From the regal James River winding through the foothills of the Blue Ridge to the high and mighty Allegheny Mountains forming the Virginia/West Virginia border, the Shenandoah Valley is a place of unspoiled beauty. It is where the spine of the Appalachians is veined by clear highland streams cutting deep valleys that form grandstands where we can gaze upon the mountains above. It is where the towns of Hot Springs and Warm Springs were founded around therapeutic waters; it is where Shenandoah National Park was born. It is where the George Washington & Jefferson National Forests preserve vast stretches of untamed highlands; it is a land of waterfalls and wildernesses, a natural respite where you can let your eyes move from the harsh light of the computer screen to the soft flora of rolling ridges.
The mountains are calling and we must go, to one of the parks, preserves, and other special places that offer a getaway, from Douthat State Park in the shadow of the Alleghenies to Appomattox-Buckingham State Forest in the valley of the James River.
And yet there are still other tracts of wildlands that can put you in touch with the lesser known, lesser visited places in the greater Shenandoah Valley. These are Virginia’s designated Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs), where natural adventures may be had.
Photo Credit: Meghan Marchetti, @virginiawildlife
In WMAs in the greater Shenandoah Valley, you can float rivers big and small, feel the warm sun or a cool splash of water on your face, swim in a mountain stream, hike along the spine of a rock ridge, or camp in places visited by few others. To that end, Virginia’s Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) has developed a resource to help us discover and navigate the possibilities at Virginia’s public lands. Known as Explore the Wild, the online tool is your ticket to successfully discovering and sightseeing Virginia’s WMAs from the mountains to the sea.
Additionally, Explore the Wild not only highlight the state’s WMAs, but also describes and suggests other nearby s and natural destinations, such as national, state, county, and city parks and forests, where your outdoor adventures may be further pursued. That way you can discover one of Virginia’s greater Shenandoah Valley WMAs, and then explore additional parks or refuges nearby.
Photo Credit: Johnny Molloy
For example, from Rapidan WMA near Graves Mill, Explore the Wild will also lead you to Big Meadows in Shenandoah National Park—action central for waterfalls, hiking, camping, and nature study. Explore the Wild also suggests James Madison’s home, Montpelier. Did you know that the presidential home offers a fine hiking trail network in addition to Madison’s home and grounds? Chris Greene Park, set in the foothills, is another Explore the Wild suggestion near Rapidan WMA. At Chris Greene Park you can laze away on the lakeside swim beach, paddle the quiet waters, or hike along the hills above its lake. Or play with your pup at the on-site dog park with water access.
Between the Virginia WMAs and other nearby outdoor havens highlighted by Explore the Wild Virginia, the outdoor fun increases with each click. Visit Explore the Wild online and begin exploring the wilds of Virginia.
Virginia Wildlife Management Areas: Know Before You Go
All Actions Listed Below Can Be Executed in DWR’s Explore the Wild Online Tool
- All WMAs require either a daily access permit, a valid Virginia hunting or fishing license, a valid Virginia boat registration, a Restore the Wild membership, or a daily access pass to access the property. All are available for purchase on the GoOutdoorsVirginia app and website.
- DWR camping authorizations are mandatory for campers. You will need to obtain a free customer ID number if you have not previously registered with DWR’s GoOutdoorsVirginia site. Camping authorizations are located under “Special Licenses” in the online license catalog. There is currently no charge for camping, but you must also have an access permit, fishing or hunting license, or boat registration to camp. Camping on WMAs is primitive, with no designated sites or facilities of any kind.
- Download the map for each WMA you plan to visit to help you when on the ground.
- Pack out your trash while visiting WMAs.
Note: The primary mission of Virginia’s WMAs is to enhance habitat for the state’s wildlife. Therefore, Virginia WMAs are managed in a more primitive fashion – generally lacking amenities such as visitor centers, campgrounds, or restrooms.
It takes a little effort to learn the ins and outs of exploring Virginia WMAs. That is where Explore the Wild Virginia pays dividends, making obtaining the required permits as well as details for each WMA and other public lands a breeze.
Photo Credit: Meghan Marchetti, @virginiawildlife
Consider the more primitive experience at Virginia WMAs also means getting closer to nature. And don’t we all want to get a little closer to nature? To help you get started, here are four rewarding WMAs in the greater Shenandoah Valley of Virginia that you can discover. Additionally, for each WMA listed, you can learn about three nearby destinations found in Explore the Wild to enhance your Virginia outdoor experience.
