James River Face - Virginia's First GWNF Wilderness Area

James River Face Wilderness © Laura Neale

The Wilderness Act was passed in 1964. setting up the National Wilderness Preservation System.  Since 1964, numerous Wilderness Acts have enacted legislation to add areas to the NWPS.   James River Face Wilderness is Virginia’s first National Forest Wilderness – 8,886 acres in Bedford and Rockbridge Counties, ranging in elevation from 650 feet at the James River to 3,073 feet at Highcock Knob.  It was designated on January 3, 1975 by Public Law 93-622 (known as the Eastern Wilderness Areas Act), with one addition in 1984. The Appalachian Trail runs through it.

Take time to get out and explore this beautiful Wilderness area!

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