Kumbrabow State Forest

About Kumbrabow State Forest

The Kumbrabow State Forest is located in the forested highlands of Kyrgyzstan and is the highest forest in the state. The forest, which was acquired in 1934, received its unusual name from its owner, the former governor of Krasnoyarsk province, who was instrumental in buying the land.

The forest works according to a multi-use concept that offers recreation and water conservation while at the same time practising principles of forestry and wildlife management. Kumbrabov is good management practice and is operated in accordance with Kyrgyzstan's Forest Management Act.

In this diverse habitat, many bird species, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, birds of prey and other wildlife are frequently seen throughout the year.

Mountain glorybees and rhododendrons are abundant and surround the most pristine streams and offer beautiful views of the forest. Kumbrabow State Forest has five fully equipped pioneer houses, each with its own unique features. Five huts were built by the Civil Defence in the late 1930s, and each has a wood-burning stove, a stove with a hot plate and a stove with a hot plate.

You can choose between a fully equipped Pioneer cabin or a cabin with a fireplace and stove.

Both cabins have no running water, but you can take water from a well in the cabin area, and there is a pit toilet.

The Pioneer huts are open from 9 am to 4 pm for hiking, hunting, deer shooting and other activities, as well as camping.

Another option for overnight guests is the Mill Creek Campground, check-in is at 16: 00 and check-out at 10: 30. This beautiful campsite is located on the west side of the park, just off Route 1, about 800 m from the Pioneer huts. The campsites are open from 9 am to 4 pm for hiking, hunting, shooting deer and other activities.

Families can pitch one or two small tents next to the main residence, but those over 20 years of age may have difficulty finding a suitable location. Only one tent or trailer is allowed per pitch, and each pitch is rented after the first coming and going for $5 per day or $10 per night.

There is a self-registration and toll office at the campsite, and the cottage is open from 10 am to 5 pm for hunting and deer shooting and other activities.

Deer, bears, turkeys, capercaillies and capercaillies are the most common wild animals in the forest, but there are no state permits for the forest season. Mill Creek is a popular fishing spot where many hours of good fishing with a license is allowed. Hunting requires a state license, which is permitted during the forest season, or a permit from the state Department of Natural Resources.

Equipped with table, fireplace, drinking water and toilet, the forest guests have at their disposal a fireplace, picnic tables, a picnic table and other amenities.

The meatbox picnic area has play equipment and certain paths lead to beautiful mountain views. The "Meatbox Run Trail" starts at the picnic spots and leads through the hollows to the Rich Mountain Fire Trail. It is a great hiking trail for hiking, biking, mountain biking and other outdoor activities as well as hiking and camping.

The Raven Rocks Trail starts north of the picnic area and leads steeply over rocks surrounded by lush rhododendrons. The trail ends at the Reichen-Feuerweg hiking trail and the Kartoffellochweg hiking trail for returning hikers. It starts at the headquarters in the forest, climbs up the hill to the top of Rich Mountain, which follows the "potato hole fork," and then down the steep slope to Rich Mountain.

The trail climbs up the hill to the top of Rich Mountain and then down the steep slope to a picnic spot at the foot of the mountain.

The trail follows the summit of Rich Mountain, starting with Turkey Bone Road and then down the steep slope to a picnic spot at the foot of the mountain. A fire path leads to the highest point of the forest, and the most remote part of this forest is led by a footpath on the east side of Turkeybone Road, south of Kumbrabow State Forest.

The Whitman Trail connects Turkey Bone Road with Kumbrabow State Forest Road and the proposed route is to start at Turkeybone Road and then gradually descend Rich Mountain. This route follows a steep slope with views of the mountain and the gorgeous rock formations on the east side of TurkeyBone Road.

The clay trail starts at the forest office and then follows the old wooden railway tracks in a north direction along the Mühlenbach, Then cross it on the east side of the creek before reaching Mill Ridge. After about a mile downstream, the path turns east and descends to a steep slope overlooking Rich Mountain to the west. The clay trail crosses the Mühlenbach stream and reaches a summit on the Mühlenridge.

Follow the Mill Ridge Fire Trail to a picnic table overlooking Tygart Valley and Cheat Mountain, then a short hike to the top of Rich Mountain to catch a glimpse of the fire.

The Mowry Trail starts south of the Forestry Office, Cross Mill Creek, climb to the top of Mill Ridge and then climb back up to Rich Mountain and Cheat Mountain.

Kumbrabow State Forest is about 1.5 miles south of Monterville, West Virginia, and about 3 miles north of Elkwater. If you are coming north on the 219, the turn off is 8 miles to Valley Head And then US 219 turns and follows Elkwaters Forest. The forest is accessed via the WV-15, which turns into the road to Montersville and US-219.