Exploring Kumbrabow State Forest

Nestled high in the mountains of southern Randolph Country, Kumbrabow State Forest is definitely off the beaten path. Its 9,500 acres straddle Rich Mountain and range in elevation from 3,000 to 3,900 feet, making Kumbrabow the highest state forest. From the south it’s about 5 miles to Kumbrabow on a gravel road out of Monterville, WV, and from the east it’s 4 miles from US 219 out of the town of Elkwater (GPS Lat. 38.63292, Long. -80.02257).

Kumbrabow Cabin

Worth the Effort

You have to work to get to Kumbrabow, but it’s worth it. Indeed, seclusion is part of its charm. Kumbrabow offers something you can’t find in the high-tech world of cable TV, cell phones, and palm pilots--a chance slow down and experience the unspoiled, natural beauty of forests and streams at an unhurried pace. 

Rustic Log Cabins

For example, there are five rustic log cabins at Kumbrabow. They’re grouped in a grassy meadow adjacent to Mill Creek, which forms a lovely waterfall at the north end of the cabin area complete with swimming hole and rope swing. When my wife and I drove into the cabin area, we both started whispering. The solitude was so pure, we just wanted to respect it and enjoy it.

Plenty To Do

When you’re not enjoying the solitude, there’s plenty to see and do at Kumbrabow. About 400 acres of the forest lands have been set aside for reaction. There’s picnicking, hiking, hunting, and fishing. Indeed, Kumbrabow offers unique trout fly fishing packages, which include cabin rental and fly fishing lessons on the nearby Elk River by a reputable, licensed trout fishing guide. Within the park, there’s good fishing for native brook trout along Mill Creek.

Clay Run Hiking Trail

Hiking Trails

If you’re not packing a rod or rifle, you can always hike on the 12 miles or so of trails. Some of trails lead along streams. Many take you to ridge tops for spectacular vistas. My favorite trail is Clay Run that runs along an abandoned narrow gauge railroad. The traihead (GPS: Lat. 38.631275, Long. -80.084154) is right across from the forest Headquarters. You start by crossing a meadow. Soon you’re faced with crossing Mill Creek. You can rock-hop and maybe get your boots wet or cross on log that has been felled across the stream. I preferred the log; it is wide and easy to walk.

Gazebo

After crossing Mill Creek, you enter a West Virginia forest at its finest–lush and green and rich in variety. What I like about the Clay Run trail are the ferns. They cover the forest floor like a carpet and lap up against the path of the trail. The trail runs straight as an arrow through this carpet of ferns. If you like the color green, this trail is for you. I can only imagine the trail in the fall, when the ferns change color. The trail is about 0.8 miles long and ends at an overlook.  

If you’re looking for break from this fast-paced world, a trip to Kumbrabow could be just what you need. Here's a link to their Website.