James River Face Wilderness

The first designated Wilderness in Virginia, James River Face is bounded on the northeast by the James River and on the south by Petites Gap Road (gravel, FS #35). Immediately south of that road lies Thunder Ridge Wilderness. The Wilderness reaches a high point of 3,073 feet on Highcock Knob near the southern boundary and a low point of about 650 feet near the river. It is considered a Class 1 airshed. Vegetation is dominated by a typical Appalachian hardwood forest. The Devil's Marbleyard, a unique quartzite boulder field, lies within this Wilderness. The Wilderness contains about 32 miles of trails. The Appalachian National Scenic Trail meanders through for about 11 miles.