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ELKINS – The Cranberry Mountain Nature Center is more than a rest stop along the highway, it is an ever-changing outlet to nature, with nature displays, interpretive gardens and trails, live reptiles and other programs on Cranberry Glades and Snakes of West Virginia.
The center is located at the junction of W.Va. 39/55 and W.Va. 150 (Highland Scenic Highway), 22 miles east of Richwood and 16 miles west of Marlinton.
The 47,815-acre Cranberry Wilderness in the Monongahela National Forest is part of the National Wilderness Preservation System. The area includes the entire drainage of the Middle Fork of the Williams and the North Fork of the Cranberry rivers. Elevations range from 2,400 to over 4,600 feet.
“We get people from all over the state,” said Diana Stull, Visitor Information Specialist.
Over the last few years when gas prices were high, the center saw an increase from people all over the state, people making day and weekend trips.
“Many people have come back year after year,” Stull said. “They come back and see something different and something familiar.”
The Cranberry Mountain Nature Center has many interesting features that appeal to visitors of all ages and backgrounds, including an exhibit hall, auditorium, events and programs. There are nature trails for people to walk, gardens to tour and more.
One of the most popular features is the live snake display and program.
In “Snakes of West Virginia,” Roy Moose presents a live snake show most Sundays at 1 p.m. with information on the individual snakes, their habitat and importance.
The center also boasts a number of educational movies, on request, on topics such as Cranberry Glades, Smokey Bear, wildlife, wildflowers, CCC Camps, Seneca Rocks and more.
Native Pollinator Gardens are located around the nature center building and contain native plants which produce nectar, pollen and seeds that serve as food for native butterflies, insects, birds and other animals. Since these plants are native they do not require fertilizers, herbicides or pesticides.
Gardens begin blooming as early as April, reaching full bloom in June and July and continue blooming as late as October. Butterflies, bees, hummingbirds and hummingbird moths frequent this area.
The nature center also features a nature store, a native plant garden, a nature trail and many events aimed at children such as Kids Night and Smokey’s Birthday.
It also offers a number of trails and walking opportunities to see a wide variety of nature and the outdoors.
Cowpasture Trail is a 6.5-7 mile loop trail around the Cranberry Botanical area.
The Falls of Hills Creek Scenic Area is located six miles west of the Nature Center. During its 220-foot decent, Hill Creek cascades over three precipitous waterfalls as its course plunges into a narrow gorge. A three-fourth mile trail of stairways and boardwalk leads visitors to the picturesque falls.
Cranberry Glades Botanical Area contains the largest area of bogs in West Virginia. Located approximately 2 miles from the center, the 750-acre area contains four peat bogs with unique plant and animal life, including orchids and insect eating plants. A half-mile accessible loop boardwalk with interpretive signs provides visitor access. Guided tours can be arranged by contacting the Nature Center.
“The Glades is one of the must-see things here for many people,” Stull said.
Honeycomb Rocks Trail is located on the Highland Scenic Highway about 15.3 miles from the nature center. The trail is 0.23 miles round trip through interesting rock formations in which rainwater has slowly dissolved the softer sandstone leaving behind distinct Hematite boxwork patterns.
“Wilderness areas have been set aside to preserve primitive character of the land, invoking a spirit of self-reliance in those faced with the challenges nature provides,” according to information posted on the center’s website. “Before planning a trip, visitors should consider whether a wilderness setting is appropriate to their skills, experience and expectations.”
People also have a chance to see many sites from their cars.
The Highland Scenic Highway is a scenic byway extending 43 miles from Richwood to U.S. Route 219, seven miles north of Marlinton. The 22-mile parkway section along W.Va. 150 offers some of the most breathtaking scenery and roadside sightseeing opportunities while motoring across the Allegheny Highlands. Also, located on W.Va. 150 are four overlooks with picnic shelters and great mountain vistas.
Trail information is available at the nature center along with free area hiking maps and directions to local attractions. The center also sells USGS topographic maps and the Monongahela National Forest map.
People are encouraged to take a few minutes to walk the interpretive trail around the grounds. The signs point out tree species and facts on many uses of the trees. There is a beautiful overlook where people can enjoy a picnic lunch and view the sites from Stamping Creek, just down the mountain and on a clear day, the mountains of Virginia are visible in the distance.
One of the most popular events is the Cranberry Mountain Shindig, held annually the last Sunday in September. This year it will be Sept. 27. It is a one-day Appalachian festival featuring traditional music, crafts, artists, a blacksmith and more.
“It is the day after the Autumn Harvest Festival and West Virginia Roadkill Cook-off in Marlinton,” Stull said.
“We usually get around 3,000 people from that festival,” she said. “Last year, we had around 4,000 people.”
The center will also host the Orchard Tour near the end of June and the Backyard Medicine Seminar in July.
The nature center is more than a stop between destinations for people traveling through West Virginia.
“We are more than just a welcome station,” Stull said. “There is a lot to see and do here.”
For more information, people can call the center at 304-653-4826.