Hopkins Mountain Fireman’s Cabin

Built in 1935, this one room cabin was originally constructed to house fire spotters staying at the Hopkins fire tower - one of many across these rural ridges in the Monongahela National Forest. As high points in the forest gave way to more efficient methods of monitoring wildfires (aircraft), the cabin was decommissioned in 1979.

Not long ago, the U.S. Forest Service refurbished the cabin in an effort to share this unique American history. Available for rent spring through fall, it can be enjoyed by outdoor adventurers looking for a remote and wild setting. It sits 3,162 feet above sea level and offers expansive views to the east. Check out the sunrise! 

The cabin is rustic but does include two twin beds, electricity, heat and a refrigerator. At the camp, there is a vault toilet, tent pad, two picnic tables, fire ring, woodshed and sawbuck (a sawhorse-like device for wood cutting). Plan to bring your own water.

Potable water and showers can be accessed at Blue Bend Recreation Area, about 4 miles away (May-October).

The cabin is available for rent spring through fall. 

GETTING THERE. From White Sulphur Springs, follow State Highway 92 for 9-miles. Turn left onto State Route 16 and travel about 4-miles. Across from the Blue Bend Recreation Area entrance, turn onto Forest Road 139 (Hopkins Mountain Road) and follow it 4-miles to the fireman’s residence. The final leg to the cabin is a steep forest service road. It can be traveled by car, but four-wheel drive is recommended. 

Total distance from White Sulphur Springs is about 15 miles.