The Cranberry Glades Boardwalk is a 0.5-mile elevated timber boardwalk loop through one of the southernmost boreal bogs in the eastern United States, located in Pocahontas County, West Virginia, within the Monongahela National Forest. The glades are reached via US-150 and WV-39, with free parking at the designated boardwalk trailhead. No permit is required and the trail is free to access. The four interconnected glacial bogs—known collectively as the Cranberry Glades—are a designated National Natural Landmark and represent one of the most ecologically unusual landscapes in the Appalachians. The boardwalk keeps visitors above the sphagnum moss substrate to prevent damage to the sensitive peat ecosystem, which has accumulated over thousands of years. Carnivorous plants including round-leaf sundews (Drosera rotundifolia) and purple pitcher plants (Sarracenia purpurea) are present throughout the glades and are most active from June through July. The bog also supports bog rosemary, leatherleaf, cranberry, orchids, and extensive mats of sphagnum moss in multiple colors. The entire boardwalk loop is flat with no elevation gain, and the maintained timber surface is generally safe for most visitors. Insect pressure from mosquitoes and biting flies can be intense from late May through August; insect repellent is highly recommended. Birdwatchers visit regularly for the chance of seeing rare bog species including Lincoln's Sparrow, Yellow-bellied Flycatcher, and various migratory warblers. The site is managed by the USDA Forest Service. No water sources are available at the boardwalk trailhead.
Trail facts
- Trail area
- Pocahontas County, Monongahela National Forest
- Best season
- June-October (carnivorous plants active June-July; fall colors October)
What to bring
- Comfortable shoes
- Insect repellent (boggy area)
- Camera
- Binoculars for birds
Location
Cranberry Glades, WV 26228 (off US-150/WV-39)
38.1838, -80.2693 View on map
Highlights
- Southernmost boreal sphagnum bog ecosystem in the eastern U.S., a National Natural Landmark
- Carnivorous sundews and purple pitcher plants most active June through July
- Elevated timber boardwalk protecting the sensitive peat substrate beneath
- Exceptional birding for rare bog species and migratory warblers
Tips for visiting
- Apply insect repellent before entering—mosquitoes and biting flies are intense from May through August in the boggy environment
- Visit in late June for peak carnivorous plant activity; pitcher plants and sundews are easiest to spot then
- Bring binoculars for birding; rare bog warblers and sparrows are most active in the early morning hours
- The boardwalk can be slippery when wet; shoes with grip reduce the risk of falls on damp timber
- Visit in October for vivid bog colors as sphagnum and surrounding maples turn red and orange
When to visit
Late June to early July is optimal for carnivorous plant activity. October brings vivid bog color from sphagnum, blueberry, and surrounding maples. Mornings are best for birding throughout the season; the glades are often misty and atmospheric at dawn.
Accessibility
The Cranberry Glades Boardwalk is the most accessible trail option in this collection. The flat elevated timber structure is navigable by most visitors including those with limited mobility; wheelchairs with wider wheels and jogging strollers can generally manage the boardwalk surface. The approach from the unpaved gravel parking area involves a short flat path. The boardwalk is not ADA-certified but is substantially more accessible than natural trail alternatives.
Frequently asked questions
What makes the Cranberry Glades ecologically special?
The Cranberry Glades are a southernmost outlier of boreal bog habitat normally found much farther north in Canada. Cold-air drainage in the valley creates arctic-like conditions supporting carnivorous plants, orchids, and rare bird species not typically found at this latitude.
Are the carnivorous plants visible year-round?
Sundews and pitcher plants are present but most visible and active from June through August, when they are flowering and actively trapping insects. By fall, the plants enter dormancy and are less conspicuous.
Is the boardwalk wheelchair accessible?
The boardwalk itself is flat and elevated, making it more accessible than most natural trails. However, the timber surface has small gaps and is not ADA-certified. The unpaved gravel approach from the parking area may pose challenges for narrow-wheeled wheelchairs.
How long does it take to walk the boardwalk?
The 0.5-mile loop typically takes 45 to 90 minutes when visitors stop to observe plants and birds. The loop itself can be walked in under 20 minutes if moving without stops.