The best walks and hikes in Roaring Plains West Wilderness

Roaring Plains West offers a more rugged and solitary experience than the more frequented Dolly Sods Wilderness to the north. While both feature high-elevation plateaus, the trails in Roaring Plains are known for being more challenging and often overgrown, appealing to experienced hikers seeking true wilderness and a profound sense of peace.

Yes, the area is well-suited for multi-day backpacking trips. Hikers often create challenging loops by combining trails like the South Prong Trail, Boar's Nest Trail, and the Roaring Plains Trail. These routes offer a true wilderness adventure through remote and scenic terrain.

Be prepared for rugged and challenging conditions. Trails in the Roaring Plains West Wilderness can be rocky, wet, and frequently overgrown with dense vegetation like rhododendron and spruce. The high-elevation plateau is also very exposed and windswept. Proper navigation skills and sturdy footwear are essential.

The primary access point is via Forest Road 70 (FR70). You can find parking near the trailheads along this road, which provides access to trails like the Roaring Plains Trail and South Prong Trail. As the area is remote, parking is informal and consists of pull-offs along the forest road.

The trails within Roaring Plains West are generally considered rugged and challenging, making them less suitable for casual family outings or beginners. For more accessible options, you might consider the Stairstep Falls – Curtain Falls loop from Davis, which is a moderate hike in the nearby area with less strenuous terrain.

Yes, dogs are generally permitted in the Monongahela National Forest, which includes the Roaring Plains West Wilderness. However, they must be under your control at all times to protect wildlife and other visitors. Given the rugged terrain and potential for wildlife encounters, ensure your dog is prepared for a challenging hike.

The diverse ecosystems of dense spruce forests and high-elevation bogs support a variety of wildlife. It is common to encounter white-tailed deer, numerous songbirds, and other forest creatures. The area is also black bear habitat, so it's important to store food properly, especially if you are camping overnight.

The entire high-elevation plateau offers a sense of being on top of the world with stunning panoramic views, especially at sunrise and sunset. The Canyon Rim Trail is particularly celebrated for its miles of spectacular vistas looking out over the North Fork Valley. Another rewarding, though strenuous, destination is the crag near Mount Porte Crayon known as Thunderstruck Rock.

There are nearly 20 official trails offering a range of experiences, primarily for intermediate and advanced hikers. These routes traverse the area's unique landscape of windswept plains, dense forests, and rocky outcrops, providing ample opportunity for exploration.

The routes in and around Roaring Plains West Wilderness are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.8 stars. Hikers frequently praise the solitude, the stunning long-range views from the plateau, and the genuine sense of wild adventure the rugged trails provide.

While the Roaring Plains plateau is known more for its bogs and vistas, nearby areas offer excellent waterfall hikes. The Breathed Mountain Waterfalls loop — Monongahela National Forest is a great moderate option that takes you through beautiful forested terrain to see several cascades.

For a good introduction to the region's character without committing to the most rugged inner trails, consider the Stonecoal Trail Lasso — Dolly Sods Wilderness. This 7-mile (11.3 km) hike in the adjacent wilderness gives you a taste of the high-altitude meadows and forests typical of the landscape.