Backpacking the Cranberry Wilderness, WV

The Cranberry Wilderness located at at the southern end of the Monongahela National Forest which is also home of the Dolly Sods. This small section of trails make up the very middle of the wilderness area. There are plenty of additional trails to the north and south that you can use to extend the loop. If doing the same path we took in this video. I recommend going the reverse way and trying to camp at one of the many sites along the Middle Fork trail as the North South trail is not as open or scenic.
Trailhead/Parking Lot: 38.276701, -80.237451 North/South Trailhead
Trails used
Day 1: North/South Trail (Camp right near kiosk)
Day 2: North/South Trail
North Fork
Middle Fork
Laurelly Branch
North/South Trail
Day 3: North/South Trail to Car
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All content is original including music and sound effects.

[@RESTLESSOUTDOORS]

Now those are two very handsome guys you're hiking with.... 😂 Awesome video, had a blast!!! Can't wait to go back there again!!!

[@TimWatsonOutdoors]

Fantastic trip! The trail was a water source but I agree some times it’s nice to take it easy and just soak in the area.

[@FrozensAdventures]

Soak in the area. I see what you did there =P

[@jasonwish-]

There is no way your night one was that quiet if Restless and Timmy were even in the same vicinity as you!! Between Restless sawing logs all night and Timmy rolling around on his noisy air mattress I barely slept a wink at the Clarion, LOL! Really enjoyed watching you guys, except in the swimming hole, lol! Beautiful Place! Would love to see it in the fall.

[@FrozensAdventures]

I heard them both rolling around night one. Haha I could tell who it was based on their mattress too lol. I didn't hear restless snore actually much at all this trip.

[@Glazehikes]

Wow !! This place looks like a longer deluxe version of Minister Creek in PA. Not far from me in Ohio. I’ve got this on my list for 2022. Thanks Frozen

[@FrozensAdventures]

The interior trails are really nice!

[@michaelbroyer3918]

Great video. Did a 29 mile solo trip there in 2018.

[@AJKPenguin]

Cranberry is the sauce!

[@1bozina]

Just hiked 40 miles through the Cranberry Wilderness Sunday 6.12 .22 - Wednesday 6.15.22. Saw 5000 feet of elevation gain. Did a clockwise loop. Day 1: Started @ 4:00 PM 688, Left on 272. Day 2 272 to Rt on FR 76, then Rt on 250, then Left on 688, then Rt on 242, then Rt on 271. Day 3 271 to Rt on 267 & up to 688. Day 4 688 to trailhead. Exit at 1:30PM. It rained at some point during days 1,2 & 3 and we had heavy rain w/thunder and lightning overnight 6.13 - 6.14. The downpour lasted almost 8 hours that night. Overall had a great hike however: Parts of 271 were bad as the trail conditions were dangerous with trail washouts/mudslides above the water and rocks below. Portions of 242 were completely overgrown - we had to rely on trail/GPS apps for good sections of that trail. All of the trails were wet, numerous fallen timber and lots of very muddy conditions. Personally I would not recommend this particular route for a beginner (even a little experienced) solo trip without some kind of emergency GPS/Satellite device. Overall, plenty of water sources with the exception of 688. Do your research and have fun!

[@ChrisOverholster]

Got to work early, got myself a nice breakfast sandwich, and gonna sit back and enjoy this latest adventure.

[@FrozensAdventures]

I do the same thing with the people I follow haha. Morning coffee and breakfast ritual.

[@ExplorationAppalachian]

This is our neck of the woods. A lot of people hike the Cranberry Wilderness but luckily us West Virginia’s know how to practice the leave no trace and take care of nature! I’m glad it still looks as though no one visits. Gives everyone the opportunity to enjoy it as much as you guys did.

[@dukepalk6324]

Hey Kekoa Jason I'm still with ya. Been a rough week for me but surviving. Didn't know you were back to work thought you were doing your own thing taking time off. But still got you on my mind to fly you out here to do some hiking. Moving into a new place has me strapped. But love this video and your hosting is @100% your at Rockstar level. Mahalo nui loa for sharing young brother. Big Duke.🏄

[@FrozensAdventures]

Not yet. Working on saving all the money that I can. I won't quit the job until about a week before the trail.

[@billselman648]

Really enjoying your videos, especially the Cranberry Wilderness . Im set for a trip on the middle fork trail last week in june. We are hiking in from the lower Williams side at 3 forks. We have a cabin about 10 miles from the Wilderness.

[@FrozensAdventures]

That is awesome!

[@jaecubed592]

That was great. Thanks for the video.

[@sallyw4133]

Beautiful. Thanks for sharing

[@jae.m.luna2023]

Great video! Thanks for sharing.

