It is part of the Monongahela National Forest and includes Mount Porte Crayon, the sixth highest point in the state.

Recreational trails provide loops within the area as well as connecting to Red Creek Plains, Dolly Sods Wilderness and even further north to Canaan Valley.

An average of 180 inches (15 ft) of snow falls on the area annually, affording opportunities for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.

Blizzard conditions can frequent the high ground above 4,000 feet from November into April making travel perilous at times.

The dominant vegetation in the RPW consists of a mesic habitat with red spruce, mixed hardwoods and open brush terrain.