Beartown Wilderness – Image Gallery

Beartown Wilderness

The Beartown Wilderness in Virginia is a rugged and remote area characterized by deep valleys, rocky ridges, and dense forests.

Details

Beartown Wilderness

The Beartown Wilderness is a designated wilderness area located in the Jefferson National Forest in Virginia. This wilderness area covers approximately 5,612 acres and offers visitors a remote and pristine natural environment to explore.

Features

The Beartown Wilderness is known for its rugged terrain, including steep cliffs, rocky outcroppings, and dense forests. The area is crisscrossed with several hiking trails that take visitors through a variety of landscapes, including old-growth forests, mountain streams, and scenic overlooks. One of the most prominent features of the Beartown Wilderness is the massive rock formations that give the area its name. These large boulders create a unique and picturesque landscape that is popular among hikers and rock climbers alike.

Ecological Significance

The Beartown Wilderness is home to a diverse array of plant and animal species, many of which are rare or endangered. The area provides important habitat for a variety of wildlife, including black bears, deer, and numerous bird species. The wilderness area also plays a crucial role in protecting water quality in the region. The streams and rivers that flow through the Beartown Wilderness provide clean drinking water to nearby communities and support a healthy ecosystem for aquatic life. Overall, the Beartown Wilderness is an ecologically significant area that serves as a vital refuge for wildlife and a pristine natural environment for visitors to enjoy.

Beartown Wilderness

Points of Interest

Beartown Wilderness

The Beartown Wilderness, located in the Monongahela National Forest in West Virginia, is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts seeking a remote and pristine natural experience. The wilderness area covers over 10,000 acres and offers a variety of recreational opportunities for visitors to enjoy.

Points of Interest:

1. Beartown State Park:

Beartown State Park is a unique geological area within the wilderness known for its impressive rock formations and intricate network of sandstone cliffs and caves. Visitors can explore the park's trails and boardwalks to admire the natural beauty of the area.

2. Tea Creek Campground:

Tea Creek Campground is a popular camping spot for visitors looking to immerse themselves in the wilderness. The campground offers tent and RV sites, as well as access to hiking trails, fishing streams, and scenic overlooks.

3. Highland Scenic Highway:

The Highland Scenic Highway is a designated National Scenic Byway that winds through the Beartown Wilderness, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains and forests. The highway is a popular route for scenic drives, picnics, and wildlife viewing.

4. Big Draft Wilderness:

The Big Draft Wilderness is a neighboring wilderness area that offers additional opportunities for hiking, camping, and wildlife watching. Visitors can explore the area's rugged terrain and dense forests while enjoying the peace and solitude of the backcountry.

Overall, the Beartown Wilderness is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts seeking a remote and unspoiled natural experience in the heart of West Virginia's Monongahela National Forest.

Beartown Wilderness – Images

Description: Boundary of the Beartown Mountain wildland in the Jefferson National Forest as identified by the Wilderness Society

Image by US Geological Survey – Public domain – Wikimedia

Description: Roaring Fork originating in Beartown Wilderness

Image by WilderAddict – CC BY-SA 4.0 – Wikimedia

Description: Stony Pass road, Colo. The scenery is nothing short of spectacular along this old wagon road over Stony Pass (12,588 feet), at the edge of Weminuche Wilderness. It fell into disuse after 1882, when the Denver and Rio Grande Railroad linked Durango and Silverton. On the east side, it traverses drainages that form the headwaters of the Rio Grande River, which you can ford on the Beartown Road. You’ll see many old mining relics. Wildflowers abound early- to mid-summer.

Image by robert thigpen from diboll, texas – CC BY-SA 2.0 – Wikimedia

Description: Stony Pass road. The scenery is nothing short of spectacular along this old wagon road over Stony Pass (12,588 feet), at the edge of Weminuche Wilderness. It fell into disuse after 1882, when the Denver and Rio Grande Railroad linked Durango and Silverton. On the east side, it traverses drainages that form the headwaters of the Rio Grande River, which you can ford on the Beartown Road. You’ll see many old mining relics. Wildflowers abound early- to mid-summer.

Image by robert thigpen from diboll, texas – CC BY-SA 2.0 – Wikimedia