Much of the land surrounding the river and its adjacent mountains is protected by Monongahela National Forest including about 20,000 acres (81 km2) of designated wilderness.

Another notable point is where the Staunton-Parkersburg Turnpike (present-day U.S. Route 250) crosses Cheat Mountain at White Top.

In the 1930s, reforestation of the land began in ernest through Civilian Conservation Corps projects of the Monongahela National Forest.

Terrible storms and bitter cold are the norm from November to April, although it has been known to snow on the highest summits as early as mid-September and as late as June 7.

Freezing temperatures and frost have occurred during every month and rime ice accumulations are common above 4,000 feet (1,200 m).