Live tracking from “Endlessly Wild and Wonderful” West Virginia begins Nov. 4
Every year, a different National Forest provides a tree for the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol for the holiday season. Use the map below to follow this year‘s U.S. Capitol Christmas tree on its journey from the Monongahela National Forest and see where it will stop along the way.
Using FleetLocate by Spireon’s advanced trailer management technology, Capitoltreetracker.com provides real-time GPS location tracking of the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree as it makes its way from the Monongahela National Forest to the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C.
Schedule is subject to change.
Use the tabs below to take a closer look at the host communities and special places to check out along the way.
Surrounded by the beautiful Appalachian Mountains of West Virginia, Randolph County is a natural paradise that has long been a destination for travelers and adventurous outdoor enthusiasts. Here, you will find charming communities rich in heritage, unparalleled beauty, and alive with arts and festivals. Elkins is the headquarters of Monongahela National Forest and the Mountain State Forest Festival, the oldest and largest festival in West Virginia, is held here annually in October.
The city of Summersville boasts the magnificent backdrop of beautiful mountains, the lure of Summersville Lake, which is the state’s largest lake and the newest addition to the state park system, Summersville Lake State Park. It is also the home of the Summersville Arena & Conference Center, a premier and affordable venue perfect for meetings, banquets, weddings, expos, and sporting events.
The Town of Marlinton can’t wait to host the Capitol Christmas Tree! This cozy mountain town is nestled in the Monongahela National Forest and is home to the Greenbrier River. Marlinton offers numerous opportunities to bike, hike, shop, and eat. Listen to local music and take in the scenic views. We’ve heard Santa might even be there! Marlinton is the perfect place to spend the evening, weekend, or longer.
West Virginia’s premier artisan market, Tamarack Marketplace, is more than a shopping destination. The cultural hub of southern West Virginia features all things to Shop Local, Eat Local, and Art Local. Enjoy seasonal indoor and outdoor events, which include artist demonstrations, local musicians, and concerts. Tamarack Marketplace displays over 20,000 works of art from more than 2,800 juried artists and artisans (from all 55 counties in the state!) Glass blowing with our resident glassblower is a must! In addition to our unique shopping experience, indulge in our local cuisine at our Bistro; try our famous fried green tomato sandwich or our legendary chicken pot pie, and be sure to check or our trending daily features prepared by a seasoned culinary team.
West Virginia’s capital city is perfectly positioned at the confluence of the Kanawha and Elk rivers. It’s also where three major interstates converge, making it a highly accessible destination for visitors looking for an affordable getaway. Charleston boasts the history you’d expect of a capital city, but a growing arts scene and its riverside position make it a hub for recreation and culture, too.
Marshall University is a public comprehensive university with a rich history as one of the oldest institutions of higher learning in West Virginia. Founded in 1837 and named after Chief Justice John Marshall, definer of the Constitution, Marshall University advances the public good through innovative, accredited educational programs. Marshall is located in Huntington, WV. Sitting on the Ohio River at the point where West Virginia, Ohio and Kentucky meet, Huntington is home to educational and cultural opportunities as well as one of the largest river ports in the United State
Perfectly positioned in the northern panhandle of West Virginia, and just an hour outside of Pittsburgh, Wheeling is known as the friendly city. The former state capitol dazzles in Victorian beauty – from frilly homes to the 1,307-foot-long Wheeling Suspension Bridge. Whether it’s family-friendly outdoor adventure or exciting nightlife for couples, Wheeling has what you’re looking for!
84 Lumber Company is the presenting sponsor of the 2023 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree initiative. As the nation’s leading privately held supplier of building materials, building supplies, manufactured components, and industry-leading services for single- and multi-family residences and commercial buildings, 84 Lumber is proud to offer brand name, quality building supplies to building professionals, commercial contractors, home builders, remodelers, developers, and do-it-yourselfers.
Operation Welcome Home is a 501c3 non-profit organization in Mylan Park in Morgantown, WV. This organization was started in 2012 and has been dedicated to helping veterans and families since. We help veterans and their families connect to resources they need, we help support other veterans organizations, various workshops, and job support, and help veterans reconnect with family and their community. Over the years, the needs of veterans have changed, and we continue to evolve to ensure we provide the best support for our veterans.
Monongalia County, West Virginia, is a unique place to visit and live. It is made up of several smaller cities with Morgantown being the largest and most well-known, due to it being home to West Virginia University (WVU), the state’s largest higher education institution. With the University at its heart, the greater Morgantown area is a unique blend of people and cultures. It’s a lively place, with an urban downtown and rural surroundings. Nine months out of the year, the area is bustling with college students, and the summer months are peaceful. Morgantown and the surrounding areas are known for their iconic scenic views, thrilling outdoor recreation, and long lists of events and activities to try. From watercolor sunsets to miles of rolling hills and farmlands, this is the perfect place to add to your bucket list.