Exploring Virginia’s Greater Shenandoah Wildlife Management Areas
James River Wildlife Management Area
Nearest Town: Wingina
Potential Activities: Primitive camping, hiking, paddling, bicycling
Why Go There: Use the WMA boat launch to paddle the middle James River
What You Need to Know: E-bikes help you tackle hilly sections of closed forest roads
Primary WMA Access Coordinates: 37.669256, -78.714961
Photo Credit: Meghan Marchetti, @virginiawildlife
Situated on a hilly bend of the middle James River where Mayo Creek enters the James, this WMA is mostly forested hills along with relic fields managed for wildlife. Closed roads south of Mayo Creek traverse rolling woods and are fun for bicyclers, while lands north of Mayo Creek have fewer roads to explore but do have a permanently open road to the Midway boat ramp—on WMA property and named after nearby Midway Mills—located halfway between Lynchburg and Richmond when travelers commuted via the James River. Modern-day canoers and kayakers can access James River WMA from James River State Park by paddling 7 miles downstream passed Cunningham Island and the Wingina ramp before reaching James River WMA. Light rapids are interspersed with longer pools in this section. Or you can make the recommended 8.5-mile paddle starting at James River WMA, passing Buford Island and Dog Island among others enroute to the takeout at Howardsville, where the Rockfish River meets the James River.
Additional Outdoor Destinations Near James River WMA Found Using Explore The Wild
Nearest Town: Scottsville
Potential Activities: Hiking, paddling, boating, fishing, picnicking
Why Go There: It’s a quiet, under-visited park
What You Need to Know: This is a neat, tidy, and well-kept preserve
Primary Access Coordinates: 37.780379, -78.509721
Paddlers love to circumnavigate the 66-acre Totier Creek Reservoir. It is a pleasant 2.5-mile circuit on the slender lake with completely wooded shoreline. The atmosphere is serene since no gas motors are allowed. If you are boatless, head out to the fishing pier where you can angle for catfish, bluegill, largemouth bass, and channel catfish. A network of hiking trails runs along the hills above the lake. Multiple paths make loop treks easy. Download the park map and create your own adventure. The relaxing preserve also offers picnicking so you can combine a meal between hiking and paddling. Finally, the town of Scottsville is nearby where you can paddle the James as well as check out Canal Basin Square, an outdoor river museum/park celebrating the James River.
Nearest Town: Buckingham
Potential Activities: Camping, paddling, hiking, RV camping, tent camping, stargazing, river fishing, pond fishing, relaxing in a hilltop cabin
Why Go There: This is a place where you can do it all
What You Need to Know: The park has 5 campgrounds, 16 cabins, and 2 lodges!
Primary Access Coordinates: 37.623691, -78.799554
Photo Credit: Chad Williams, @echadwilliams
Situated on a big rolling bend of Virginia’s master river, the one and only James, this state park was developed with the modern-day recreation enthusiast in mind. Smartly laid out with activities galore, you can spend days here and just get going. Overnighting here is a breeze, with your choice of cabins, lodges, primitive camping, or camping with additional amenities. You are never far from the big and beautiful James River as it meanders through the foothills into the Piedmont. A 22-mile network of interconnected pathways will satisfy hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrians. Trails travel along the river, along tributary streams, and over hills with views. Everybody loves the River Trail. Two boat launches make short paddling trips easy. A livery operates during summer, renting kayaks and providing shuttles for longer trips.
Appomattox-Buckingham State Forest
Nearest Town: Sliders
Potential Activities: Hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, fishing
Why Go There: Great hiking and bicycling inside the 18,000 plus acres and scads of trails and gated roads,
What You Need to Know: A State Forest Use Permit, which can be purchased online, is required for individuals aged 16 and older to hunt, fish, trap, horseback ride, or mountain bike on state forest lands, hiking is exempt
Primary Access Coordinates: 37.4262843, -78.657578
Bicycling is great, whether you are a mountain biker, or an electric bicycler preferring quiet woods roads. The forest has 69 miles of gated forest roads ready for you, as well as 22 miles of roads open to vehicles, and 20 miles of dedicated trails. The Carter Taylor Multi-Use Trail is of special note, as it makes a 10-mile circuit in the heart of the forest. That path is open to hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrians. Download a state forest map and create an adventure. The south end of the state forest surrounds Holliday Lake State Park, a more developed gem of a destination. You can access the state park from the state forest either by spur trail off the Carter Taylor Multi-Use Trail or by vehicle. In the northeastern corner of the state forest, paddlers can tool around on the 38-acre Slate River Reservoir, sightseeing or fishing, but know that vegetation spreads on the lake by late in the warm season. Holliday Creek is stocked with trout during spring, should you want to fish moving water. Picnic shelters can be found in multiple locations in the state forest.
