Beartown Wilderness Additions

Beartown Wilderness Addition A is a scenic, unroaded area containing 284 acres of possible old growth. It contains the headwaters of Laurel Creek, and is prime bear habitat.

Addition B includes a 3-mile section of the Appalachian Trail as it climbs Chestnut Ridge, and adjoins more than 4 miles of the AT along the ridge and the Chestnut Knob Shelter. There are good views all along Chestnut Ridge, and the view of Burkes Garden is spectacular. This unroaded area includes 206 acres of possible old growth.

About half of each addition provides opportunities for secluded back-country recreation. Radio telemetry indicates the presence of the Virginia big-eared bat, federally listed as endangered.

The Forest Service identified as roadless areas Addition A (west) and Addition B (south) to Beartown Wilderness in RARE II and again in the current inventory. In this proposal, the AT corridor on the crest of Chestnut Ridge is excluded because of the ongoing management of the balds. These additions will further enhance Beartown Wilderness' fabled remoteness.

Approximate Size: Addition A 1,369 acres, Addition B 3,060 acres
Location: Bland and Tazewell counties, southeast of Tazewell, Wythe Ranger District
Topo: Hutchison Rock, Tazewell South