[2] The Monongahela National Forest includes some major landform features such as the Allegheny Front and the western portion of the Ridge-and-valley Appalachians.

Species for which the forest is important include red spruce (Picea rubens), balsam fir (Abies balsamea), and mountain ash (Sorbus americana).

Headwaters of six major river systems are located within the forest: Monongahela, Potomac, Greenbrier, Elk, Tygart, and Gauley.

This act authorized the purchase of land for long-term watershed protection and natural resource management following the massive cutting of the eastern forests in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

In October 2011, the National Park Service announced a Reconnaissance Survey, to be conducted from January to September 2012, to "determine whether the historic, natural, and recreational resources in the project area are 'likely' or 'unlikely' to meet congressionally required criteria for the designation of potential units of the National Park System".

The historic Blackwater Industrial Complex in Tucker County—preserving artifacts of the coal, coke and timber empire of early West Virginia entrepreneur and Senator Henry Gassaway Davis—would also be included.

Commentators on Manchin's approach to the proposal had noted that "the senator seemed to be in favor of a possible NPS label in the area only if there were no changes in existing land use or management practices".

[10] The forest is noted for its rugged landscape, views, blueberry thickets, highland bogs and "sods", and open areas with exposed rocks.

Larger animals and game species found in the forest include black bear, wild turkey, white-tailed deer, gray and fox squirrels, rabbits, snowshoe hare, woodcock, and grouse.

Furbearers include beaver, red and gray fox, bobcat, fisher, river otter, raccoon and mink.

The Monongahela National Forest is a recreation destination and tourist attraction, hosting approximately 3 million visitors annually.

[citation needed] The backwoods road and trail system is used for hiking, mountain biking, horse riding.

Recreation ranges from self-reliant treks in the wildernesses and backcountry areas, to rock climbing challenges, to traditional developed-site camping.

The tree species most valuable for timber and wildlife food in the Monongahela National Forest are black cherry and oaks.

Mineral resources located in the Monongahela National Forest include coal, gas, limestone, and gravel.