[@AROOnline]

Great video as always!

[@mr.fisher3973]

Without a doubt my favorite backpacking destination - excellent video - Fall colors are out of this world!!!!!

[@JBOutdoorsAndMore]

Awesome video as always . Thanks for sharing. 😎👊🏻

[@azdesertrunner56]

What a great hiking area. Its on my list.. Thank you For sharing...

[@SgtSpartyPaints]

This trip looked amazing. Will definitely be putting this on my future to visit list

[@TheWasatchGearReview]

Very nice trip Frozen! Restless and the gang are great dudes! Thanks for sharing!

[@kindleadventures83]

Great Video! Great to see you guys together! You both inspire me a lot! So many laughs!! Keep'em coming!

[@AnotherDaysWalk]

I watched your Appalachian trail thru hike and I just noticed you hiked in my back yard that’s crazy I wish I knew about it when you hiked it I would have loved to hike it with you

[@cgriggsiv]

Another fantastic video and you are right that Wilderness section is absolutely gorgeous thank you for showing

[@kensmith9160]

Cranberry Wilderness is awesome!! I need to hike there.

[@Deadian87]

Oh hell ya, my boy Frozen. So ready for this for sure.

[@theminimalisthiker]

Oh boy... Time for Outdoor Adventures!!! Awesome 🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗

[@EightBitSHAM]

Another banger. keep 'em coming friend.

[@jodimiller7931]

your hiking at one of my favorite places to go do a weekend hike thanks for showing this

[@marynelson4626]

New to your channel Frozen. Loved the video! The water looks so blue in certain spots where it was pouring over!

[@barbm1634]

Thanks for reminding me that the Cranberry is only 2 hours away.. Love WV!!!!

[@bushidorobb]

I did that exact same circuit in June. Water levels were the same. One of my favorite backpacking trips.

[@mrdonelsonglhs]

Love it that you slowed down and enjoyed the sights! Sometimes we get too concerned with miles to really enjoy the hike. Glad you didn't!! 😎😎

[@trailcat71]

Nothing like an awesome episode of OA to get my primed for my trip today. Looked like an amazing adventure, thanks for sharing;)

[@trailcat71]

*me primed... text fail

[@jeremymichaelbreton]

Good Hike!

[@mountainmuse]

Great vid, going to hike there as it's probably about 3 hours from where we live!

[@Superfryy]

This was such an awesome video!!! This is definitely a place I am going to have to visit in the near future.

[@FrozensAdventures]

I'd like to see it when the area didn't get 2 weeks of rain, but yes definitely awesome area to check out. Great campsites too.

[@GARYMANDIEVAN]

Awesome Hike good Times

[@JoshHerodOutdoorAdventures]

Good video man

[@danhatterer4569]

Dude, the Gremlins are following you. Awesome video thanks for sharing!

[@FrozensAdventures]

As long as I don't feed them after midnight it should be ok right? Or wait that's a mogwai

[@potatothorn]

other than a few horrifying seconds of SPAM consumption (hahaha), Wow what a Great TRip! that camping area in the middle of the vid sure did look awesome even if it was flooded.. so many great scenes in here... glad the weather worked out well for you guys thanks for taking us with you!

[@KuntryRD]

Hammocks definitely rock in the Cranberry! We found many awesome places to hang. Have looped via Big Beechy and a really long loop via Laurelly branch to Tumbling rock run and camped night 2 along the Cranberry River; then finished up on the North Fork trail. We did the second, long loop during the 2016 flooding. Crossings of middle fork were, shall we say interesting. I have switched over to the Evo loops too; Jeff Myers has some nice tutorials on these that I used. Cranberry is a place easy to get turned around in. Cranberry is a deep wilderness, so nice and quiet except for the nature noise. The walk along the Middle Fork is one of the most spectacular stream-side walks (except for the stinging nettles). In the spring, there are a LOT of ramps and the red trilliums. Laurelly Branch trail has pretty much no campsites until near the top. There is one almost directly across from the junction with N-S trail that is decent. You boys really need to do a loop along the Cranberry River. I will say that the N-S trail near the Cranberry Campground end is very hard to follow even for folks that hike the Cranberry a lot. The Tea Creek backcountry area is pretty nice too. Yes, that campsite is awesome when not flooded! A lot of people try Cranberry and realize that it is NOT Dolly Sods; so much wilder than a lot of folks are ready for. Nice to see you and the Restless one doing a trip together.

[@claramullen]

Beautiful trip would be good to go back when it is a little dryer. Smart idea changing the ridge line gear pouch velcro in handy but tends to get stuck on everything. Thanks for sharing Jason.

[@FrozensAdventures]

The only downside to the one Dutch sells is the pockets are only on one side. But I don't use many pockets in 3 season weather anyway.

