Little Dry Run Wilderness

Little Dry Run Wilderness is a protected area in Mount Rogers National Recreation Area featuring rolling terrain with elevations rising from around 2,400 to 3,600 feet. The landscape contains multiple forest types and small wetland areas fed by mountain streams.

The area gained protected status in 1984 through the Virginia Wilderness Act, designed to preserve its natural character. This designation was part of a broader effort to safeguard distinct ecosystems across the nation.

The wilderness management principles emphasize environmental protection through specific regulations that limit group sizes to ten people and prohibit motorized equipment.

The main trail features yellow blazes and winds through the protected area for roughly 4 miles. Visitors should wear sturdy footwear and prepare for changing weather, especially at higher elevations.

A small bog at the headwaters of Little Dry Run creates a rare ecosystem found in few places. This wetland supports specialized plant species adapted to wet mountain conditions.