Nature
Patterson Mountain is a protected wildland in western Virginia’s George Washington and Jefferson National Forests, about 24 miles north of Roanoke, and part of the Craig Creek Cluster. Recognized as a Mountain Treasure, it was shielded from logging and new road building through federal roadless protections. Its long ridge, varied geology, and elevation changes support diverse forest communities, shale barrens, and rare species including the Virginia white-haired leatherflower, orangefin madtom, and butternut tree. The area includes maintained hiking trails and overgrown traces of earlier timbering, while present management emphasizes backcountry, non-motorized use and protection of sensitive habitats affected by erosion and unlawful use.
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Eagle Rock, Virginia · United States