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Introduction

The United States Congress designated the Shawvers Run Wilderness (map) in 1988 and it now has a total of 5,686 acres. All of this wilderness is located in Virginia and is managed by the Forest Service.

Description

Shawvers Run Wilderness is an area of rugged and remote mountain terrain on the northwestern slope of Potts Mountain, just over the hill from Barbours Creek Wilderness. Elevations range from 2,000 feet on Shawvers Run (stream) in the north to 3,800 feet on the top of Hanging Rock, in the south. The wilderness is comprised of hardwood forest interspersed with yellow pine, and white pine growing in some of the drainages. The headwaters of Valley Branch contain native brook trout, as does Shawvers Run.

There is little trail access to Shawvers Run Wilderness: 1/2 mile of trail to Hanging Rock overlook. Information is available on National Geographic-Trails Illustrated Map #788 (Covington-Alleghany Highlands).

Shawvers Run Wilderness is located in Craig 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 Shawvers Run 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 Shawvers Run 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.