[@stephenhiker9807]

Restless' big breakthrough

[@biggiefrye45]

Yes! Been waiting for this!

[@uptrail7169]

Good Trip with Restless! He needs a Dream Hammock👍 The streams reminded me of my last trip at the Porcupine Mountains. Hopefully you can make it way up north in my area someday. I wanted to go out this weekend, but the campsites are all full at Pictured Rocks, Porcupine Mountains, and Grand Island. First time ever that I can remember. I may have to do some dispersed camping again on the island.

[@FrozensAdventures]

Yes I'll make my way up in the next couple years.

[@iLikeGreenTea]

Thanks for a great video! Pretty huge rhododendron! Anyway, thinking of doing this now in Autumn. Looking forward to the fall colors. Not sure stoked about the rain in the forecast though. :/

[@FortBragg4eva]

this has been on my radar. No cranberries though? this weekend my son and I are doing your Allegheny Reservoir kayak trip. Looking forward to that!

[@tennesseetrekker1951]

Great video. Now get back out there and make another, pronto!

[@FrozensAdventures]

Working on it!

[@salmonella508]

My guess is the reason you didn’t see a lot of people on the trail is because of recent rains. Most people want carpet and handrails on a dry trail. Another excellent video.

[@dwayneg8486]

Thank you sir for the wonderful entertainment last evening. Cranberry has been on the list since Sintax went several years ago. Your IG pics and video do a fantastic job of highlighting the area you are in. Can’t wait for the AT and see how those videos come out. Btw I’m astonished that with the Restless One there and all that water you guys seem keep missing “Whiskey Run”. Maybe someday. 😱😂

[@FrozensAdventures]

Damn keep forgetting lol!

[@danielj9769]

Fun video man! Wish I lived out there to check it out. I guess I'll just have to suffer through my High Sierra hike next month out here in California. 🤣

[@FrozensAdventures]

Awww poor baby lol

[@96money96]

Do a trip out west! I just did the 4 pass loop. You will love it!

[@FrozensAdventures]

I'll make it out there eventually.

[@chrisedwards9567]

SWEET!!

[@jasonseckt4300]

I love the old Shug quote about spam!!!!

[@FrozensAdventures]

Glad someone finally picked up on it lol

[@Myn6211]

Great video. Really enjoyed the scenery. I suspect the heavy rains were to thank for the great waterfalls along the way. Sure glad someone is getting rain. It's been horrendously dry in my neck of the woods with lots of forest fires in the region. Just wondering if you have ever thought about sealskinz socks for the AT and any other areas where you might run into water crossings or water over the trail like this was.

[@FrozensAdventures]

For snow hiking I will be using the seal skinz. Not worth it for water crossings. Feet still sweat so it would just stay wet in the sock.

[@flyrodhiker8326]

Cool trip! I wonder if that was a trout stream? It looked like an awesome place to do some small stream fly fishing

[@FrozensAdventures]

We saw some people fishing I assume there's something in there.

[@GucciGirlandGrumpy]

Nice seeing you, Tim and the restless one HaHa. I can't hear you over that stove. Bring back the alcohol

[@FrozensAdventures]

I'm really considering it.

[@MichaelJones1130]

Hi Frozen! Thanks for all the great videos!! You mentioned changing your top quilt to HG, what are you rocking for an uq? I am thinking of picking up an EE Revolt 20 (I am in MN) but bouncing been that and HG incubator or even Local Libre Habanero. Do you have any words of wisdom? Hammock is a Dutchware Chameleon Wide.

[@FrozensAdventures]

Can't comment on wide hammocks (I'm to short to need a wide fabric) but I'm using hammock gear for top and underquilts, I'm happy with EE as well though. I recently picked up an HG 20 degree set for the AT.

[@1234sure1234]

Great video, we're getting ready to do our trip. What map are you using?

[@FrozensAdventures]

I just searched cranberry wilderness map on Google images. A lot should pop up.

[@flickstick]

Hey man, love the channel. Can you point me in the right direction to get trail maps? I'm always trying to plan my own loops but have been frustrated at finding proper trail maps for some locations

[@FrozensAdventures]

Use Google images if you cant find a PDF map. That's what I do.

[@flickstick]

Outdoor Adventures Thanks dude

[@phyrexiancustoms7273]

Hey frozen, I live I. Ohio and next year at some point it would be cool to meet up and go for a overnight somewhere mid way between Pennsylvania and Ohio. Got some neat gear you be interested in checking out, thanks for the cool content man. Cheers

[@josephhymes6054]

Congrats on the AT!!! Went with you through all the vids. I wanted to ask how you would compare backpacking in WV to areas of the AT? I have never had a chance to backpack outside of WV but have done lots of trails with in the state.

