Rich Hole Wilderness Addition
Approximate Size: 4,575 acres
Location: Alleghany and Bath Counties, in the James River District
Topos: Longdale Furnace, Millboro, Nimrod Hall
Rich Hole Wilderness Addition contains mountain ridges with parallel drainages in a contorted arrangement, with spur ridges and associated small drainages falling from the major ridge. Elevations range from about 1,200 feet near the Cowpasture River to over 3,300 feet on the top of Mill Mountain. Slopes vary from moderate to very steep and are dissected by numerous small and moderately sized streams.
Because of the rugged nature of Mill Ridge, there is only one, little used trail in the area. The White Rocks Tower Trail parallels the Rich Hole Wilderness boundary to the crest of Mill Mountain and then follows the ridge to FDR 333. Hunting is the primary recreational activity of the area. Mill Mountain's rugged terrain and remote location help to foster a healthy bear population. This area may contain 2,376 acres of possible old growth present mainly along the long ridge line.
To limit user conflicts the proposed study area should exclude the White Rocks Tower Trail. FDR 362 (Orebank Road) should be excluded from the wilderness boundary to ensure that this road remain available as hunter access. Also, the Bubbling Springs Recreation Area, a small picnic and camping site on Pads Creek Road should also be excluded from the boundary of this area.
With the addition of these 4,575 acres, Rich Hole Wilderness will be expanded to a total of 11,025 acres.
Location: Alleghany and Bath Counties, in the James River District
Topos: Longdale Furnace, Millboro, Nimrod Hall
Rich Hole Wilderness Addition contains mountain ridges with parallel drainages in a contorted arrangement, with spur ridges and associated small drainages falling from the major ridge. Elevations range from about 1,200 feet near the Cowpasture River to over 3,300 feet on the top of Mill Mountain. Slopes vary from moderate to very steep and are dissected by numerous small and moderately sized streams.
Because of the rugged nature of Mill Ridge, there is only one, little used trail in the area. The White Rocks Tower Trail parallels the Rich Hole Wilderness boundary to the crest of Mill Mountain and then follows the ridge to FDR 333. Hunting is the primary recreational activity of the area. Mill Mountain's rugged terrain and remote location help to foster a healthy bear population. This area may contain 2,376 acres of possible old growth present mainly along the long ridge line.
To limit user conflicts the proposed study area should exclude the White Rocks Tower Trail. FDR 362 (Orebank Road) should be excluded from the wilderness boundary to ensure that this road remain available as hunter access. Also, the Bubbling Springs Recreation Area, a small picnic and camping site on Pads Creek Road should also be excluded from the boundary of this area.
With the addition of these 4,575 acres, Rich Hole Wilderness will be expanded to a total of 11,025 acres.
| MapofRichHole&RoughMtnWildernessAdditions.pdf |