Big Beechy Run

West Virginia, fondly known as "Almost Heaven," truly delivers for those who seek to lose themselves in the embrace of untouched wilderness. For the seasoned adventurer and the intrepid local, Big Beechy Run in the Cranberry Wilderness near Hillsboro offers an unparalleled opportunity to experience the wild heart of the Mountain State. This isn't a campground with designated sites and amenities; it's a backcountry camping experience, an invitation to step off the beaten path and fully immerse yourself in one of the East Coast's most beautiful and rugged landscapes within the Monongahela National Forest.

Big Beechy Run refers not to a traditional campground, but to a pristine stream and its surrounding area within the 47,815-acre Cranberry Wilderness. Located in Pocahontas and Webster Counties, this wilderness area is part of the larger Monongahela National Forest. Here, the emphasis is on primitive, Leave No Trace camping, where the solitude of nature is the primary amenity. It's a place where you carry in everything you need and carry out everything you bring, leaving no trace of your visit.

The Big Beechy Trail (TR207) follows Big Beechy Run, ultimately meeting the Middle Fork Trail (TR271) near a notable waterfall and several large, informal campsites. This area is a reward for hikers who traverse the rugged terrain, offering a chance to camp beside a beautiful stream, often accompanied by the soothing sounds of a nearby waterfall. It embodies the essence of wilderness camping: self-reliance, respect for nature, and an unmediated connection to the environment. It's a prime location for those who want to disconnect entirely from modern conveniences and truly experience the wild character of West Virginia. The terrain is rugged, with densely forested areas and steep mountains, promising a challenging yet deeply rewarding experience for those prepared for it.

Big Beechy Run is located within the Cranberry Wilderness, near Hillsboro, WV 24946, USA. While Hillsboro is the nearest small community, accessing Big Beechy Run involves hiking into the wilderness area. There isn't a direct road to the "campsite" itself, as it's a backcountry destination.

Primary access points to the Cranberry Wilderness, which then lead to trails like Big Beechy, often include trailheads off the Highland Scenic Highway (WV-150) or other Forest Service roads in the area. For example, the Big Beechy Trailhead (TR207) is a common starting point for hikers looking to access this run. Parking would be at a designated trailhead. It’s crucial for visitors to have detailed topographic maps (e.g., USGS quads or National Forest maps) and navigational skills, as trails within wilderness areas are not typically blazed or extensively marked, with signs only at trail junctions.

For Virginians planning a trip, the Cranberry Wilderness is accessible from various parts of the state, though it requires a drive into a more remote, mountainous region. Roads leading to trailheads are generally maintained, but Forest Service roads can be unpaved and subject to varying conditions. There are no bridges at stream crossings within the wilderness, so hikers should be prepared for wet crossings, especially of Big Beechy Run itself and the Middle Fork of the Williams River. This commitment to maintaining primitive conditions means that accessibility in the traditional sense is limited to those willing and able to hike into the wilderness.

As Big Beechy Run is a backcountry camping area within a designated wilderness, the "services offered" are minimalist and focus on preserving the primitive character of the land. This is not a developed campground.

• Informal Campsites: While there are no officially designated or numbered campsites, hikers will find informal, previously used campsites along Big Beechy Run, particularly near its confluence with the Middle Fork, often near the waterfall. These sites typically feature a cleared area for a tent and possibly an existing fire ring from previous campers.
• No Potable Water: There is no access to potable water. Campers must carry in all their drinking water or be prepared to filter and treat water from Big Beechy Run or other natural sources before consumption.
• No Restroom Facilities: There are no restrooms or vault toilets. Campers must practice Leave No Trace principles for human waste disposal, which involves burying waste 6-8 inches deep at least 200 feet from water sources, trails, and campsites.
• No Waste Receptacles: Visitors are required to "pack it in, pack it out." All trash, including food scraps, must be carried out of the wilderness area.
• No Firewood Provided: While campfires are generally allowed (unless fire restrictions are in place), campers must gather dead and downed wood for fuel. Campfires are discouraged to minimize impact; lightweight stoves are preferred for cooking.
• No Reservations: Backcountry camping in the Monongahela National Forest, including the Cranberry Wilderness, does not require a permit and operates on a first-come, first-served basis.

