Cranberry Glades Botanical Area — Attraction in West Virginia

When you visit Cranberry Glades, one of the trails you can take is a half-mile boardwalk, which winds through the bog. The Boardwalk hovers just above the marsh; so, you are up close and personal with the water and vegetation. I think Trip Advisor described the area best, “The Glades resemble an arctic tundra misplaced in these southern mountains.”

The Cranberry Glades Botanical Area is a 750-acre bog and is run by the United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service. When I googled bogs in WV, the results showed two. Cranberry Glades in Hillsboro, WV and Cranesville Swamp in Terra Alta, WV. I’ve been fortunate to visit both.

So, what is the difference between a bog and a swamp? A bog is located in the highlands and a swamp is in the lowlands. Whether it’s a bog or a swamp, West Virginia is privileged to have both rare ecosystems within it’s borders. Bogs and swamps may not be the most beautiful, picturesque locations. But, they are very rare and educational.

If you are looking to see the red foliage on the berry bushes, the leaves in this area seems to turn a little early. We visited mid October and the leaves on the berry bushes had already dropped.

There is a parking lot near the entrance of the trail. Also, the boardwalk is handicap accessible with handicap...

Beautiful. Gorgeous. Will definitely go back if I'm back in this part of the country again. Very much worth the trip.

Caution going to the boardwalk if it is rainy or wet. We went this morning after a rain shower and the wood was so slick we couldn't go more than part way then had to turn around. I slipped about 9 times, and I work at an outdoor attraction and am used to weird terrain. My 70 year old mom couldn't even try.

It was our bad. A few park employees told us about the slippery boards ahead of time, and it's posted in a few spots, but we only had one day in the Cranberry Glades this trip and didn't want to miss it.

Just use caution if you're going when the boards aren't dry ish.

Also, FYI for accessibility: there are no railings to hold on to and limited spots to stop and sit down. The boardwalk loop is about a quarter mile from the start at the parking area. If you are older, or can't walk that far without something to lean on, you'll need to take something with you.

We didn't do any major hiking this time, but you could hike out there for days without running in to another human. Very serene. Make sure people can find you if there's an emergency. Even car traffic is...

I have been to this area a handful of times in my life, most recently yesterday. Main attraction is boardwalk area but there are some longer, more primitive trails and an information center close by as well. We walked the boardwalk only and it took us around 20 minutes to complete. We likely took it too much like a quick hike, it may have been better to stay in the open areas for some time to see more wildlife.

As of 9/26/20 there are ongoing repairs with several sections looking completely new. There were no missing boards that I saw but some were uneven so there is a need for caution.

Some nice wide views of interesting landscapes and more enclosed spots where you are up against unusual plants, including many rhododendron. Would be great place to take a photography or science person.

You will be within minutes of several other parks and outdoor venues while you are here, so it is easy to hit a few of them in a day. There are some convenience stores in nearby Hillsboro and more complete shopping and restaurants in Marlinton if you are making the trip from...