Arrowhead Mountain Wildlife Management Area wilderness guide
Wildlife Management Area · West Virginia

Arrowhead Mountain Wildlife Management Area

Arrowhead Mountain Wildlife Management Area is a protected natural area in West Virginia offering diverse wildlife habitats and outdoor recreation opportunities including hunting, hiking, and birdwatching.

Wildlife Management Area6,0004+ Trails

Designation

Wildlife Management Area

Total Wilderness Area

6,000

Elevation / Terrain

Diverse Wilderness

Field Editorial Guide

About Arrowhead Mountain Wildlife Management Area

Arrowhead Mountain Wildlife Management Area is a protected natural area in West Virginia offering diverse wildlife habitats and outdoor recreation opportunities including hunting, hiking, and birdwatching.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

Arrowhead Mountain Wildlife Management Area (WMA) is located in the rugged terrain of Barbour County, West Virginia. Spanning over 6,000 acres of forested hills and hollows, this WMA provides critical habitat for a variety of wildlife species including white-tailed deer, wild turkey, black bear, grouse, and various songbirds. The area’s mixed hardwood forests, dense thickets, and patchy clearings create an excellent environment for hunting and wildlife observation. Public access is permitted for hunting seasons, trapping, and fishing in designated streams. The topography is characterized by steep slopes, ridges, and valleys typical of the Appalachian Plateau. Arrowhead Mountain WMA is managed by the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources with a focus on wildlife conservation, habitat management, and recreational opportunities. The area features multiple unpaved roads and trails, suitable for hiking and limited off-road use. Birdwatchers can find species such as cerulean warblers and scarlet tanagers during spring and summer. Hunting is considered one of the primary activities, with seasonal regulations in place to maintain sustainable population levels. While relatively remote, the WMA is accessible from nearby small towns, providing a peaceful and natural setting for outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors are encouraged to follow all rules related to wildlife protection and ethical outdoor practices to ensure this habitat remains healthy for future generations.

Field Guide · Wildlife Management Area
Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near Arrowhead Mountain Wildlife Management Area

Scenic viewpoints, outdoor landmarks, and notable points of interest within 60 miles.

Key Wilderness Highlights

✦ Scenic ridgeline overlooks with expansive forest views✦ Opportunities for white-tailed deer and wild turkey hunting✦ Diverse birdwatching habitat featuring cerulean warblers✦ Remote hiking trails passing through mature hardwood stands
Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in Arrowhead Mountain Wildlife Management Area

Explore curated guides for top outdoor sports, trail networks, and wilderness activities.

Park Recreation

Hiking

Available in Arrowhead Mountain Wildlife Management Area
Park Recreation

Wildlife Viewing

Available in Arrowhead Mountain Wildlife Management Area
Park Recreation

Hunting

Available in Arrowhead Mountain Wildlife Management Area
Park Recreation

Birdwatching

Available in Arrowhead Mountain Wildlife Management Area
Park Recreation

Fishing

Available in Arrowhead Mountain Wildlife Management Area
The Ranger Station

Visitor Logistics & Essential Planning

Everything you need to know about entrance passes, seasons, visitor centers, road transit, and wildlife safety in Arrowhead Mountain Wildlife Management Area.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

Free access with valid West Virginia hunting or fishing license required for relevant activities.

Wilderness Checklist

Carry paper topographic map & compass in remote zones.
Store all food and scented items in approved bear canisters.
Check wildfire / smoke advisories before backcountry departure.
Pack out everything you pack in (Leave No Trace).
Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near Arrowhead Mountain Wildlife Management Area

Stay, dine, and gear up in these mountain towns and scenic basecamps surrounding the park.

Philippi, West Virginia
⌖ 1.71 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Philippi, West Virginia

Philippi, West Virginia, is a quiet town along the Tygart Valley River perfect for paddling, fishing, and gentle hiking. Its historic charm and access to Valley Falls State Park make it a great base for low-key outdoor exploration.

Spring through early Fall
Explore Town
Calhoun, West Virginia
⌖ 6.01 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Calhoun, West Virginia

Calhoun, West Virginia is a peaceful town offering calm river paddling, quiet hiking, and rustic camping in the Appalachian foothills. It’s a great spot for travelers seeking low-key outdoor adventure and scenic nature escapes.

Spring through Fall
Explore Town
Belington, West Virginia
⌖ 11.16 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Belington, West Virginia

Belington is a quiet West Virginia town perfect for outdoor lovers seeking peaceful hikes, paddling on the Tygart Valley River, and mountain biking near the Monongahela National Forest. Experience nature with minimal crowds year-round.

Spring through Fall
Explore Town
Pruntytown, West Virginia
⌖ 11.52 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Pruntytown, West Virginia

Pruntytown is a peaceful West Virginia town offering tranquil hiking, paddling, and fishing opportunities set in rolling hills and wooded landscapes. It’s ideal for travelers seeking low-key outdoor experiences off the typical tourist routes.

Spring through Fall
Explore Town
Grafton, West Virginia
⌖ 11.61 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Grafton, West Virginia

Grafton offers outdoor lovers gentle hiking, biking, and paddling along scenic trails and waterways in a quiet Appalachian setting. Its rail trail access and nearby national forest make it a great low-key basecamp.

Spring through Fall
Explore Town
Bridgeport, West Virginia
⌖ 14.86 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Bridgeport, West Virginia

Bridgeport is a welcoming town in northern West Virginia offering hiking, biking, paddling, and bird watching amid gentle hills and rivers. It’s a great spot for peaceful outdoor escapes with easy access to nature preserves and parks.

Spring through Fall
Explore Town
Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in Arrowhead Mountain Wildlife Management Area

Explore scenic backcountry routes and epic wilderness adventures with certified local mountain guides, naturalists, and outfitters.

Boardwalk Wakeups and Waterpark Evenings: A Five‑Day Myrtle Beach Stay
ADVEXPEDITION
Myrtle Beach, SC
LodgingADV Bookable

Boardwalk Wakeups and Waterpark Evenings: A Five‑Day Myrtle Beach Stay

A five-day oceanfront lodging package on the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk that includes round‑trip coach transportation, beachfront rooms, an on‑site water park and daily hot breakfasts—this guide explains what’s included and how to plan.

LodgingPT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip