About Our Region

Isolated by geography and motivated by self reliance, the Appalachian Forest National Heritage Area has a rich history, heritage, and culture. The region’s unique environment has shaped the people here just as much as the people have shaped the environment. Connected by forests, streams, and mountains, the 18 counties of the Appalachian Forest National Heritage Area are full of fascinating stories just waiting to be discovered.

The Appalachian Forest National Heritage Area works with willing partners in 16 West Virginia counties and 2 counties in western Maryland to explore and enhance the relationship between the forested mountains and the people who live here. With the overall theme of forest heritage, we focus on conservation, forestry, cultural heritage, asset-based tourism and community development.

Designated in 2019 as a National Heritage Area, which recognizes our region as nationally significant, we work together to enhance our assets and partnerships. Join in our Management Planning to help guide our future, and see Our Organization for how we got here and where we want to go.

We share Forest Heritage featuring the history, culture, nature, and forestry stories of people interacting with the forest around us.

The Appalachian Forest National Heritage Area covers the central Appalachian highlands of West Virginia and western Maryland. Our counties in Western Maryland are Garrett and Allegany. Our counties in the highlands of West Virginia are Preston, Mineral, Hampshire, Morgan, Barbour, Tucker, Hardy, Grant, Pendleton, Upshur, Randolph, Braxton, Webster, Pocahontas, Nicholas, and Greenbrier.