State Parks and National Parks

Kumbrabow State Forest is one of the state's highest and most remote public forests. It is one of the most scenic, as well.

This is a "multiple-use" forest, managed for recreation, wildlife, watershed protection and wood production.

Its name comes from the families instrumental in purchasing the land — Kump, Brady and Bowers.

Hunters come for deer, bears, turkeys, bobcats and ruffed grouse.

The swift, cold waters of Mill Creek support an excellent native trout fishery. Trout fly fishing packages for both beginners and seasoned anglers are available. (Fly fishing on nearby Elk River is catch and release.)

Miles of hiking trails run through the forest, and dirt fire roads are open to foot travel only.

For longer stays, there are five cabins that were built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s. A rustic and universally-accessible three-bedroom cabin is also available. These pioneer cabins are equipped with gas lights and refrigerator, wood cookstove and nearby hand-operated water pump. There are also 13 rustic campsites, including a wheelchair-accessible one. A bathhouse is available for cabin and camp guests.

All accommodations are available from late March to early December. The forest entrance is on a rock-base road off U.S. 219 at Elkwater.