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Three Sisters Proposed Wilderness

Approximate Size:  6327 acres

Location: Amherst and Rockbridge Counties, Virginia in the Pedlar Ranger District

Topos:  Buena Vista, Glasgow

Three Sisters forms the northern slope of the James River Gorge, where the James River cuts through the Blue Ridge and debouches into the Virginia Piedmont.

Straddling the high crest of Rocky Row, the Three Sisters area has elevations ranging from almost 3400 feet on Bluff Mountain to less than 900 feet near the James River.  This ridge gives rise to several small streams including Bennetts Run, Belle Cove Branch, and Battle Run.  These all drain into the Maury River.  Bennetts Run supports a small population of native trout.  The headwaters of Otter Creek are located on the eastern slope of Rocky Row Ridge.

Rocky Row Ridge is the most prominent geological feature.  The ridge provides outstanding views of the James River and the James River Face Wilderness.  This rugged mountain ridge has 2777 acres of possible old growth.

There are several trails that climb the ridge to the crest.  The Appalachian Trail also passes through.  The trail begins climbing to Rocky Row from the James River.  Once on the ridge crest it follows along to the summit of Bluff Mountain.

The Three Sisters proposal is much smaller than the potential wilderness suggested by the Forest Service.  The boundary excludes the Appalachian Trail so that trail maintainers can utilize power tools for trail maintenance activities.  The western boundary utilizes the mineral rights line to remove the rights from the proposal.

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© Virginia Wilderness Committee, 2013

Contact us:
Virginia Wilderness Committee
info@vawilderness.org
P.O. Box 1235
​
Lexington, VA 24450
(540) 464-1661