ELKINS — The Monongahela National Forest has released the 2025 opening dates for recreation sites in the National Forest on Monday.

The dates are effective through Memorial Day, but may change based on local conditions or new information. An updated schedule of open recreation sites will be released in early June and will cover site operations through the end of July.

Locally, the Seneca Rocks picnic area recently opened and the Seneca Shadows Campground will open today, as will the Jess Judy Campground and Big Bend Campground.

The Seneca Rocks Discovery Center opened its doors on April 4 and is currently operating Friday through Sunday from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. until May 18. From May 19 through Sept. 1 the Center will be open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The Bear Heaven Campground, Lower Glady Dispersed Camping sites, Dolly Sods Picnic Area, Gandy Creek Dispersed Camping sites, Laurel Fork Campground, and Spruce Knob Observation Tower will open on April 15. 

The Stuart Recreation Area, Spruce Knob Lake Campground, and Gatewood Group Campground will all open on April 18. Picnic and shelter reservations for some sites may be made at www.recreation.gov.

Other opening dates from around the state include: Gaudineer Knob Picnic Area – April 15; Island Campground – April 15; Middle Mountain Cabins – April 15; Old House Run Picnic Area – April 15; Big Rock Campground – April 18; Bishop Knob Campground – May 5; Cranberry Campground – April 18; Cranberry Glades Boardwalk – Boardwalk open year-round, toilets open April 18; Cranberry Mountain Nature Center – April 15; North Bend Picnic Area – May 5; Summit Lake Campground – May 5; Woodbine Picnic Area – May 5; Day Run Campground – April 18; Pocahontas Campground – June 2; Rimel Picnic Area – April 18; Tea Creek Campground – April 18; Blue Bend Recreation Area – April 18; Blue Meadow Group Campground – May 23; Hopkins Mountain Fireman’s Cabin – April 11; and Lake Sherwood Recreation Area West Shore Camping Loop – May 19.

The Monongahela National Forest would like to remind visitors that there is a lack of cell phone service in areas of the Monongahela National Forest. Visitors can contact ranger district offices at 304-478-2000 for more information.

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The Monongahela National Forest is planning prescribed fire operations this month with one of the two scheduled in Pocahontas County at the Upper Greenbrier North Unit off County Route 250/4.

Prescribed fires help reduce overgrown vegetation to help protect local communities, infrastructure and natural resources from wildfires.

The operation areas may close to the public for several days for public safety. Watch for warning signs along roads near all prescribed fire areas before and during burns.

Residents may experience smoke during the prescribed burns. Stay informed about the scheduled prescribed fires through the forest website and social media channels. The Mon Forest will notify county emergency management officials when burning begins.