Rich Hole Wilderness

Rich Hole Wilderness is a federally designated wilderness area in western Virginia within the James River Ranger District of the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests. Established in 1988, it encompasses 6,450 acres of steep, secluded mountain terrain on Brushy Mountain, with streams flowing through the Calfpasture River to the James River and Chesapeake Bay. Its natural significance had been recognized for decades, including a 1958 recommendation as a wild area and a 1974 National Natural Landmark designation for cove hardwood forest and virgin woodland with unusually large trees. Managed by the U.S. Forest Service, it is valued for black bear habitat, other Appalachian wildlife, hunting, and limited backcountry hiking.

Virginia · United States