Rapidan Wildlife Management Area
Nearest Town: Graves Mill
Potential Activities: Primitive camping, hiking, trout fishing
Why Go There: Explore wild mountain woods and streams
What You Need to Know: Many portions of this WMA abut Shenandoah National Park. Download the WMA map for the exact locations
Primary WMA Access Coordinates: 38.488166, -78.406340
Photo Credit: Meghan Marchetti, @virginiawildlife
Broken into eight separate tracts stretching along Blue Ridge, mostly bordering Shenandoah National Park, Rapidan WMA is a mountain lover’s paradise. Three rivers, the South, the Conway, and the Rapidan, originate in Shenandoah National Park and then flow through the WMA, highlighting mountain stream scenes worth getting into. Hiking, camping, and fishing are the name of the game here. Anglers seek native brook trout furtively feeding in the singing streams. The Rapidan Tract and Middle River Tract are the largest parcels. The Rapidan Tract can be used to visit Camp Rapidan, the preserved mountain retreat of President Herbert Hoover, with its intact buildings, interpretive history, and on-site hosts during the warm season. The Middle River Tract runs along the Conway River, where you trek along the stream and then on to Hazeltop, a mountain astride the Appalachian Trail. You can create fine loop hikes and backpacking routes combining WMA roads and trails with Shenandoah Park trails. Note that some of the open roads in Rapidan WMA require four-wheel-drive vehicles.
Additional Outdoor Destinations Near Rapidan WMA, Found Using Explore the Wild
Big Meadows – Shenandoah National Park
Nearest Town: Sperryville
Potential Activities: Nature study, hiking, camping, waterfall viewing, historical study
Why Go There: Big Meadows can be your mountaintop headquarters for touring Shenandoah National Park
What You Need to Know: Big Meadows stands at 3,500 feet and will be cooler year-round than adjacent lands
Primary Access Coordinates: 38.517999, -78.436990
Big Meadows is the heartbeat of Shenandoah National Park, Virginia’s special preserve, protecting a long and scenic stretch of the Blue Ridge. Consider making Big Meadows your Shenandoah base camp. For starters, you can overnight in the park lodge, a rustic cabin, or the fine and spacious Big Meadows Campground. The Big Meadows visitor center offers interpretive information, books, and nature programs in season. The staff can help you plan your daily Shenandoah excursions. The locale also features a large picnic ground. Skyline Drive travels past Big Meadows, availing easy park access. Better still you can hike directly from the Big Meadows area to Dark Hollow Falls, Lewis Spring Falls, or Rose River Falls. Other hikes lead you to rocky overlooks with distant views. Big Meadows can be busy in the summer, but it will be nice and cool. Spring and autumn each offer their own seasonal appeal at this special place within Virginia’s national park pride and joy.
Nearest Town: Orange
Potential Activities: Presidential house touring, hiking, grounds walking
Why Go There: 8 miles of hiking trails take you through the grounds and into preserved old-growth woods, known as the James Madison Landmark Forest
What You Need to Know: Hikers must purchase a tour or property pass to hike
Primary Access Coordinates: 38.217852, -78.170884
Photo Credit: Big Orange Frame
When you can combine a fine hiking experience with a presidential home and grounds tour why not do it? James Madison’s home, Montpelier, is such a worthy destination. From here, you can look over the well-manicured tract with the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains as a backdrop. Take a tour of James and Dolley’s house then traipse over eight miles of foot trails coursing through the grounds, sometimes along shady lanes, amidst rolling fields, and into one of the best preserved old-growth forests on the Virginia Piedmont. The 3.5-mile Montpelier Loop encompasses much of the grounds and forest in one exhilarating circuit. Additional highlights include the formal gardens and family cemetery. The visitor center offers interpretive information, restrooms, food, and souvenirs.
Nearest Town: Ruckersville
Potential Activities: Swimming, paddling, fishing, hiking, nature study, picnicking, mountain biking
Why Go There: The park has a big swim beach set on a peninsula jutting into Chris Greene Lake
What You Need to Know: The trails around the lake are hilly – but not too hilly
Primary Access Coordinates: 38.164569, -78.440075
Situated in the hills surrounding dammed Jacobs Run, a major tributary of the Rivanna River, Chris Green Lake Park offers a little something for all outdoor enthusiasts. The 239-acre park encircles comma-shaped 53-acre Chris Greene Lake, enveloped by wooded hills, and makes a pretty sight. Those very hills are laced with hiking trails open to hikers and mountain bikers. Portions of the paths run directly along the water. Anglers can vie for freshwater fish from their boat or the park fishing pier. During summer you can rent canoes and kayaks on site. The swimming beach is a big draw during this time. Bring your own canoe or kayak to view autumn colors from the water. A pair of picnic shelters add to the dining possibilities. The preserve features a self-contained dog park with water access to the lake!
