Mottesheard

Mottesheard is a secluded protected backcountry area in the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests of western Virginia near the West Virginia line. Part of the Mountain Lake Wilderness Cluster, it is valued for its remoteness, old-growth forest, rocky outcrops, broad views, and habitat. Within the Ridge and Valley province, its folded and faulted sedimentary rock has shaped long ridges, steep draws, and narrow stream corridors, with elevations rising to Arnold Knob and Mottesheard Mountain. Its biologically rich landscape shelters the rare tower-mustard and feeds streams that support the endangered James River spinymussel. Roadless-area protections and limited access have helped preserve its undeveloped character and solitude.

Virginia · United States