[@FrozensAdventures]

Such a broad question to answer. There were some sections on the AT that reminded me of the Dolly Sods. But other than that the AT isn't much like WV hiking.

[@consumedesign]

It's nice of you to give restless a little bump on his subscribers. Ha.

[@RESTLESSOUTDOORS]

And what a bump it's been! 🤣

[@rmbkr8]

If you want to try some stuff out West, PHX would be glad to have you. Perhaps some off-season training for the AT. 70 feet to 12,633 a few hours away.

[@FrozensAdventures]

Maybe in the next couple years. I'm trying to save as much as I can. I already turned down a Colorado trip with friends :(

[@bluefire025]

You'll have to let me know what you think of book two. I liked it better then book one for sure. The narrator is great

[@FrozensAdventures]

Will do. I might try and save the book for the AT hike.

[@BackpackingWithJason]

Cool video. Scenery is so beautiful. Please tell Restless to keep his shirt on. Lol. That was some wild water crossings. The waterfall is awesome. How did you loose Restless out there? I heard that he never gets lost. Haha. Great video frozen. Awesome as always. PS. Are you going to try the AT with a hammock?

[@FrozensAdventures]

Hell yeah hammock all the way! In the smokies and whites I will carry a pad just in case. Smokies you have to stay in shelters though. Restless went on a head when I stopped for a bathroom break.

[@BackpackingWithJason]

Outdoor Adventures there’s a guy named Sleeves that’s been hiking it with a hammock. He’s doing great

[@FrozensAdventures]

Backpacking With Jason he's one of the people I follow. I'm ridiculous lol

[@fireyourrocketts]

A piece of me dies every time I watch a video like this one and can not go still because my stupid left knee not being fixed yet after 9 months being injured...

[@burgoo64]

Where did u get that map from??

[@kensmith9160]

How long of a drive was it from Pittsburgh to Cranberry National Wilderness?

[@trappersfor100years5]

hunted dolly sods at night 20yrs ago with a compass no gps you know your uncle old school

[@FrozensAdventures]

It's so cool to know you went to all the places I'm visiting now.

[@scottwright388]

Great video, for years I did an annual fishing trip on the Cranberry and loved it. We camped below the Cranberry campground and have a few bear stories as well. If you go back, you should research Wv ramps and try them...they are awesome.

[@rolderic5659]

Do you have bears there? because in my country (Romania) are lots of bears

[@FrozensAdventures]

Yes there are bears there, but we didn't see any signs of them on this trip.

[@tarheelgarden]

when was this trip? i was just up there in mid July, shoot the milky way at the laurel overlook

[@FrozensAdventures]

About a week ago, a few days more.

[@tarheelgarden]

cool, it's a fantastic area. check the big telescopes at Green Bank, WV i think you'll like it.

[@AJKPenguin]

@Outdoor Adventures Frozen, just to clarify, what weekend did you trek Cranberry? Please take your time to respond, especially while AT trekking.

[@FrozensAdventures]

I have no clue lol

[@williamdean1533]

Were did you get the map I am planning on going

[@FrozensAdventures]

Simple Google search.

[@williamdean1533]

Outdoor Adventures ok thank you I wasn’t sure if they had a website

[@FrozensAdventures]

The probably do, but it's a lot easier just hitting that google image search and typing "[place you are going] map"

[@brownpe88]

What is your preferred footwear for walking through water?

[@FrozensAdventures]

Whatever I'm hiking in. They'll dry out as a hike.

[@brownpe88]

@@FrozensAdventures Thanks!

[@adventureeast5103]

If your ever interested, I’ve got a about a 65 mile hike planned out that stretches across the heart of Cranberry Wilderness.. and surrounding area. I’ve never seen it put out anywhere in guidebooks or done in videos. I call it “Birthplace of Rivers Traverse”. Send me a message if your interested.

[@adventureeast5103]

If your not familiar with the significance of the area you were just in, here’s an insight kzbin.info/www/bejne/pHWlgGOfi7h1fc0

[@nickdewald5529]

Bet you'll go frameless for the AT !

[@FrozensAdventures]

I probably will at some point. But I'd like to start with the Arc Haul first since I'm leaving early.

[@nickdewald5529]

Love my Nero, but I have a MLD Burn on order ..

[@WayOffTheTrail]

SHHHHHHH! Please stop talking up the Cranberry Wilderness. :-D

[@FrozensAdventures]

=P

[@WayOffTheTrail]

Anyone planning a visit should at least support conservation in the MNF by purchasing the awesome looking, brand new trail guide. I just did. Check it out at wvhighlands.org :-D