Ramsey's Draft Wilderness

Ramsey's Draft Wilderness is a protected forest area between Shenandoah Mountain and Bald Ridge where dense woodlands cover the terrain. The landscape features multiple creeks and ridges with trails that wind through undisturbed forest.

The U.S. Forest Service acquired this land in 1913 as part of George Washington National Forest, managing it as a protected wilderness from 1935 onward. Official designation as a wilderness area came in 1984.

The wilderness contains over 250 plant species and provides nesting grounds for neotropical migrants, including Blackburnian warblers, scarlet tanagers, and black-capped chickadees.

Access is available via the Mountain House Day Use Area where a registration kiosk marks the start. Follow wilderness rules with a maximum group size of 10 people to preserve the protected environment.

Streams here support native brook trout and cross the main trail multiple times, especially during high water. These recurring water crossings give the hike a distinctive character that sets it apart from typical forest walks.