Elkins, W.Va., March 10, 2026 — Forest Road 209, which provides access to Stonecoal Dispersed Camping Area, on the Monongahela National Forest, is temporarily closed at Campsite 14 following a small landslide that caused an embankment failure.
The closure is in place to protect public safety while damages are assessed and repairs are completed.
Forest Service personnel expect repairs to be completed within the next two weeks. The closure is anticipated to remain in place until March 27, 2026, though the timeline may change pending conditions on site.
Visitors are asked to respect all posted closures and avoid attempting to bypass the affected area. Updates will be shared on the Monongahela National Forest website and social media as new information becomes available.
The Monongahela National Forest spans nearly one million acres across 10 counties in the highlands of West Virginia. The national forest provides clean water, wildlife habitat, productive timber resources, and year-round recreational opportunities. It is a vital part of the region’s economy and culture, while supporting some of the most diverse and scenic landscapes in the Appalachians.