Goshen and Little North Mountain Wildlife Management Area
Nearest Town: Goshen
Potential Activities: Primitive camping, hiking, trout fishing, wildlife viewing
Why Go There: Savor the sights at Virginia’s largest wildlife management area
What You Need to Know: This mountainous tract comes in at a whopping 33,697 acres
Primary WMA Access Coordinates: 37.963442, -79.483638
Photo Credit: Meghan Marchetti, @virginiawildlife
Get lost (figuratively only, please) in the expansive Goshen and Little North Mountain WMA. The adjacent parcels are stretched out along the spine of Little North Mountain, then divided by the stunning Calfpasture River, from which rises Forge Mountain and Ragged Mountain, among others. Access opportunities are plentiful, especially in the north and south ends of the WMA. Gated roads make for foot-friendly hiking trails. The Goshen parcel has the biggest road/trail network. Start off at VA 39 at the Guys Run Access (37.963442, -79.483638) or the Laurel Run Access (37.929313, -79.455072) then use the WMA map to find your mountainside or streamside haven. On the north end, park at the Trimbles Mill Access off Boy Scout Lane where you can hike up to Kings Gap, then go north to a knob on Little North Mountain. If you want to walk the high country, start at always open Troxel Gap Road (38.038969, -79.350575). Primitive camping is allowed on this WMA, so consider backpacking or setting up a base camp after a short walk-in. Nearly all the WMA roads are open seasonally.
Additional Outdoor Destinations Near Goshen and Little North Mountain WMA found using Explore the Wild
Nearest Town: West Augusta
Potential Activities: Nature study, hiking, backpacking, primitive camping
Why Go There: March miles of untamed Virginia highland trails
What You Need to Know: The wilderness is primitively managed and may require route-finding
Primary Access Coordinates: 38.306816, -79.362393
Ramseys Draft Wilderness is a primitively designated parcel in the George Washington & Jefferson National Forest not far from the West Virginia state line. It is centered by Ramseys Draft, an eye-pleasing mountain stream draining an upside-down U-shaped range of peaks. Elevations range between 4,282 and 1,600 feet. The Ramseys Draft valley is a rich spring wildflower locale. Climbing to Hardscrabble Knob is a popular destination, with its views and an old crumbling cabin to see. Hiner Springs is a time-honored backcountry campsite and high-country watering hole. I once had a memorable bear encounter there. Backpackers take note of the loops that can be made here using the Ramseys Draft Trail in conjunction with either the Shenandoah Mountain Trail or the paths along Bald Ridge. Make sure and download a map of the wilderness before you explore.
Nearest Town: Lexington
Potential Activities: Walking, hiking, bicycling
Why Go There: Tramp the 7-mile, one-way rail trail linking Lexington to Buena Vista
What You Need to Know: The trail runs along the Maury River and is owned by the Virginia Military Institute but is open to the public
Primary Access Coordinates: 37.792691, -79.429116
Photo Credit: Chris Morris, @bedcophoto
Interestingly, this trail parallels an old river towpath, and remains of locks and canals can be seen in spots. The old towpath was abandoned for a newer railroad line, begun in 1861, and was in operation until 1969 when the Maury River toppled a bridge trestle, closing down the line. The railroad right-of-way was later donated to VMI and the Chessie Trail came to be. The path is popular with casual exercise walkers near Lexington and Buena Vista but bicyclists are the ones who do the whole there and back trek. Runners also enjoy traffic-free traveling. Part of the trail closer to Lexington is known for its spring wildflower displays. The Maury River is never far away. The path presents a decidedly rural flavor as you traverse gated pasturelands. Friends of the Chessie Trail have an excellent trail brochure, available online.
Nearest Town: Warm Springs
Potential Activities: Camping, fishing, hiking, mountain biking, nature study
Why Go There: Savor gorgeous mountain views in an isolated setting
What You Need to Know: Campground is not far from the historic town of Warm Springs.