The allure of Big Beechy Run lies in its pristine natural features and the unique wilderness experience it provides:

• True Wilderness Solitude: This is a major highlight. The Cranberry Wilderness offers exceptional solitude, allowing visitors to disconnect from modern life and truly immerse themselves in nature. "Your reward is one of the most beautiful areas on the East Coast, with moss covered mountains, streams with pools, and exceptional solitude."
• Waterfall Access: A significant feature is the beautiful waterfall located near the confluence of Middle Fork and Beechy Run, which often serves as a picturesque backdrop for the informal campsites in the area.
• Rugged Hiking Trails: The Big Beechy Trail (TR207) itself is known for being steep and rocky in sections, offering a challenging yet rewarding hiking experience. The Cranberry Wilderness boasts over 70 miles of hiking trails.
• Pristine Streams and Pools: Big Beechy Run and the Middle Fork of the Williams River are characterized by their clear waters, numerous pools, and lush, moss-covered banks, creating a very scenic environment.
• Wildlife Viewing: The dense forests and remote nature of the wilderness provide excellent opportunities for observing diverse wildlife, including deer, turkeys, and various bird species. Black bears are present, and proper food storage (e.g., bear canisters or hanging food) is highly recommended.
• Old-Growth Forest: Sections of the Cranberry Wilderness, particularly at higher elevations, feature old-growth forest, adding to the unique ecological value and beauty of the area.
• Stargazing: Far removed from light pollution, the night skies over the Cranberry Wilderness offer incredible opportunities for stargazing.
• Photography Opportunities: The untouched landscapes, waterfalls, dense forests, and wildlife provide endless subjects for nature photographers.
• Backpacking Destination: Big Beechy Run is often a key stop or a destination for multi-day backpacking loops within the Cranberry Wilderness, such as the Middle Fork/Big Beechy loop.

As Big Beechy Run is a primitive backcountry camping area within a federal wilderness managed by the USDA Forest Service, it does not typically offer commercial "promotions" or "special offers." There are no camping fees charged for primitive backcountry camping in the Cranberry Wilderness.

However, for those who might use other developed Forest Service recreation sites (like picnic areas or trailheads that require a fee), federal recreation passes can provide benefits:

• America the Beautiful – The National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass: This interagency pass covers entrance fees and standard amenity fees at federal recreation sites across the U.S.
• Senior Pass: U.S. citizens or permanent residents aged 62 or over can purchase this pass (annual or lifetime) which often provides a 50% discount on standard amenity fees at federal campgrounds and day-use sites (though not applicable for Big Beechy Run's primitive nature).
• Access Pass: A free, lifetime pass for U.S. citizens or permanent residents with permanent disabilities, offering similar discounts.
• Military Pass: Free annual passes are available for active-duty U.S. military personnel and their dependents, as well as veterans and Gold Star Families.

Since camping at Big Beechy Run is primitive and does not require fees or permits, these passes are primarily relevant for other recreational activities or developed sites within the National Forest system. It's always best to consult the Monongahela National Forest website or the Gauley Ranger District for the most up-to-date information on fees and regulations.

For detailed information about Big Beechy Run and the Cranberry Wilderness, including trail conditions, regulations, and safety guidelines, the best point of contact is the managing Ranger District of the Monongahela National Forest.

Address: Cranberry Wilderness, Hillsboro, WV 24946, USA (Note: This is a general area address, not a physical office location for Big Beechy Run itself.)

The Cranberry Wilderness is primarily managed by the Gauley Ranger District:

Gauley Ranger District Phone: (304) 846-2695

It is highly recommended to contact the Ranger District before embarking on a trip into the Cranberry Wilderness for current information on trail conditions, potential closures, fire restrictions, and important safety tips. Wilderness areas require self-reliance, and being prepared with current information is crucial.

For West Virginia locals, Big Beechy Run within the Cranberry Wilderness represents the pinnacle of "wild and wonderful" outdoor adventure. This isn't a place for those seeking luxury or extensive amenities; it's a call to the wild, offering a deeply rewarding experience for anyone prepared to embrace true wilderness camping.

The solitude found here is unmatched. Away from paved roads and designated campgrounds, locals can truly disconnect from the demands of modern life and reconnect with the raw beauty of their home state. The opportunity to hike challenging trails, discover hidden waterfalls, and camp beside a pristine mountain stream like Big Beechy Run provides a sense of accomplishment and tranquility that is increasingly rare. For experienced hikers and backpackers, it offers a chance to test their skills and immerse themselves in an environment that demands respect and self-reliance.

Furthermore, this type of primitive camping fosters a deeper appreciation for conservation and Leave No Trace principles, which are vital for preserving West Virginia's natural heritage. By choosing Big Beechy Run, locals are not just finding a campsite; they are embracing a philosophy of outdoor living that celebrates the unspoiled beauty of the Appalachian Mountains. It's an invaluable resource for those who genuinely seek the "wild" in "wild and wonderful West Virginia."

Big Beechy Run

Cranberry Wilderness, Hillsboro, WV 24946, USA