National Forest

 

The George Washington National Forest and Jefferson National Forest were administratively combined in 1995 to form the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests. The two National Forests contain nearly 1.8 million acres of public land, representing one of the largest blocks of public land in the eastern United States.

 

The Jefferson National Forest is comprised of lands located in Virginia (690,106 Acres), West Virginia (18,526 Acres) and Kentucky (961 Acres). The George Washington National Forest is comprised of lands located in Virginia (956,222 Acres) and West Virginia (104,858 Acres). The totals for the combined George Washington and Jefferson National Forests are 1,646,328 acres in Virginia; 123,384 acres in West Virginia; and 961 acres in Kentucky.

 

The Jefferson National Forest contains four Ranger Districts: Clinch, Glenwood, and the Eastern Divide. Also on the Jefferson National Forest is the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area. The George Washington National Forest contains Ranger Districts: North River, James River, Lee, Pedlar, and Warm Springs.

 

The George Washington & Jefferson National Forest borders two sides of Botetourt County providing visitors with opportunities to enjoy natural and recreational sites. There are two Ranger Districts within the county, the Eastern Divide (Formerly the New River Ranger District and New Castle Ranger District) and the Glenwood Peddler. Each offers a wide variety of recreational opportunities including hiking, camping, fishing, hunting and biking. Few places offer a better way to experience nature firsthand and to enjoy the solitude of the mountains.

 

Eastern Divide Recreational Activities

 

Hiking

 

The Eastern Divide Ranger District has over 300 miles of trails, with variation in location, scenery and difficulty to meet the desires of all hikers. Approximately half the district's trails, 150 miles, are part of the Appalachian Trail System. In fact, the Eastern Divide Ranger District has more miles of the AT than any other district from Maine to Georgia.

 

Day Use Areas

 

The Eastern Divide District has several day use areas.  All areas provide picnic tables, grills and restrooms.  Many offer fishing and hiking trails as well.  As the name suggests, they are open from dawn to dusk only. 

 

Craig's Creek Recreation Area

 

Craig Creek Recreation Area is 11 miles east of New Castle. The site has 7 picnic units with wooden picnic tables and grills. Vault toilets. Craig Creek Recreation Area encompasses over 130 acres of pasture and woodland on a peninsula formed by Craig Creek. The picnic areas are mowed; other parts are grazed but are open for hiking and exploring.

 

Directions: From I81, take Exit 141 onto SR 419 North to SR 311 North to New Castle. Turn right on SR 615 and go 11 miles to SR 817 in Oriskany. Turn right on SR 817, go .5 mile then right at sign for Recreation Area. Driving distance 31 miles; estimated time 50 minutes. From I81, take Exit 150 to SR 220 North past Eagle Rock. AT SR 615, turn left and then go 16 miles to SR 817 to Oriskany. Turn left on SR 817, go .5 mile then right at sign for Recreation Area.

 

Roaring Run Recreation Area

 

Roaring Run Furnace and Picnic Area are 8 miles northwest of Eagle Rock. The site has 15 picnic units, each with one or more wooden tables and grill. Vault toilets. Roaring Run Furnace, a 19th century iron furnace on National Register of Historic Places. Interpretive signs explain furnace operation.

 

Directions: From I81, take Exit 150 to SR 220 North past Eagle Rock to SR 615 (left) for 5.5 miles to SR 621 (right) for 1 mile. Roaring Run entrance on left. From I64, take Exit VA 696, right onto SR 696, right onto SR 616, then a sharp left onto SR 621.

 

Fishing

 

Fishing is permitted following state regulations. When on national forest lands, all persons required to have a state license are also required to have a National Forest Stamp and, when in season, a trout stamp.

 

For specific information about state licenses and regulations, contact:

Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries

 

Hunting

 

Hunting is permitted following state regulations. When on national forest lands, all persons required to have a state license are also required to have a National Forest Stamp.

 

For specific information about state licenses and regulations, contact:

Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries

 

 

Bird Watching and Wildlife Viewing

 

The Eastern Divide Ranger District offers excellent birding opportunities, especially during the spring and fall migrations. With the area's range of elevations and wide variety of habitats, nature enthusiasts will be treated to outstanding sightings amidst beautiful scenery.

 

Craig's Creek Recreation Area at Oriskany

The drive into Craig's Creek Recreation Area provides a vista of meadows and woodlands that follow Craig's Creek. A splendid viewshed creates a prime opportunity for visitors to see the flora and fauna of this wildlife-rich habitat. After passing the signboard at the entrance look to the fields on the right. This area is specially managed for the northern bobwhite that can be heard giving their characteristic "bob-white'"whistle at any time of the day. Although more elusive to the eye, a patient observer scanning the fields or prominent perches from where bobwhite males call can turn up a sighting. The mix of annual grain crops, native warm season grasses and native shrubs offer a rich habitat for all types of songbirds as well as birds of prey. Continue on to the parking area and wander downhill to Craig's Creek. This exquisite watercourse supports all sorts of wildlife. Area regulars, great blue and green herons, are occasionally joined by wood duck and belted kingfisher. Examine stream banks for roosting dragonflies such as black-shouldered spinylegs or roosting damselflies such as powdered dancer and American rubyspot. In the spring, the creek bank offers a spectacular vista of blooming blue bells, one of the best in the area. The area around the picnic area hosts both open country and woodland birds, with indigo buntings and chipping sparrows appearing side-by-side with Carolina wrens and tufted titmice.

 

Directions: From I-81 in Salem, take exit #140 for SR 311 north. Follow SR 311 for 22.0 miles to New Castle. In New Castle, turn right on Rt. 615 and follow it northeast 12.1 miles to Rt. 817. Turn right and go 0.5 miles. Veer right onto the gravel road and continue 1.3 miles to the parking area at the end of the road.

 

Glenwood Peddler Recreational Opportunities

 

Hiking

 

Hiking opportunities abound on the Glenwood & Pedlar Ranger Districts. Whether out for a leisurely stroll or a strenuous hike, all levels of ability will find something suitable. Long distance hikers and backpackers will enjoy trekking the renown Appalachian Trail, 58 miles of which passes through the Glenwood & Pedlar Ranger Districts. Trail list.

 

Fishing

 

Fishing is permitted following state regulations. When on national forest lands, all persons required to have a state license are also required to have a National Forest Stamp and, when in season, a trout stamp.

For specific information about state licenses and regulations, contact:

Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries

 

Hunting

 

Hunting is permitted following state regulations. When on national forest lands, all persons required to have a state license are also required to have a National Forest Stamp.

For specific information about state licenses and regulations, contact:

Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries

 

Camping

 

The Glenwood and Pedlar Districts offer two types of camping opportunities: developed campgrounds and undeveloped or dispersed campsites located throughout the general forest area.  Camping is a popular activity for many forest visitors; and while there are quite a few developed campgrounds on the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests, many visitors prefer to camp in more primitive surroundings, away from other campers.

 

North Creek Campground

This camping site has 14 single units; 1 double unit. Each unit has a parking spur, tent pad, wooden picnic table and a fireplace and lantern post. North Creek can accommodate recreation vehicles up to 22 feet, and features: Vault toilets, central hand pumps for water, central garbage container and a trailer waste disposal system.