Cove Mountain

The scenic Cove Mountain area spans from a stretch along the James River to the top of Cove Mountain, which is covered with azaleas and wildflowers in season. The area contains about 238 acres of possible old growth. Below the main ridge line, there are various intriguing spur trails, coves, and dry ridges. Several swift creeks on Cove Mountain are tributaries to Jennings Creek, one of Virginia's most important trout fisheries.

The Appalachian Trail runs for more than 6 miles through the middle of the area past older forests on top of Cove Mountain. Outside of the narrow Appalachian Trail corridor, much of the area is open to logging.

This area meets the Forest Service standards for low road density and naturalness; conservationists maintain the area should be identified as roadless.

Approximate Size: 4,490 acres
Location: Botetourt County, east of I-81, Glenwood Ranger District
Topos: Montvale, Buchannan, Arnold Valley