Saint Mary's Wilderness

Saint Mary's Wilderness spans 10,000 acres of forest land with numerous trails, mountain slopes, and the clear waters of Saint Mary's River.

The wilderness area contains remnants of iron and manganese mining operations from the early 1900s, including an abandoned 2,200-foot flume along Sugar Run Branch.

The wilderness designation reflects the national commitment to preserve natural landscapes, enabling visitors to experience genuine Appalachian forest environments.

The Saint Mary's River Trail includes five water crossings and requires water shoes, with limited parking available at the trailhead on Saint Mary's Road.

The area features unmarked paths and natural swimming holes at the base of waterfalls, maintaining its primitive character through minimal trail markings.

Location: Virginia

GPS coordinates: 37.92470,-79.13530

Latest update: March 4, 2025 01:37