Primary Access Coordinates: 38.104259, -79.812851
Set in the postcard-pretty mountain valley of the Jackson River, Hidden Valley Recreation Area encompasses a beautiful parcel of the George Washington & Jefferson National Forest, with first-rate highland views. Make your headquarters the serene Hidden Valley Campground, with 30 first-come, first-serve campsites far from the city. The Jackson River presents quality trout fishing, swimming, and summertime tubing. An interconnected set of trails, open to hikers and mountain bikers, is highlighted by the swinging bridge over the Jackson River. The hiker-only Jackson River Gorge Trail is a special treat itself.
Gathright Wildlife Management Area
Nearest Town: Mountain Grove
Potential Activities: Boating, paddling, fishing, primitive camping
Why Go There: Access the untamed southwestern part of Back Bay
What You Need to Know: This WMA is divided by gorgeous Lake Moomaw
Primary WMA Access Coordinates: 38.030595, -79.942450
Photo Credit: Ron Messina
Set in beautiful Bath County, the 13,428 acre of one of Virginia’s oldest WMAs, is divided into two tracts by Lake Moomaw, arguably Virginia’s most scenic mountain impoundment. The area that is now 2,530-acre Lake Moomaw was once part of the WMA before the Jackson River was dammed here. Want to strike for the top? Trek the Allegheny Mountain Trail, straddling the Virginia-West Virginia state line. Start near High Top off FR 55 and head south, gaining distant views into two states. Aquatic activities are numerous on Lake Moomaw. I’ve paddled this lake and highly recommend it. The impoundment is super scenic and you can angle for bass or trout. Worthy national forest campgrounds border the waters reflecting the mountains beyond them.
Additional Outdoor Destinations Near Gathright WMA Using Explore the Wild Virginia
Jackson River Float Trip Accesses – Johnson Spring, Smith Bridge, Indian Draft
Nearest Town: Covington
Potential Activities: Kayaking, canoeing, rafting, fishing
Why Go There: Have a riverine experience to contrast the still waters of Lake Moomaw
What You Need to Know: Jackson River offers numerous launches starting just below Lake Moomaw Dam. A local outfitter known as Allegheny Outdoors provides tubes, boats, and shuttles
Primary Access Coordinates: 37.877111, -79.976563
The Jackson River is the stuff of dreams when fantasizing about Virginia mountain waterways. Clear waters, striking mountain views, and tree-lined banks fashion the fabric of the float, along with occasional gravel bars. Float, paddle, or relax on any of the 18 miles of river between Lake Moomaw Dam and Covington. Summer can’t get much better than when floating on the Jackson River.
Photo Credit: Vicky Lake, @vicky_lake_photography
Nearest Town: Clifton Forge
Potential Activities: Waterfalling, hiking, swimming, fishing, camping, cabin stays
Why Go There: This state park combines lake, creek, and mountain recreation with historic structures built by the Civilian Conservation Corps nearly a century ago
What You Need to Know: Give yourself ample time to discover this state park that offers over 40 miles of trails just in the hiking department
Primary Access Coordinates: 37.896018, -79.801708
How many state parks do you know of that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places? Douthat is one, opened back in 1936, in that rustic style developed by the Civilian Conservation Corps. Deep in the western mountains of Virginia, you can shake off the Digital Age and relax like you’ve been dreaming about, in a mountain empire that is a sight for sore eyes. Stay in one of the 35 historic cabins or larger lodges or one of their three campgrounds then set your outdoor agenda. Like water? There’s plenty here. Swim, sit on the beach, fish, or paddle 50-acre Douthat Lake. Hike along a mountain stream to Blue Suck Falls or Stony Run Falls. Grab a view after trekking the Buck Hollow Trail. The town of Clifton Forge is close enough to keep supplies, amenities, and entertainment within reach.
Nearest Town: Warm Springs
Potential Activities: Camping, fishing, hiking
Why Go There: Retire to an intimate national forest campground set in the Back Creek Gorge
What You Need to Know: Campground is open from mid-March through mid-December.
Primary Access Coordinates: 38.068940, -79.883199
The campground offers a mix of open and shaded sites from which to choose. Back Creek is a pure Virginia mountain stream and presents good swimming holes for summertime as well as fishing opportunities. This place is a great opportunity to get away from it all, including phone service. Despite the campground’s remoteness, historic Warm Springs is not far, in case you crave a little civilization. Check out Blowing Springs itself, with its 58-degree year-round air, and also walk Back Creek Gorge Trail, which leads to additional swimming holes and other first-rate mountain stream scenes.
Want to explore more Wildlife Management Areas in Virginia? Check out these guides to continue your outdoor adventures!