Pendleton County is home to endless natural beauty in every season. Discover the home of iconic Seneca Rocks as well as Spruce Knob and countless miles of scenic trails, breathtaking caverns, and endless winding country roads. Discover a cozy cabin retreat and escape into the natural beauty of our county. While you're here, discover some amazing local gems as we gather to celebrate the Capitol Christmas Tree's journey to Washington. Step into the holiday magic with Swilled Dog as they introduce a delightful new gin, paying homage to the Monongahela National Forest where the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree was harvested. Don't miss the chance to be among the first to sample yuletide sips from their brand new cocktail menu. Wander through a winter wonderland filled with the hand crafted work of West Virginia artisans from throughout our region, cozy up with a local treat, enjoy local musical talents, and discover the perfect holiday gift for your loved ones made with care and shared with joy.
The mountain town of Davis, perched on the edge of the Monongahela National Forest, is perfectly positioned to serve as a gateway to the great outdoors. Here, outdoor lovers come to hike, bike, camp, hunt and fish to their heart’s content. Two state parks and a ski resort complement the outdoorsy vibe of an area that appeals to everyone, from hardcore mountain bikers to those just looking to relax and get away from it all. Craft beer lovers will enjoy two local breweries and those looking to find the perfect gift will be wowed with the quaint storefronts.
As West Virginia’s oldest frontier county, Hampshire County has an incredibly rich history as well as scenic beauty. Visitors can discover historic sites, enjoy festivals, visit charming farmers markets, try delicious restaurants and more. While here, climb aboard a vintage train at Potomac Eagle Scenic Railroad and enjoy beautiful scenic sights along the way.
Romney is located in Hampshire County and is home to the WV School for the Deaf and Blind. Established in 1870, the school offers comprehensive educational programs for hearing-impaired and visually impaired students, respectively.
The Forest Service Job Corps program, in collaboration with the Department of Labor, operates 24 Civilian Conservation Centers (CCCs) located in 15 states and 19 National Forests. The CCCs can serve over 3,000 disadvantaged students yearly on residential campuses. Students can earn high school credentials, leadership training, and career technical training certifications in various fields, including forestry and conservation, firefighting, welding, carpentry, electrical, masonry, administration, maintenance, and heavy equipment. The students represent the diversity of the American population the Agency serves and have the ability to support the mission of the Forest Service in many ways. Graduates can be part of workforce development, students can provide maintenance support to Units, and our extensive firefighting program can serve needs with fuels, RX, suppression, dispatch, and camp support. The Harpers Ferry Job Corps Center serves 109 students on 77 acres in Harpers Ferry, West Virginia.
Cranberry Mountain Nature Center is located at the mouth of Highland Scenic Highway. The location is near Cranberry Wilderness Area, Cranberry Glades and Hills Creek Falls. It includes an exhibit hall, auditorium, events and programs. The center also features a native plant garden, a nature trail, and many activities for children. Be sure to walk the interpretive trail on the grounds. Signs point out tree species and give facts on the many uses of the trees. At the overlook enjoy a picnic lunch and the view of Stamping Creek, just down the mountain, to the mountains of Virginia in the distance.
Seneca Rocks is one of the best-known landmarks in West Virginia. These rocks have long been noted as a scenic attraction and are popular with rock climbers. The rocks are magnificent, rising nearly 900 feet above the North Fork River. The Seneca Rocks Discovery Center is located at the base of Seneca Rocks. An amazing view of the vertical wall of the Rocks dominates the scene. The Center is a great place to start your visit and learn about things to do in the area. Be sure to stop in at the nearby Sites Homestead.
Encompassing 100,000 acres, the scenic Spruce Knob-Seneca Rocks National Recreation Area contains the highest peak in West Virginia (Spruce Knob), some of the best rock climbing on the east coast, outstanding views and a chance to enjoy America's great outdoors. Visitor facilities include the Seneca Rocks Discovery Center, Seneca Shadows and Big Bend campgrounds, and the Spruce Knob Observation Tower.
The Highland Scenic Highway is a designated National Scenic Byway that extends 43 miles from Richwood to U.S. Route 219, north of Marlinton. Four scenic overlooks provide a comfortable rest stop, with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The Highway traverses the mountainous terrain of the Allegheny Highlands and Plateau and rises from 2,325 feet near Richwood to more than 4,500 feet. Winter travel on the road may be treacherous, the road is often impassible during winter storms. Travel is not recommended between November and April.
The Cranberry Glades Botanical Area protects the largest area of bogs in West Virginia. Bogs are acidic wetlands more commonly found in the northern U.S. and Canada. Bogs are spongy and consist largely of partially decayed plant material known as peat. Because of its unique conditions, some unusual plants grow in bogs, including carnivorous or insect-eating plants. The Botanical Area encompasses 750 acres.
Tucked away in a narrow gorge just off the Highland Scenic Highway is a hidden treasure known as the Falls of Hills Creek Scenic Area. This popular 114-acre area contains three waterfalls. The first 1,700 feet of trail is paved and has a wheelchair accessible path to the upper falls viewing platform. The lower falls at 63 feet is the second highest waterfall in West Virginia.