Day and Overnight Hikes: West Virginia's Monongahela National Forest

by Johnny Molloy

The heart and soul of wild, wonderful West Virginia, the mighty Monongahela National Forest is within a day's drive of one-third of the population of the United States. The best way to see and experience the stately forests and pristine waterfalls is by foot. Completely updated with five new hikes and a new design, Day and Overnight Hikes: West Virginia’s Monongahela National Forest will guide visitors the entire way while exploring this national treasure. Picking the best of the best from the amazing trail system within the forest’s 900,000 acres is no easy task, but outdoor guru Johnny Molloy has answered the call with this new edition of his classic guide. With directions to over 40 day and overnight hikes that lead to sites of exceptional beauty and solitude, Day and Overnight Hikes: West Virginia’s Monongahela National Forest will help hikers discover the best that the “Mon” has to offer.

176 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 2006

About the author

Johnny Molloy is a self-employed outdoor writer based in Johnson City, Tennessee. A Christian -- member of First Presbyterian Church, native Tennessean and free-market capitalist, he was born in Memphis and moved to Knoxville in 1980 to attend the University of Tennessee. It is here in Knoxville, where he developed his love of the natural world that has since become the primary focus of his life.

It all started on a backpacking foray into the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. That first trip, though a disaster, unleashed an innate love of the outdoors that has led to his spending over 100 nights in the wild per year, over the past 20 years, backpacking and canoe camping throughout our country and abroad. Specifically, he has spent over 650 nights in the Smokies alone, where he cultivated his woodsmanship and expertise on those lofty mountains.

In 1987, after graduating from the University of Tennessee with a degree in Economics, he continued to spend an ever increasing time in the natural places, becoming more skilled in a variety of environments. Friends enjoyed his adventure stories, one even suggested he write a book. Soon he was parlaying his love of the outdoors into an occupation.

The results of his efforts are 44 books.