Visitors to Kumbrabow State Forest in Randolph County are being offered cabin and campground discounts this summer to help defray the high cost of travel, according to Park Supt. Stephanie Bailey.

During the summer season, cabins may be rented for a full week (Monday to Monday) or a partial week (Monday to Thursday or Friday to Monday).

“Weekday cabin rates have been reduced this season to encourage vacationers looking for memorable settings to stay here,” says Bailey. “Kumbrabow also provides a ‘survival kit,’ part of the 2008 summer fun offered to cabin guests.”

Visitors who prefer camping qualify for the Mountain CampAway discount this summer. Through October 31, renting a Kumbrabow campsite for two nights gets you a third night free. The free night is the third night of your stay with campsite rental for the first two nights. For guaranteed CampAway campsites, call 1-800-CALL-WVA or the park office at (304) 335-2219.

“This offer is valid for tent campers as well as those who prefer pop-ups and small travel trailers,” says Bailey. “We look at our visitor needs and try to create opportunities to get families and friends out to parks and forests, especially when travel costs become so high. Many parks and forests are moving to shorter rental periods to accommodate vacation trends.”

Kumbrabow State Forest is located off US 219, 24 miles south of Elkins and seven miles south of Huttonsville. US 219 Turn onto Rt 219-16 (Kumbrabow Forest Road) at Elkwater and follow to forest. Coming north on 219, this turn-off is eight miles from Valley Head. Another access to the forest is from WV 15, turning onto a rockbase road at Monterville.

Kumbrabow State Forest comprises a 9,474 acre forest range on the western edge of the Allegheny Highlands atop Rich Mountain. The forest derives its unusual name from three prominent families, KUMp-BRAdy-BOWers, who were instrumental in the purchase of the land in the early 20th century.

”West Virginia state forests are operated with the multiple-use concept, which provides recreation and watershed protection, while practicing the principles of forestry and wildlife management,” explains Bailey.

Kumbrabow is a showcase for stands of black cherry and red spruce. Diverse habitat has made black bear, turkey, deer, grouse, and bobcat sightings common to visitors throughout the year. Mountain laurel and rhododendron are abundant. Pristine streams create beautiful scenic views throughout the forest. Kumbrabow features pioneer cabins, fishing, hiking, picnic areas, and campground.

“Cabins at Kumbrabow are as unique in nature as the outline of West Virginia,” says Bailey. “Our rental units are ‘pioneer cabins’ and are for people looking to rediscover a basic lifestyle, clean and simple, and more importantly, away from today’s fast pace. They are not for fussy types.”

Pioneer cabins at Kumbrabow State Forest are structures built in the late 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps. These vintage units feature stone fireplaces, wood burning kitchen stoves, gas lights and refrigerators. The cabins have no running water and use a pump for supply. Pit toilets are available. Bathhouse and laundry facilities are nearby.

All cabins are equipped for housekeeping, including cooking utensils, dishes, flatware, bed linens, towels, and outdoor charcoal grills. As with all state parks and forests with cabins, there are designated pet-friendly units.

“In today’s society, what Kumbrabow cabins lack in facilities is even more sought after,” says Bailey. “People are looking to discover just how far we have come and perhaps how pampered. We greet returning guests year after year and we also recognize that our new visitors are looking for ‘less’. At Kumbrabow, you have to slow it down a little whether you’re ready or not.”