Deep in the heart of the Allegheny Mountains of eastern West Virginia, USA, is situated the Monongahela National Forest. It was established in 1920 in the northern mountains of West Virginia where it nestles between the highest ridges here. It rises to a height ranging between 1,000 feet and 4,863 feet above sea level. Due to its variations in precipitation and terrain, it has one of the country's most ecologically diverse national forests.
The highest mountain peak in the forest and the Alleghenies' highest point is Spruce Knob (4,863 ft). This forest is home to 75 tree species, such as Red Spruce, Balsam Fir and Mountain Ash. It also has eight U.S. Wilderness Areas and many areas for special use, such as the Spruce Knob-Seneca Rocks National Recreation Area.
The mountain ranges go across from the northeast to the southwest pattern with valleys in between for most of the forest land. Throughout the forest, you will see several water bodies—streams and rivers—which act as a conduit for animals and plants while also increasing the area's biodiversity.
The diversity of this area is visible in its vast animal and plant life. It has over 75 species of trees and over 225 bird species, besides also having eight endangered species of bats, birds, salamanders and plants. It also has 60 species of forage fish, 12 game fish species and several wildlife species.
The forest here produces water, timber, minerals and recreational facilities opportunities for the area and country.