Mon Forest announces winter closures on the Gauley and Marlinton-White Sulphur Ranger Districts

The Monongahela National Forest has closed several recreational sites on the Gauley and Marlinton-White Sulphur Ranger Districts for the winter season.

On the Gauley Ranger District the following sites are affected: Big Rock, Bishop Knob, Cranberry Restricted Use Area, Cranberry Campground, Summit Lake, Williams River Restricted Use Areas, North Bend Picnic Area, and the Woodbine Picnic Area.

On the Marlinton Ranger District, Tea Creek campground, Day Run campground, Pocahontas campground, and the Williams River Restricted Use Areas are now closed. The Rimel Picnic Area closes December 31^st.

And on the White Sulphur Ranger District, the Lake Sherwood campground and Picnic Area and the Blue Bend Recreation Area are closed.  The main lake access is open year round, but the is not plowed and restrooms are not available.  The roads at Lake Sherwood are not regularly plowed and can become treacherous.

The public is encouraged to use caution on roads that are open but not maintained in the winter.  Users of these areas should be prepared for winter conditions and bear in mind that cell service is not available in most areas of the Forest.  Travel is not advised on the Highland Scenic Highway in Pocahontas during the winter.  The road is open but not maintained and may be icy and snow covered.

The 2019 Recreation Site Guide will be available on the public website later this winter and will include opening dates and fees for recreation areas.  For more information, please contact the Gauley Ranger District at 304-846-2695, or the Marlinton-White Sulphur Ranger District at 304-799-4334.  Tips for safe winter travel can be found at www.nsc.org/home-safety/tools-resource/seasonal-safety/winter/driving.