you contact them in advance.

The boardwalk is the main attraction here, as it takes you through the most exciting part of Cranberry Glades. But there are several other hiking trails nearby. This includes the short Falls of the Hills Creek Trail and its soothing waterfall. There's an overlook halfway down the trail if you decide not to make the entire trek. For more adventures, check out another section of the Monongahela National Forest that's home to a unique mountain wilderness.

Want to witness a truly remarkable natural phenomenon? Visit near the end of fall when the plants begin turning different shades of red. It's unlike anything else in the country, and wandering among the vibrant red foliage is truly a sight to behold. For verdant fields of thriving plants, visit during the summer or late spring.

You'll find plenty of rugged camping in the wilderness surrounding Cranberry Glades. If you're seeking creature comforts, venture over to Marlinton or Richwood — both are charming small towns about 30 minutes from the botanical area. Marlinton is home to the cozy Old Clark Inn, which is close to the Greenbrier River Trail for additional hiking and a handful of restaurants. Richwood is a bit smaller, though it does have the hilariously-named CB's Hole in the Wall restaurant, which serves pizza in a no-frills diner.

Several regional airports are nearby, including Greenbrier Valley Airport and the Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport. If you fly into the latter, make a quick detour to a Blue Ridge hideaway that's a popular stop on the Appalachian Trail. As beautiful as it is, you'll likely only spend a few hours at Cranberry Glades. Consider building it into a larger itinerary that takes you across the West Virginia landscape.