The Fernow Experimental Forest was established in 1934. Early research addressed high-elevation red spruce and the effects of fire on hardwood forests. The Fernow was closed during World War II, but a new research program was begun in 1948 to study the silviculture of mixed hardwood forests and watersheds of the central Appalachians. The Fernow, located near Parsons, West Virginia, lies within the Allegheny Mountain section of the unglaciated Allegheny Plateau. Elevations range from 533 to 1112 m, with generally steep slopes.