Elliott Knob Proposed Wilderness
Approximate Size: 7,156 acres
Location: Augusta County, North River Ranger District
Topos: Elliott Knob, Augusta Springs
Elliott Knob is the summit of Great North Mountain, the southeastern leg of Shenandoah Mountain. With an elevation of 4,463 feet at the summit, this mountain rises high above the surrounding countryside and is a popular hiking destination. The western side of the mountain has outstanding wild character and we recommend it for wilderness, with the North Mountain Trail as the eastern boundary. The communication towers on the summit as well as the trail are excluded from the proposed boundary. The western boundary would be located near FDR 77 (Cold Springs Road) with adjustments as necessary to reduce conflict with current management activities along the road.
Buffalo Spring and Chestnut Flat Spring are two clear, cool springs that originate high up the ridge. Cold Spring bubbles out of the ground on the western flank of the mountain. These springs, and others like them, feed streams such as Montgomery Run, Fridley Branch, and West Dry Branch.
Cold Spring Trail provides access to the peak from the west, passing through dense forest and possible old-growth. The Virginia Department of Natural Heritage has identified several rare plants/wildflowers along the ridgeline of Elliott Knob, and the area is favored black bear habitat. In combination with adjacent Archer Knob, the contiguous wilderness area (separated by FDR 82) could be close to 12,000 acres. Elliott Knob is currently an Inventoried Roadless Area.
Location: Augusta County, North River Ranger District
Topos: Elliott Knob, Augusta Springs
Elliott Knob is the summit of Great North Mountain, the southeastern leg of Shenandoah Mountain. With an elevation of 4,463 feet at the summit, this mountain rises high above the surrounding countryside and is a popular hiking destination. The western side of the mountain has outstanding wild character and we recommend it for wilderness, with the North Mountain Trail as the eastern boundary. The communication towers on the summit as well as the trail are excluded from the proposed boundary. The western boundary would be located near FDR 77 (Cold Springs Road) with adjustments as necessary to reduce conflict with current management activities along the road.
Buffalo Spring and Chestnut Flat Spring are two clear, cool springs that originate high up the ridge. Cold Spring bubbles out of the ground on the western flank of the mountain. These springs, and others like them, feed streams such as Montgomery Run, Fridley Branch, and West Dry Branch.
Cold Spring Trail provides access to the peak from the west, passing through dense forest and possible old-growth. The Virginia Department of Natural Heritage has identified several rare plants/wildflowers along the ridgeline of Elliott Knob, and the area is favored black bear habitat. In combination with adjacent Archer Knob, the contiguous wilderness area (separated by FDR 82) could be close to 12,000 acres. Elliott Knob is currently an Inventoried Roadless Area.