Bald Ridge Wilderness Addition
Approximate size: 6,550 acres
Location: Augusta County, North River Ranger District
Topo: West Augusta, Palo Alto
This proposal is for a 6,550-acre addition to the eastern and northern side of Ramseys Draft Wilderness that extends to the outer flanks of Bald Ridge down to 2,600 ft in elevation and encompasses Dividing Ridge and Springhouse Ridge all the way north to the Shenandoah Mountain Trail. This area was part of the original Ramseys Draft Wilderness proposal.
This proposal lies within boundaries formed by Bridge Hollow Trail, following a 2,600 ft contour to and along FR 95 to the Shenandoah Mountain Trail, but set back enough from the road to allow for family car camping along the North River, as well as construction of a new trail that would connect trails in the North River headwaters area to Braley Pond area and Bridge Hollow Trail. The Dividing Ridge Trail and Springhouse Ridge Trail would both be within the proposed Wilderness area and would therefore not be open to mountain biking. Both trails, however, are very steep and currently serve as deadends to bikers when they reach the Ramseys Draft Wilderness boundary. For this reason, they are not currently used much. New connector trails would enhance the recreational value of the trail network and would provide for more loop opportunities. Adding this outer flank of Bald Ridge to Ramseys Draft Wilderness will make a Wilderness of substantial size.
This proposal will not affect any access roads.
Location: Augusta County, North River Ranger District
Topo: West Augusta, Palo Alto
This proposal is for a 6,550-acre addition to the eastern and northern side of Ramseys Draft Wilderness that extends to the outer flanks of Bald Ridge down to 2,600 ft in elevation and encompasses Dividing Ridge and Springhouse Ridge all the way north to the Shenandoah Mountain Trail. This area was part of the original Ramseys Draft Wilderness proposal.
This proposal lies within boundaries formed by Bridge Hollow Trail, following a 2,600 ft contour to and along FR 95 to the Shenandoah Mountain Trail, but set back enough from the road to allow for family car camping along the North River, as well as construction of a new trail that would connect trails in the North River headwaters area to Braley Pond area and Bridge Hollow Trail. The Dividing Ridge Trail and Springhouse Ridge Trail would both be within the proposed Wilderness area and would therefore not be open to mountain biking. Both trails, however, are very steep and currently serve as deadends to bikers when they reach the Ramseys Draft Wilderness boundary. For this reason, they are not currently used much. New connector trails would enhance the recreational value of the trail network and would provide for more loop opportunities. Adding this outer flank of Bald Ridge to Ramseys Draft Wilderness will make a Wilderness of substantial size.
This proposal will not affect any access roads.
