Cranesville Swamp In West Virginia Is A Place That Most People Don't Know About

West Virginia is not a region known for having swamplands, but we do have them. In fact, it is an area as unusual to the state as a jungle in California.

Cranesville Swamp, a rare boreal bog in the U.S., is located in Preston county, West Virginia and Garrett County, Maryland.

This 17,774 acre area exists because the surrounding hills create a "frost pocket" that captures both cold air and moisture, creating a natural wetland. The resulting habitat is very similar to the wetlands of Canada.

Much of the land is covered with thick green moss, which thrives in the area. It is also home to 50 rare plants and animals.

The area is also home to forest land and a trail system.

Owned and operated by the The Nature Conservancy, workers have planted both Red Spruce and Whte pines there, creating a collective 18,550 additions to the area.

The beauty of the place makes for a profound alternate experience to your typical hiking trails in other parts of the state.

Have you been to Cranesville Swamp? Feel free to comment below and tell us about your visit.

To learn more about West Virginia, check out this medieval forest that is positively magical.

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There's A Truly Unique Swamp Hiding In West Virginia Most People Don't Know About

Geoff Foster

Author

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