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Introduction

The United States Congress designated the Lewis Fork Wilderness (map) in 1984 and it now has a total of 5,926 acres. All of this wilderness is located in Virginia and is managed by the Forest Service.

Description

Lewis Fork Wilderness lies within the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area. It includes Mount Rogers itself which is Virginia's highest point at 5,729 feet. The wilderness is part of what is known as the "Mount Rogers High Country." Vegetation includes northern hardwoods with spruce/fir habitat at the higher elevations.

The Appalachian National Scenic Trail (A.T., FT #1) passes through the northeast portion of Lewis Fork and then weaves in and out of the area along the southern boundary for a total of about seven miles within the wilderness. There is a total of about 30 miles of trail within the wilderness and several trails have use restrictions. Trail information is available on National Geographic-Trails Illustrated Map # 786 (Mount Rogers).

Lewis Fork Wilderness is located in Grayson and Smyth Counties in southwest Virginia. It is managed by the U.S. Forest Service as part of the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area of the George Washington & Jefferson National Forests.

Planning to Visit the Lewis Fork 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 Lewis Fork 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.