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Introduction

The United States Congress designated the Beartown Wilderness (map) in 1984 and it now has a total of 5,609 acres. All of this wilderness is located in Virginia and is managed by the Forest Service. The Beartown Wilderness is bordered by the Garden Mountain Wilderness to the east.

Description

Beartown Wilderness is a steep, remote and rugged area, particularly at the heads of its drainages. It ranges in elevation from 2,400 to 4,480 feet. The principal streams are Roaring Fork, Barkcamp Branch, and Cove Branch. Roaring Fork contains a population of native trout. The vegetation is diverse, featuring Appalachian hardwoods, northern spruce-fir, northern hardwoods, hemlock, and a sphagnum bog.

There are about two miles of trail within the wilderness. The Appalachian National Scenic Trail (A.T., FT #1) is adjacent to the southern boundary for about four miles. Trail information is available on National Geographic-Trails Illustrated Map # 787 (Blacksburg-New River Valley).

Beartown Wilderness is located in Tazewell County in southwest Virginia. It is managed by the U.S. Forest Service as part of the Eastern Divide Ranger District of the George Washington & Jefferson National Forests.

Planning to Visit the Beartown Wilderness?

• Print a fact sheet
• General things to consider when visiting any wilderness
• Regulations
• Contact the Forest Service
• Visit the National Forest wilderness website

Leave No Trace

How to follow the seven standard Leave No Trace principles differs in different parts of the country (desert vs. Rocky Mountains). Click on any of the principles listed below to learn more about how they apply in the Beartown Wilderness.

1. Plan Ahead and Prepare
2. Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
3. Dispose of Waste Properly
4. Leave What You Find
5. Minimize Campfire Impacts
6. Respect Wildlife
7. Be Considerate of Other Visitors

For more information on Leave No Trace, Visit the Leave No Trace, Inc. website.