A cooper by trade, he resumed making barrels at his new mountain hideout, selling them to people in nearby communities.

Many of these structures, including durable rustic picnic shelters made of American chestnut, exist today and are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

While the forest itself is open year-round, the main entrance to the southern portion of the park is closed each year from December 31 to March 31.

It provides excellent views of the Cheat, Snake Hill Wildlife Management Area across the river, and Morgantown to the west.

This site, which is dominated by a high-voltage power line crossing of the Cheat River, is home to a series of large boulders and features a point that juts into the canyon.

Hikers to this site with pets and children should be cautious as there are no railings - missteps could lead to significant and potentially fatal falls.

One trail, approximately 3 miles (4.8 km) long, provides access to the former Mont Chateau State Park at Cheat Lake.