Elevations range from 2,400 to over 4,600 feet. The primary cover is mixed Appalachian hardwoods, along with hemlock and rhododendron, and red spruce at the higher elevations. Wildlife in the area includes black bear, white-tailed deer, wild turkey, grouse, snowshoe hare, cottontail rabbit, mink, bobcat, fox and a diversity of birds, snakes, and amphibians. Naturally acidic water conditions limit fish variety in the Wilderness, but limestone treatment of certain Back Country streams and rivers allows for excellent trout fishing. The area is totally within the Black Bear Sanctuary, which is closed to all bear hunting by regulations of the West Virginia Department of Natural Resources.
Trails vary in difficulty from easy to strenuous.
For Andy Hiltz' writeup on hiking in the Cranberry Wilderness, click here . For more in-depth botanical and geological information on the Cranberry area, click here . Please visit our FAQ Page for answers to more questions you may have about trekking with us.