Cranberry Glades Botanical Area

Entirely surrounded by the Monongahela National Forest, the Highland Scenic Highway makes its way through some of the most breathtaking and unique scenery on the continent. Nestled in the Allegheny Mountains, this byway rises as high as 4,500 feet above sea level giving motorists plenty of opportunities to take amazing pictures. Once covered by glaciers, this area hosts some of the most unusual plant life found in the United States.

As the glaciers retreated northward, they left behind acidic wetlands or bogs like the ones found in the Cranberry Glades Botanical Area. These bogs became the perfect sanctuary for exotic plants not usually found this far south. In fact, there are even some carnivorous plants that prey on unsuspecting insects. Visitors can enjoy this unique habitat by taking a stroll on the 0.5-mile boardwalk that spans two of the bogs.

For those wanting a more rugged and interactive experience, Cranberry Wilderness is perfect for hiking, fishing, and bird watching. With over 35,000 acres of protected wilderness, the National Forest Service has tried to maintain the untouched beauty of the area. Trails are only marked by a few rock cairns that help guide hikers during periods when the trail becomes faint. Cranberry Wilderness also offers many trout streams and numerous waterways are stocked with trout monthly. Not far from the wilderness area, visitors can see the Falls of Hills Creek. Many trails in the Monongahela National Forest allow horses and leashed dogs to accompany their owners on the trails.

For more information, log on to http://www.fs.fed.us/r9/mnf.