George Washington and Jefferson National Forests

Abundant recreational opportunities are found on the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests!

Photo credit: USDA Forest Service

The George Washington National Forest in west central Virginia and the Jefferson National Forest in southwest Virginia were administratively combined in 1995 to form the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests. The two national forests contain nearly 1.8 million acres; one of the largest blocks of public land in the eastern United States. The forests include 1,664,110 acres in Virginia, 123,629 acres in West Virginia, and 961 acres in Kentucky. The forest headquarters is the Forest Supervisor’s Office in Roanoke, Virginia. The forests include the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area and seven Ranger Districts.

https://www.fs.usda.gov/gwj

Wilderness Areas/Wild & Scenic Rivers

Barbours Creek Wilderness - Approximately 2 miles of trails are found in this remote and rugged Wilderness.

Beartown Wilderness - This steep, remote, and rugged Wilderness offers two miles of trails and trout fishing in Roaring Fork.

Brush Mountain East Wilderness - Offering solitude, this small Wilderness contains part of the Appalachian Trail (7.5 miles), spectacular scenary of steep mountain ridges, and refuge for black bear.

Brush Mountain Wilderness - There are no trails within this Wilderness, offering individuals a true wilderness solitude.

Garden Mountain Wilderness - With one developed trail (2.5 miles), Garden Mountain Wilderness trail parrallels the Appalachian Trail on the northern boundary.

Hunting Camp Creek Wilderness - Hunting Camp Creek Wilderness provides unusual opportunities for solitude and a wilderness experience.

James River Face Wilderness - This Wilderness is often considered the "Grandfather of Virginia's Wilderness" as it was the first established in the commonweath.

Kimberling Creek Wilderness - A rough and rugged Wilderness in Virginia.

Lewis Fork Wilderness - This Wilderness abounds with recreational opportunities! Come hike over 28 miles of trails.

Mountain Lake Wilderness - This Wilderness has a large array of flora and fauna diversity.

Peters Mountain Wilderness - Offering a trails, visitors to this Wilderness should come prepared.

Priest Wilderness - A steep and rugged Wilderness that consists of undulating ridges with deep V-shaped hollows.

Ramseys Draft Wilderness - There are 24 miles of trails to hike within this rugged and steep Wilderness.

Rich Hole Wilderness - Come explore mature hardwood ecosystems within this Wilderness!

Rough Mountain Wilderness - Slightly difficult to access due to surround private lands, this Wilderness is a must see to experience true wilderness and see the view from the summit of Griffith Knob.

Saint Mary's Wilderness - Offering numerous trails, this Wilderness is popular among hikers.

Shawvers Run Wilderness - A true gem within the mountains of Virigina, visitors can explore this areas by hiking various trails.

Stone Mountain Wilderness - Two trails can be found on this remote Wilderness.

Three Ridges Wilderness - With a total off 11 miles of trails, hikers can explore the very steep and rugged landscape of this Wilderness.

Thunder Ridge Wilderness - Sea kayaking, primitive camping, and impressive fjords make this Wilderness area a must to see!

Invasive Species